Canada’s ancient Columbia Icefield is entering the electric era. Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality has officially launched the world’s first all-electric Ice Explorer, giving visitors a quieter and cleaner way to experience the famous Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park, Alberta.
The newly electrified vehicle is now operating as part of the regular Columbia Icefield Adventure fleet, marking a major milestone for sustainable tourism in one of Canada’s most environmentally sensitive destinations.
Developed in partnership with Manitoba-based heavy-duty EV specialist Noble Northern, the Electric Ice Explorer was purpose-built to handle the extreme demands of glacial terrain while dramatically reducing emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered models.
Unlike a standard retrofit, the project involved rebuilding one of Pursuit’s aging diesel Ice Explorers from the ground up. Nearly everything from the original vehicle was removed except for the upper passenger cab. Engineers then installed an entirely new lightweight chassis and advanced electric drivetrain designed specifically for glacier operations.
The redesigned frame is reportedly more than 50% lighter than the original structure, helping improve efficiency and performance on rocky ice-covered terrain. An air suspension system was also added to deliver a smoother ride for passengers traveling across the glacier.
Power comes from a massive 528-kWh battery pack equipped with an integrated thermal management system to ensure reliable operation in harsh cold-weather conditions. According to Noble Northern President Tye Noble, the battery can support roughly 30 to 35 glacier trips before recharging is required.
The Electric Ice Explorer also uses regenerative braking to recover energy during downhill descents, reducing wear on the braking system while feeding electricity back into the battery. In addition, 12 roof-mounted bifacial solar panels generate supplemental power during sunny conditions, adding another layer of efficiency to the vehicle’s operation.
“We rebuilt this vehicle from the chassis up to be as light and efficient as possible while meeting the demands of glacial terrain,” said Tye Noble, President of Noble Northern. “Five years ago, you wouldn’t have considered six kilowatts of solar to be a possibility on a vehicle like this. That’s what makes this pilot so valuable: the technology is ready to be tested in one of the most demanding operating environments in the world.”
For visitors, the biggest difference may be the experience itself. Without the constant rumble of a diesel engine, passengers can hear the natural sounds of the glacier more clearly, creating a more immersive connection to the landscape.
“The Columbia Icefield is one of the most significant places where we operate and how we show up here matters,” said Stuart Back, Chief Operating Officer of Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection. “Starting with one vehicle is intentional. It allows us to deepen guest connection, learn in real-world conditions, and apply those learnings thoughtfully over time.”
The electric pilot program is part of Pursuit’s broader “Promise to Place” sustainability initiative, which focuses on reducing environmental impact while maintaining access to iconic natural destinations.
The company has already modernized much of its existing fleet by upgrading six Ice Explorers with EPA Tier 3 diesel engines and four others with cleaner EPA Tier 4 powertrains to lower nitrogen oxide emissions. Pursuit also replaced the Columbia Icefield facility’s diesel generator system with propane, reducing the site’s carbon footprint by more than 30%.
According to modeled estimates, the Electric Ice Explorer could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 200 to 300 kilograms per day compared to a conventional diesel Ice Explorer operating on the same route.
The pilot will help determine whether electrification can eventually play a larger role in glacier transportation at the Columbia Icefield. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for sustainable tourism vehicles operating in extreme environments around the world.
[source: InsideEVs]
