Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality has launched what it describes as the world’s first electric Ice Explorer vehicle as part of its Columbia Icefield Adventure attraction in Jasper National Park, introducing an electrified glacier touring vehicle designed to reduce emissions and improve the visitor experience.
The new Electric Ice Explorer is now operating on the Athabasca Glacier as part of the regular Columbia Icefield Adventure fleet. According to Pursuit, the vehicle charges through onboard bifacial solar panels and regenerative braking systems while operating in one of the world’s most environmentally sensitive tourism environments.
The vehicle was developed in partnership with Noble Northern, a Manitoba-based engineering company specializing in electric heavy-duty vehicle conversions and advanced mobility systems.
Pursuit said the launch reflects increasing efforts within Canada’s national parks sector to balance tourism access with environmental stewardship.
“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. This is what it looks like to put our Promise to Place into practice.”
The Electric Ice Explorer features a redesigned chassis that Pursuit says is more than 50% lighter than conventional Ice Explorer vehicles. It also integrates advanced safety systems designed specifically for glacial terrain, including geofencing technology that automatically manages vehicle speed and braking in designated glacier areas.
Guests riding in the vehicle will experience a quieter cabin environment intended to enhance immersion in the glacier landscape while maintaining the same guided glacier walk and interpretation program provided through standard Columbia Icefield Adventure tours.
Pursuit estimates the electric model could reduce between 200 and 300 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per day compared with a diesel-powered Ice Explorer operating on the same route.
The company said the pilot program builds on previous sustainability initiatives at the Columbia Icefield, including refurbishment of existing Ice Explorers with lower-emission engines and replacement of diesel generator systems with propane infrastructure.
“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.”
Pursuit said the Electric Ice Explorer pilot will help determine whether electrification can play a larger role in the future of glacier transportation and tourism operations at the Columbia Icefield.
The initiative is partially funded through the GreenStep EcoFund, a guest-supported sustainability program supporting environmental projects across Pursuit’s tourism operations.