Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies has unveiled its latest attraction – a suspended glass platform hovering high above the Columbia Glacier.

The CA$21m (US$19.2m, £11.4m, €14m) Glacier Skywalk is made up of a combination of structural steel and glass with the Skywalk anchored into the rock on the side of the mountain.

Visitors can travel to and from the Skywalk via free shuttle buses from the Park’s Glacier Discovery Centre, where they will see six interactive interpretive stations. There is also an audio tour exploring the geology and biology of the area along a 350m (1,148ft) walkway leading up to the actual skywalk, which, at its highest point is 280m (918ft) above the ground.

It also offers the added bonus of offering visitors a view of the area’s mountain goats – which have an extraordinary climbing ability – while limiting direct human interaction.

Brewster Canada operates the attraction, while Sturgess Architecture and RJC Engineering – based in Calgary, Alberta – worked on the design. The lead construction firm was Edmonton, Alberta firm PCL Construction. The Skywalk passed a federal environmental assessment in 2012 and has been fully endorsed by Parks Canada.

The Glacier Skywalk is open until 19 October and is expected to welcome almost a quarter of a million visitors during its inaugural season. An adult ticket costs CA$24.95 (US$22.90, €16.70, £13.60) with a number of combined packages also available.

“Parks Canada has very high standards. I’m thrilled Brewster was able to meet them because I think the Glacier Skywalk is a game changer,” said Michele McKenzie, former president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission.

“Canada is going to have an inspirational new attraction that is competitive on a world scale. And visitors, no matter where they’re from, are going to go home with a memory they will keep in their hearts forever.”