There is a grand visitor center across the highway from Athabasca Glacier, with restaurants, exhibits and a large diarama (display) of the entire icefield complex. 600,000 visitors a year stop by. This is where you may purchase tickets to board the sno-coaches that carry you on their huge tires onto the foot of the glacier. It is best to arrive early or buy your tickets from your hotel prior to arriving, as the sno-coaches can sell out. Perhaps buy your tickets and then have lunch while waiting your turn.

Why does Ahtabasca Glacier appear "blue"?
The blue color of the glacier is not related to minerals, rock flour or sediment within the ice. The ice is very pure! Therefore it reflects mainly the blue spectrum of light.

It is said that the Columbia Icefields are so large, the entire population of North America could stand on them at the same time.

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