Hiking with a view of the glacier

Vast mountain landscapes, alpine meadows and a view that leaves you speechless – the Wilcox Pass Trail is one of the best hiking routes along the Icefields Parkway. High above the valley, a panorama opens up across the Athabasca Glacier that you will not forget in a hurry. And with a bit of luck you may encounter curious bighorn sheep along the way.

The trail starts near Wilcox Creek Campground and takes you up a moderate ascent, quickly leading you beyond the tree line. After just a few minutes you can catch the first glimpses of the Columbia Icefield. The path winds further over open mountain slopes until you reach Wilcox Pass – a wide, almost otherworldly high plateau surrounded by the peaks of the Rockies. From here you can venture further into the wilderness or simply savour the moment.

You should allow about 4 hours for the 8 kilometre circular hike. The best time is early in the morning, when the sun makes the glacier glow and you have the silence of the mountains all to yourself. Take warm clothing – up here it can feel chilly even in summer.