The Skywalk Overlook is part of the packaged Columbia Icefields Adventure Tour.
What's good about the entire combo it is that you get to first experience the "main event" of it all...being driven to Athabasca Glacier and getting to stand on it and hang out for a little.
After discovering Athabasca Glacier, you're next transported over here...to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
This Skywalk Viewpoint is a 180 degree extension bridge walkway that's built along the side of the mountain.
And...what makes it quite unique is that the glass floor you stand upon is see-through, translucent.
For those who like that type of thrill, then you'll appreciate this aspect.
For me, I'm not such a fan of heights so I just had to look straight ahead and obviously not pay attention to what lied below, lol. And good thing it wasn't windy outside which would have made for difficult conditions.
While at Athabasca Glacier, you're afforded 30 minutes time to explore about and take in the sights.
But here at the Icefield Skywalk, they give you just 15 minutes to stand on the overlook and appreciate the surroundings.
I felt like 15 minutes was too short of time. Granted, this Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour is one of the most popular activities in the Canadian Rockies...but I felt a little jittery rushing around trying to capture the best photogenic moments.
And...especially because I'm nitpicky about having strangers in my pictures...to find that blissful perspective was pretty hard to achieve in 15 minutes.
It felt more like 5 minutes really, and I had to accept that fact or miss my return bus ride back to the Icefield Lodge, where tours initiated from.
Also, I will admit that the backdrop scenery was just okay. I mean, it was an overcast day during my visit. But, even with a clear setting...the mountainous peaks weren't memorable.
If I had to compare standing here to admiring the sights along Icefields Parkway Drive...I felt the better offerings came from simply driving along the road.
But, I guess, as long as you get that chance to enjoy your time on Athasbaca Glacier, that's what really counts.
This Icefields Skywalk is simply a bonus addition to the entire experience. And...maybe that's why they only afford you 15 minutes. Because...the views are decent, but not the primary reason why tourists venture out into this remote part of Jasper National Park.
Another detail was...for having such limited space on the skywalk bridge, it was hard to maneuver my camera stand around. I felt a little overwhelmed trying to recognize what's the best way to soak up the atmosphere.
Then...one of the skywalk attendees noticed me struggling with my photographies and happily volunteered to take a bunch of pics of me. Lol, it definitely saved my time while here, lol.
Overall, I think because I was still internally feeling such a high note from standing on Athabasca Glacier...that coming over to this Skywalk Overlook Bridge was a "nothing to lose" moment to add as an extra activity to the entire experience.
Although the views and brief time given to admire the background wasn't spectacular, I still left with a satisfying feeling knowing what it's like at this vista point perspective. read more