Mind-blowing views: the Rocky Mountains — and the Icefields Parkway in particular — have no shortage of them. Yet there’s always room for more, especially if we can add in the term knee-shaking. Inspired by the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the folks behind the Columbia Icefield glacier tours spent $21 million to build a horseshoe-shaped glass-floor observation deck extending 35 metres around and 300 metres above Jasper National Park’s Sunwapta Valley. Opened in 2014, the Glacier Skywalk is another meaty mouthful of natural beauty in a region that won’t stop dishing it out until you explode — or at least unbuckle your belt.
With the environmental blessing of Parks Canada, your experience begins at Brewster’s Glacier Discovery Centre down the road. A shuttle departs every 15 minutes from existing parking lot facilities, ensuring no additional paradise paving was necessary. The short bus ride is further symbolic since it was a company bus driver who originally conceived the idea of a suspension bridge across the valley. Architects went one better, creating the steel-and-glass structure that places you right into the view itself. First you must walk through six interpretative stations, revealing the natural history, ecology, wildlife, and geology of the area. Suitably informed, you approach the awaiting giant glass horseshoe.
Glass is a funny thing. Even when it’s reinforced, 9.67 centimetres thick, and capable of withstanding the weight of two Boeing 747s, it still seems woefully inadequate. Especially when you take your first steps off a cliff and see the ground disappear between your feet. Some people just don’t do heights — be it bungee jumping or glass platform observation decks. I’d suggest they take the Columbia Icefields Glacier Tour while the rest of us walk nervously forward to the apex of the platform. Immediately apparent: the Skywalk jiggles slightly when you walk. Engineers designed the platform to withstand metres of heavy snow and sway safely in strong valley winds. Suspended high above the valley floor, you’ll eventually be able to tear your eyes (and cameras) away from your feet and look out at Mount Andromeda, the Snow Cone, and its surroundings. You might even spot a bighorn sheep on the valley floor below. Standing on that platform is a bucket list moment, one that some visitors will want to experience for as long as they can. Others will be more than happy to take a few pictures and return their feet to solid earth.
START HERE: canadianbucketlist.com/skywalk