Exploring the Athabasca Glacier with Guardians of the Ice

Some of the Banded Peak Brewing crew had the incredible opportunity to explore the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefields, a place where adventure and awe go hand in hand. Far more than a scenic hike, this was a chance to witness firsthand the beauty, power, and fragility of the glaciers that shape our mountains, rivers, and adventures.

Stepping onto the glacier, we were struck by the scale and stillness of the ice stretching out before us. The sound of boots against the frozen surface, the vast expanse of ice, and the peaks rising around us made it impossible not to stop and take it all in. Each step was a reminder of the remarkable landscapes we’re lucky to experience and the importance of protecting them.

We also visited the Meltdown Exhibit at the Jasper Discovery Centre, created in partnership with Guardians of the Ice. The exhibit is an eye-opening, immersive experience that shows how glaciers evolve over time and the important role they play in our environment. It’s a fascinating look at how these icefields shape the mountains, rivers, and ecosystems we all rely on.

The Columbia Icefield straddles the border of Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. Spanning over 325 square kilometers it is one of the largest ice fields in the Rockies, feeding three major river systems; the Athabasca, North Saskatchewan, and Columbia. Seeing it up close and learning from Guardians of the Ice deepened our appreciation for these landscapes and the adventures they inspire.

We’re proud to partner with Guardians of the Ice, supporting their mission to protect and celebrate these incredible places. Guardians of the Ice is a nonprofit organization focused on the rapidly shrinking Columbia Icefield as a leading indicator of the worldwide climate crisis. Their purpose is to effectively engage the public to build support for a low-carbon future. Through film, still photography, and writing, they link the emotional power of art with the cognitive clarity of science, as a way to communicate the urgent implications of what the scientists are uncovering in the Icefield. They continue to seek to ignite widespread environmental stewardship in communities, leading to committed action that will tackle the challenge of global warming in practical and meaningful ways.

If you’re planning a trip to the Rockies, the Athabasca Glacier walk and Meltdown Exhibit at the Jasper Discovery Centre are must-sees!