I often make my hiking choices based on beautiful pictures I see on Instagram. However, in most cases, my expectations fall short. But when I visited Saskatchewan Glacier, I was amazed. The place was even more stunning in person than I had anticipated, and the ice cave’s blue color was out of this world. Although some places are only good for a quick photo opportunity, I regret not staying longer to capture more pictures.

Saskatchewan Glacier

A child born today will witness the near-complete disappearance of one of western Canada’s most iconic symbols glaciers…

The Saskatchewan Glacier is the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River, which flows through Alberta and supplies many communities, including Edmonton, with drinking water. It is one of six major glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefields, including Athabasca, Castleguard, Columbia, Dome and Stutfield. It is approximately 13 km long and 400 m thick and will be mostly gone by the end of the century.

The Trail to Saskatchewan Glacier

We parked near the centre of the “big bend” on the Icefields Parkway, but in the summer months, you can attempt the trail at the old abandoned concrete bridge and drop down onto the gravel flats until reaching the trees. From there you would find an old road that was built in the 1930s by the U.S. Army’s 87th Mountain Division to test their winter equipment during World War II and ascend to the forest.

During the winter season, you can hike it via a route that will give you access to the toe of the glacier. Though dangerous, this trail travels through the forest as well and eventually opens out onto glacial outwash flats before reaching the very base of the glacier. The scenery of the valley carved out around 12,000 years ago is incredible. Parker’s and Hilda Ridge can be seen to the north and views of the hanging glaciers can be admired on the southeast faces of Mt. Andromeda and Mt. Athabasca.

Some of the reviews recommended snowshoeing through this section of the trail, but we didn’t use ours as the snow was well-packed. You’re travelling on unstable snow and ice, however, so it is difficult to mitigate the depth. The ground felt hollow underfoot. I am not sure if that was the ice or an avalanche warning sign. It did not sound like the whoomping of the snowpack and we were not travelling on a slope, so there was no weak layer to collapse.

After a relatively flat, and what seemed like a never-ending, hike up we approached massive pieces of ice pillars scattered around. It was an incredibly beautiful but dangerous place. There are simply no words to describe what we saw. The variety of deep blues was out of this world. From there it’s a short walk to the cave.

Ice Cave

Glacial ice caves are most common near the toe of glaciers. They are mesmerizing formations and form when meltwater runs under or through a glacier, melting the ice and leaving behind a cavern. Glacier ice is compact ice with little or no air within. The more compact the ice is, the bluer it will appear.

Pro Tip

Without a doubt, Saskatchewan Glacier was one of the most unique experiences. It was wild and perhaps a little anxiety-inducing. If you do venture out, it is important to approach this expedition with an open mind and prepare to adjust your plans based on the conditions. Glacier travel can be hazardous if not fatal, and you must remember to take extra precautions when travelling in such terrain. Although they look stationary, glaciers are in a state of constant, slow change. The risk of slipping on the ice and sliding into an open crevasse is great and a person should never walk on a glacier alone. That being said, Jill and I assumed and mitigated the amount of risk we were willing to take on. I do encourage you to do the following:

• research your intended route, thoroughly
• be aware that glaciers are constantly moving and conditions can change quickly
• carry a satellite messaging device
• wear a helmet, harness and ropes when travelling on the icefields
• use a probe to assess the depths of the snowpack
• have an ice axe, crampons, and avalanche gear and know how to use it

We rented our gear from GearUp in Canmore and though we did not have to use it all, it was good to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

Saskatchewan Glacier At A Glance

Distance: 17.2 km

Elevation: 511 m

Moving Time: 4:56:21

Difficulty: Dangerous

Related

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the entire world according to CN Traveller. This 230-kilometre-long stretch of highway winds its way through both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park connecting these two parks. It’s an absolute treat and it will have you gazing around at every turn. Read here for the battle of the Canadian Rockies.

What a Difference a Year Makes: Saskatchewan Glacier Mountaineering Route

Hiking the Saskatchewan Glacier two years in a row was an unforgettable experience—and a stark reminder of how quickly the landscape is changing. In just one year, so much had transformed. The glacier had retreated noticeably, exposing fresh terrain that wasn’t visible the year before. But the most striking change was the collapse of a beautiful ice cave Jill and I had admired during our previous hike.

Standing in the same place and seeing how much had vanished was both awe-inspiring and bittersweet. The raw beauty of the glacier remains undeniable, but the rapid pace of its transformation is a sobering reminder of how fragile these environments are. If you’re planning to visit, go soon—this landscape is changing faster than you might imagine.

Before You Go

It’s important to approach this expedition with an open mind and prepare to adjust your plans based on the conditions. Also, I suggest renting mountaineering equipment if you don’t already have it. Glacier travel can be extremely dangerous if not fatal. Although they look pretty stationary, glaciers are in a state of constant, slow change. The risk of slipping on the ice and sliding into an open crevasse is great and a person should never walk on a glacier alone. Saskatchewan Glacier is one of six major glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefields. It is approximately 13 km long and 400 m thick and it will be mostly gone by the end of the century.

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