Hiking with a view of the glacier

Vast mountain landscapes, alpine meadows and views that will leave you speechless – the Wilcox Pass Trail is one of the best hiking routes on the Icefields Parkway. High above the valley, a panorama of the Athabasca Glacier opens up that you won’t forget in a hurry. And with a bit of luck, you’ll encounter curious bighorn sheep along the way.

The trail starts near the Wilcox Creek Campground and takes you up a moderate ascent that quickly brings you above the tree line. After just a few minutes you can catch your first glimpses of the Columbia Icefield. The path continues to wind its way over open mountain slopes until you reach Wilcox Pass – a vast, 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 around 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 peace and quiet of the mountains all to yourself. Take warm clothing – up here it can feel chilly even in summer.