Discover The Pemberton Icefield
A Guide to British Columbia’s Remote Glacier Landscape.
Beyond Whistler’s alpine peaks and ski lifts lies a world most travellers never see. An ancient, primordial expanse of ice shaped by time, weather, and the rugged terrain of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. This is the Pemberton Icefield, also known as the Pemberton Icecap, and it’s one of the most extraordinary glacial regions in Canada. A landscape of shifting blues and volcanic peaks carved by thousands of years of natural forces, it remains one of the most extraordinary glacial regions in Canada.
Here’s a closer look at this remarkable place, and why exploring it is unlike anything else in the Sea to Sky region.
Where Is the Pemberton Icefield?
The Pemberton Icefield sits deeper in the Coast Mountains, west of Whistler and south-west of the community of Pemberton. It is also located on the shared, unceded territories of the Lil’wat Nation (L̓il̓wat7úl) and the Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh). Beyond Whistler acknowledges, with gratitude, the privilege of operating and guiding on these lands.
As the southernmost major icefield in the region, the Pemberton Icefield marks the beginning of a chain of massive glacial systems stretching all the way up the BC coast to the Alaskan border. Our journeys begin at the Whistler Heliport - just an eight-minute helicopter flight over the ancient forests of the Soo Valley to the icecap.
A Landscape Shaped by Ice and Time
Spanning roughly 300 km², the Pemberton Icefield is a vast, triangular network of interconnected glaciers, deep crevasses, and natural ice caves sculpted by wind, meltwater, and pressure. Its sheer scale means conditions are constantly evolving. Ice caves shift, meltwater channels deepen, and new formations appear each season. This dynamic nature is part of what makes every visit unique.
Beyond Whistler holds tenure over a 120 km² portion of the icefield, allowing guests to explore a remote landscape that would otherwise be unreachable. There are no trails, no roads, and no easy paths leading to its peaks or ice caves. Our proprietary access ensures every experience is safe, carefully planned to be as low-impact as possible.
It’s also what keeps this vast landscape feeling wild, quiet, and almost entirely untouched.
A Backdrop for
Film, Photography, and Adventure
With its dramatic terrain and polar-like atmosphere, the Pemberton Icefield has long captured the attention of filmmakers and creatives. Its sweeping ice formations frequently stand in for the Arctic or Antarctica in major productions. This includes:
The X-Files
Stargate: SG-1
Stargate: Atlantis
Its luminous ice caves, sharp ridgelines, and open snowfields make it a dream location for photographers, filmmakers, and brands looking for spectacular, otherworldly visuals. Beyond Whistler works closely with brands and film production crews to bring creative projects to life safely on the glacier.
How You Can Explore the Icefield
The most immersive way to experience the Pemberton Icefield is through Beyond Whistler’s signature Whistler Ice Cave Experience, which includes:
Helicopter access to the glacier
A tracked-vehicle journey across the ice
Guided exploration of natural ice caves
Geological and environmental interpretation from expert guides
A gourmet mountain meal overlooking the Coast Mountains
Each journey is designed around safety, comfort, and creating a meaningful connection to the landscape. This isn’t just another tour - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey to experience British Columbia’s remote wilderness without the need for mountain experience.
For those seeking an elevated or fully personalized adventure, experiences can be customized with extended scenic helicopter flights, professional photography, champagne service, or a private chef-de-cuisine dining experience.
Learn more about the Ice Cave Experience here, or fill out our contact form to begin your journey beyond.
