Anyone been to Athabasca Glacier/Columbia Icefield in Jasper?

Hi,

I'll be in Jasper next week and we're thinking of going to the Columbia
Icefield and doing the tour (where they take you on the bus to go see
the glacier).

We have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I am a little concerned about
bringing the baby out there as I am not sure what the conditions are
like. Do you actually get out and WALK on the ice? Do they give you
cramp-ons or anything to prevent slipping? What about my little son -
would he be okay for the tour?

I was thinking of bringing a baby backpack for the baby, but it will be
a tad bulky on the bus, but will come in handy when we're outside for
any length of time.

It's always good to know this stuff in advance, so any info on your
experiences on the tour would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Paula

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oups.com...
Hi,

I'll be in Jasper next week and we're thinking of going to the Columbia
Icefield and doing the tour (where they take you on the bus to go see
the glacier).

We have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I am a little concerned about
bringing the baby out there as I am not sure what the conditions are
like. Do you actually get out and WALK on the ice? Do they give you
cramp-ons or anything to prevent slipping? What about my little son -
would he be okay for the tour?

I was thinking of bringing a baby backpack for the baby, but it will be
a tad bulky on the bus, but will come in handy when we're outside for
any length of time.

It's always good to know this stuff in advance, so any info on your
experiences on the tour would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Paula

We did that stop a few years ago. The ride out to the icefields from the
visitor center is brief, and a bit of a thrill in itself. For that part of
the world, why not buy a baby sling instead of lugging a framed backpack?
You'll use it many times, and they take up no more room than a sweater.

Just make sure your toddler has mittens on, and that you keep an eye on him
(lots of places to run to). The ice underfoot has been trampled by millions
and isn't slippery, but it's easy to stumble so a little hand protection is
in order. You'll have fun, not problems.

Keith