Columbia Icefields -- The Approach

The Icefields Parkway is often called the most scenic highway...in the world. Between Banff and Jaspr Natl Parks in Canada, the 143 mile highway spirals up and down mountains, and the main attraction is the eight glaciers that comprise the Icefields.

The ice mass is one of the largest south of the Arctic Circle -- and one of the most accessible.

To tour a glacial area, one drives to the "toe" of the Athabascar Glacier. From there we took an escorted tour via the Ice Explorer Snocoach -- pictured here.

(Notice the tiny-looking Snocoach in the botom photo)