Athabasca Glacier

　　   The Columbia Icefield is a vast icefield situated in the Canadian Rockies, straddling the Continental Divide of North America. It is one of the world’s seven natural wonders, a remnant of ancient massive ice sheets, and the largest icefield remnant outside the Arctic Circle—making it a prime destination for witnessing glacial marvels. The Columbia Icefield feeds six glaciers that flow from it, the most well-known being the Athabasca Glacier. This glacier spans one kilometer in width, six kilometers in length, and features ice more than 100 meters thick.

　　   The Athabasca Glacier has been accumulating snow and ice for at least 8,000 years, resembling a finger reaching out from the Columbia Icefield toward visitors. The greenhouse effect has caused this glacier to retreat by 1.5 kilometers over the past 80-plus years. Its current preservation is thanks to the region’s abundant snowfall—averaging seven meters per year. Standing on the frigid glacier, you can see snow-covered landscapes where towering peaks still wear white crowns and are wreathed in mist even in the height of summer. Gazing upstream, you can observe the sugary-looking edges of the icefield, as well as clearly discern the rolling, stagnant icefalls. In summer, visitors can take guided bus tours to explore the glacier.

　　   Athabasca Glacier Must-visit reason: The largest icefield remnant outside the Arctic Circle Continent: North America [North America] Country/Region: Canada [Canada] Province/State: Alberta [Alberta]