Accessibility

During the planning stages of the new Icefield Centre, a number of different building locations were considered. These sites were appealing due to relatively flat topography that would offer easy access to the public. However, the areas had received only minor human disturbance and provided a very important natural record of the dynamics of glacier movement. The site chosen for the new Icefield Centre was the only one that met all of our requirements: substantial previous human disturbance; interpretive features that were already well represented at the Columbia Icefield; and enough room for the large parking areas required. Every attempt was made to minimize the elevation changes between parking lots and building entrances. We had to make some tough access decisions. 

Most visitors traveling by private vehicle are able to manage climbing the stairs that lead to the Icefield Centre from the car park lot. For those that find it a challenge, there is a higher, paved 'handicap' parking lot, with a paved ramp of less than 5% grade. This ramp access has been extended to the west to create a paved interpretive trail through an area that marks the furthest advance of the Athabasca Glacier, providing a short, hard-surfaced trail for those unable to tackle some of Jasper Park's more challenging paths. Alternately, Brewster Tours operates a courtesy vehicle (on request) to and from the car park to assist hotel guests and day visitors.

Many trails and backcountry areas within the National Parks are inaccessible to some individuals; even some front country facilities are extremely difficult to access. Here at the Columbia Icefield, we've attempted to mitigate the constraints of the mountainous terrain for our more challenged visitors. While far from perfect, we hope our efforts have resulted in a wider spectrum of visitors being able to experience this very special place.

Many measures were implemented as a result of thoughtful, constructive suggestions received from the public. To assist us in making future visitors as comfortable as possible, we welcome any suggestions you might have!

Brewster Glacier Experience Accessibility
One quarter of Brewster's Ice Explorer fleet that tour the Athabasca Glacier are extra-long, with special wheelchair lifts and can comfortably carry up to 4 wheelchairs at a time in addition to the regular 56 passenger seats. Shuttle busses that take passengers to and from the Ice Explorer are not wheelchair-equipped, so private specialty vehicles carry wheelchair passengers to the Ice Explorer.

Brewster also hosts an annual training course to key staff members, for advice and instruction on accommodating physically and mentally challenged visitors.

Icefield Centre Accessibility
Both main entrances to the Icefield Centre are equipped with automatic doors with interior and exterior sensors. The Centre has an elevator that services all four floors; the Glacier Exhibit Gallery, main floor, food floor and hotel floor. The grand view deck on the second floor has picnic tables designed for ease of seating and are also wheelchair-accessible. There are plenty of barrier-free stalls in both the women's and men's washrooms. On the ground floor and on the food floor there are 'family room' washrooms for people who need the assistance of a caregiver.

All corridors and public areas are kept clear and unobstructed, and have no steps or elevation changes. All public doors are equipped with lever-type handles. Two of the hotel rooms are specially equipped to accommodate wheelchairs. All hotel rooms have two-part fire alarms that include a strobe-light alarm for the hearing impaired plus the usual siren alarm.

All public areas in the Icefield Centre are non-smoking for the comfort of all visitors, and the health of those with respiratory concerns. There are no air-conditioning systems to introduce molds or bacteria; our windows really open for fresh mountain air!