Athabasca Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Athabasca Glacier |
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Athabasca Glacier in July 2020
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 Location in Alberta
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| Coordinates | 52°11′55″N 117°14′37″W / 52.19861°N 117.24361°W |
| Area | 6 km2 (2.3 sq mi) |
| Length | 6 km (3.7 mi) |
| Thickness | 90–300 metres (300–980 ft) |
| Status | Receding |
The Athabasca Glacier is a huge river of ice found in the Canadian Rockies. It is one of the six main parts of the Columbia Icefield. This glacier is slowly getting thinner by about 5 metres (16 ft) each year. Over the last 125 years, it has shrunk by more than 1.5 km (0.93 mi) and lost over half of its total size.
Because it's easy to reach, the Athabasca Glacier is the most visited glacier in North America. You can walk close to its edge, but going onto the glacier itself is only safe if you have the right gear and a guide. There are hidden cracks in the ice, called crevasses, which can be dangerous for people who are not prepared.
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What is the Athabasca Glacier?
The Athabasca Glacier is a large mass of ice that moves slowly, like a very slow river. It is part of the bigger Columbia Icefield, which is a huge area of ice and snow in the mountains. Glaciers form when snow falls and builds up over many years, turning into ice.
Where is the Athabasca Glacier Located?
This amazing glacier is located in the Canadian Rockies, a large mountain range in western Canada. It's specifically found within the Columbia Icefield, which is a major source of water for several rivers in North America.
How Big is the Glacier?
The Athabasca Glacier is quite large! It is about 6 km (3.7 mi) long. It covers an area of about 6 km2 (2.3 sq mi), which is roughly the size of 600 football fields. The ice itself is very thick, measuring between 90–300 metres (300–980 ft) deep in different places. That's like stacking 30 to 100 school buses on top of each other!
Visiting the Glacier
Many people visit the Athabasca Glacier every year. It's a popular spot for tourists because it's so easy to get to.
Staying Safe
While it's exciting to see a glacier up close, it's important to be safe. Walking on the glacier without proper equipment or a guide can be dangerous. The ice can have hidden cracks called crevasses that are hard to see. If you want to explore the glacier, it's best to join a guided tour with experienced people who know how to navigate the ice safely.
The Icefield Interpretive Centre
Right across from the glacier, you'll find the Icefield Interpretive Centre. This center is usually closed during the winter months, from mid-October to mid-April. It serves as a place for visitors to learn about the glacier and the surrounding area. It's also where you can buy tickets for tours onto the glacier.
From the center, regular buses take visitors to the edge of the glacier. Then, people switch to special vehicles called snow coaches. These snow coaches are designed to drive safely over the steep, snowy, and icy parts of the glacier, taking visitors part way up for an incredible experience.
Gallery
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Athabasca Glacier snow coach in 2009
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Terra Bus on the Athabasca Glacier in 2010
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Approaching Athabasca Glacier Headwall
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Athabasca Glacier headwall (on the ramp)
See also
In Spanish: Glaciar Athabasca para niños
