Ensuring aerodynamic stability for the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
Perched roughly 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley in Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a curved, cantilevered glass walkway offering uninterrupted views of one of Canada’s most breathtaking glacial landscapes. Its slender weathering steel frame and transparent deck were designed to feel visually light but delivering that experience safely in an environment prone to extreme winds required rigorous climate and performance engineering. RWDI evaluated the structure’s aerodynamic behaviour, identifying potential wind-induced instabilities early in the design process and testing a range of solutions to address them. The result is a carefully engineered balance of form and function, where viscous dampers and wind deflectors work together to keep the Skywalk safe, stable, and comfortable for every visitor who steps out above the valley.