One of the things we wanted to see while in the Canadian Rockies was the Columbia Icefield. It’s one of the largest icefields outside the Arctic Circle. It took over 3 hours to drive to it but it was definitely worth it. Visitors can park near the visitor center and hike out to the edge of the icefield – about 2/3 of a mile. Boy, it was COLD as you got close to the ice, I’m glad I had a jacket and hiking boots on.

It was very interesting and also sad to see how far the icefield has retreated though – 20 years ago the parking lot where we parked was right at the edge of the icefield, and 100 years ago it covered where the visitor center and highway are now.

We didn’t see any wildlife near the icefield or on the drive up or back. I’m told there’s lots of wildlife though. It’s possible the smokiness in the area has caused the animals to stay away from the roads, I don’t know.

It was very smoky in Golden where we stayed, and was smoky through the Yoho National Park. But, as we got closer to the icefield it wasn’t as bad. I think it’s because the smoke couldn’t get over the higher mountains in that part of the Canadian Rockies.

Beautiful area! Here are some pictures: