Sneak Peek: 918-Foot Glass Observatory in the Middle of a Glacial Valley

by  Christine Wei | Apr 22, 2014
Glacier Skywalk in Alberta, Canada
Glacier Skywalk in Alberta, Canada / R.M. Nunes/iStock

Walking out from a 918-foot-high cliff and stepping above a sweeping valley is not for the faint of heart, but thanks to the brand new Glacier Skywalk in Banff, Canada, we all want to give it a whirl. Standing on the glass-floored observatory platform at the end of the trail, we imagine, is as close to floating as we'll ever get. 

The skywalk encompasses two other major sections: a receiving area with a free (though not quite as cool) viewing platform, accessible by a scenic coach ride from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery, and a paid Discovery Trail that eventually leads to the glass observatory ($24.95 CAD or $22.63 USD). Along the way, what the park is calling its "interpretive experience" introduces visitors to the area's geology, biology, and other essential elements along majestic mountain and river views.

The skywalk opens on May 1, but in the meantime, we've gathered up some photos for your viewing pleasure. And don't miss the wonderfully dramatic trailer-style clip that showcases the observatory.

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