JASPER NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 328

the day). The ticketing office is on the main floor of the Icefield Centre (no reservations
are taken), with the surrounding area resembling an airport departure lounge—check the
television screens for departure times and ensure you make your way to the correct gate.
Early in the season, the glacier is still covered in a layer of snow and is therefore not as
spectacular as during the summer. If you're in Banff or Jasper without transportation, con-
sider Brewster's day trip to the Columbia Icefield, which lasts nine hours and costs adult
$170, child $85, including the Ice Explorer excursion.
Take an Ice Explorer onto the Columbia Icefield.
Iceield Centre
The magnificent Icefield Centre is nestled at the base of Mount Wilcox, overlooking the
Athabasca Glacier. The building is as environmentally friendly as possible: Lights work on
motion sensors to reduce electricity, some water is reused, suppliers must take their pack-
aging with them after deliveries, and the entire building freezes in winter.
The center is the staging point for Ice Explorer tours, but before heading out onto the
ice field, don't miss the Glacier Gallery on the lower floor. This large display area details