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Glacier Skywalk
©Brewster Travel Canada
After their interpretive journey along the cliff-edge, visitors will take in the views of Sunwapta Valley at the Glacier Skywalk's grand finale: the glass-floored observation platform.
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GLACIER SKYWALK WELCOMES VISITORS
-Iconic new Canadian Rockies attraction now open to the world
Banff, Alberta (May 1, 2014) - “I can’t believe I’m doing this!” exclaimed Megan Logan as she clutched the handrail and bravely stepped onto the glass-floored platform of the brand new Glacier Skywalk . Megan and her friends, visiting from Australia, arrived at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre early this morning to be some of the first visitors to the new attraction. “I had no idea how high it would be - the trees look so small down there! I can’t get enough of this view” she added, grinning at the peaks and glaciers around her.
Brewster Travel Canada’s Glacier Skywalk is a fully accessible attraction that offers visitors a unique way to connect with the wilderness of Jasper National Park. A cliff-edge interpretive walkway provides an immersive and multi-sensory experience centered around the glaciology, biology and ecology of the unique Columbia Icefield region. At the end of the walkway waits an exhilarating glass-floored observation platform 280 metres above the breathtaking Sunwapta Valley.
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Posted 15 May 2014
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Glacier Skywalk -Discovery Vista
©Brewster Travel Canada
After their interpretive journey along the cliff-edge, visitors will take in the views of Sunwapta Valley at the Glacier Skywalk's grand finale: the glass-floored observation platform.
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On the opening day, visitors came from near and far to experience the Glacier Skywalk. Jenn Pieru and Sandra Markieta made the day trip from nearby Calgary. “I heard about this and knew we had to come up to check it out,” said Jenn. “It’s epic!” As Sandra peered over the edge of the platform to look for wildlife nearly 1000 feet below, all she could say was “I feel like I’m defying gravity!”
The Glacier Skywalk is now open daily. Grand opening celebrations will be held at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre on May 10-11, 2014. Visitors are invited to join Brewster Travel Canada in celebrating the opening with family events held May 10 and May 11 between 12 pm and 3 pm.
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Dezeen wrote
This vertiginous viewing platform in the Canadian Rockies was designed by Calgary firm Sturgess Architecture with a strengthened glass floor that provides a view straight down to the valley below.
The walkway is based on the concept of cropping out from the landscape, creating an experience of a natural extension of the land.
The parabola cantilever, with a glass floor of tempered and heat-strengthened glass, reveals an unobstructed view below. The cantilever is the result of an engineering technique taking advantage of a balance formed by opposing tension and compression members and thereby eliminating the need for a more traditional superstructure of pylons and cables above the outlook.
Site plan and design diagram - click for larger image
Corten steel was selected for its weathering properties and the relationship to the changing mountain face that it represents. The materiality of the outcropped steel will age. The size of the Athabasca Glacier will alter. Both, capturing a capacity to mark time with change.
About the Glacier Skywalk
Go beyond nature’s edge and immerse yourself in an awe-inspiring interpretive experience in one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Explore the immense powers of glaciology from a fully-accessible, cliff-edge walkway that leads to a glass-floored observation platform 280 metres (918 feet) above the Sunwapta Valley. From ice-capped mountain peaks to vast glacier-formed valleys, the Glacier Skywalk is your front row seat to nature’s most grand performance. For more information, please visit glacierskywalk.ca.
About Brewster Travel Canada
For more than a century, Brewster Travel Canada has been delivering premium Canadian travel experiences to the global market by connecting travelers to one of the world’s most spectacular natural locations. Brewster’s guiding principles are based on integrity through ethical practices, environmental stewardship, excellence in customer service and product delivery, and strength through growth and sustainable development. With expertise in travel planning, transportation, hospitality and attractions, Brewster Travel Canada has set the standard of excellence for authentic travel experiences in Canada. Brewster is part of the Viad Corp (NYSE: VVI) Travel & Recreation Group, which also includes Glacier Park, Inc. and Alaska Denali Travel. For more information about Brewster, please visit brewster.ca.
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