Bow Lake: Your Ultimate Guide (2024)

Bow Lake is an amazingly beautiful, glacier-fed lake in Alberta, Canada, located in Banff National Park along the Icefields Parkway! Because Bow Lake is fed by the Crowfoot Glacier, it is that brilliant blue colour that the lakes in the Canadian Rockies are known for. The Bow River, which is the river that flows through Downtown Banff, is fed by Bow Lake! For my whole life, I have lived just 4 hours from Banff National Park, and so I put together this guide to help you plan your trip to this bucketlist spot!

In this post, I will cover everything you need to know about visiting Bow Lake! How to get there, facilities at the lake itself, what to do, places to stay in the area, and tips for visiting.

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Visiting Bow Lake in Banff 

Making a stop at Bow Lake is on any Banff Bucket list, and is a perfect addition to any Banff itinerary. You can spend as much or as little time as you want here – whether you want to stop for a quick photo opportunity, or spend some time picnicking or Stand Up Paddleboarding – it depends on what fits best into your schedule!

Where is Bow Lake?

You will find Bow Lake located on Alberta’s most scenic highway – the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93)! This is the highway that connects Banff/Lake Louise to Jasper. It is just over a 2 hour drive from Jasper, an hour-ish drive from Banff, and 30 minutes from Lake Louise. 

It is just off the highway, meaning you don’t have to hike to get here! Just a small walk from the parking lot.

How to Get to Bow Lake

Bow Lake is located just off the highway (Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway!), and is a really easy roadside stop to make while exploring.

Because Bow Lake is located on the Icefields Parkway, you will most likely not have service while driving this road. Download anything you need in advance before leaving Highway 1!

You can type in “Bow Lake Car Park” to get directions there by car. Make sure to do this before leaving Banff or Jasper town, since you probably won’t have service on the Parkway.

Getting there by car from Downtown Banff

To get there by car from Downtown Banff it will take just over an hour, granted you don’t make any stops and drive the speed limit!:

• Take the TransCanada Highway (Highway 1) West for about 35 minutes. You’ll be heading in the direction towards Lake Louise.
• Then, exit onto Highway 93 North, heading towards Jasper. You’ll be on this Highway for about 25 minutes (granted you don’t make any stops – which can be difficult when driving the Icefields Parkway!)
• Watch for the Bow Lake car park on your left!

Getting there by car from Downtown Jasper

To get there by car from Downtown Jasper:

• Take Connaught Drive/Highway 1A West until it turns into Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway. You’ll be heading towards Banff/Lake Louise!
• Drive for about 2 hours (if you don’t make any stops!), and watch for Bow Lake Car Park on your right. 

Parking at Bow Lake

The car park at Bow Lake is decent, but fills up fast during peak summer months (late June – early September). 

There is a small parking section just off the highway, and then a road that you can go down that leads to a much bigger parking lot. Usually in peak months, people are parked in the smaller lot, along each side of the road that leads to the bigger lot, and the bigger lot. 

Because visitors park on both sides of the road leading to the bigger lot, it can be really tight and stressful if it is super busy! It essentially turns into a one lane road, and you may find yourself needing to reverse back if there is a line of cars also coming down the road in a separate direction. Honestly, it’s kind of a mess!

If you are towing a trailer or are a big motorhome, I would recommend not attempting to drive down the road that connects the two lots if there are a ton of cars parked on either side. 

To avoid the stress of parking, I would recommend planning to go quite early or quite late in the day. 

Or, check out the parking situation when first passing by, and if you snag a spot, great! If it’s a mess and you’re going to be passing by again anyway on your way back (for example, if you’re starting and ending your day in Downtown Banff), I would try to stop in on your way back and see if parking is a little less hectic at that point. 

And, parking at Bow Lake is free! Just make sure your Canadian National Parks Pass is visible (you would have bought this when entering Banff National Park or Jasper National Park – or any other Canadian National Park really, at the toll booths on the Highway). 

Public Transportation to Bow Lake

Unfortunately, there is no method of public transportation that goes down the Icefields Parkway as of 2024. In order to get to Bow Lake, you will either need a rental car or to book a tour that stops there. Or, I have seen people hitch-hike, however it isn’t super common and you might be waiting a while (and you are responsible for your own safety!).

Tours to Bow Lake

If you are visiting the Canadian Rockies without a car, you can still see Bow Lake by signing up for a tour!

Most tours will include other stops on the Icefields Parkway, but when booking, make sure you double check the stops the tours make. Some tours don’t stop everywhere, so have a list of places you want to go on the Icefields Parkway, and then do your best to pick a tour that includes all of it. 

Tours from the Banff Area:

Some tours I have found that have great reviews, that stop at Bow Lake:

• Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway Full Day Tour by Beyond Banff
  • 20 minutes at Lake Minnewanka, 1 hour at Lake Louise, 1 hour at Moraine Lake, 1 hour at Bow Lake, 1 hour at Peyto Lake, and a quick roadside viewpoint at the Crowfoot Glacier
  • Picks up from hotels, hostels, Air BnBs, Campgrounds, and lodges in Banff Town and Canmore. If not staying in Banff or Canmore, they also pick up at the Banff Train Station in Downtown Banff.
  • Minimum age is 9 years old
• Pursuit Icefields Parkway One Way Tour from Banff to Jasper
  • Stops at Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, and Athabasca Falls
  • Includes admission for the Columbia Icefield Adventure & Columbia Icefield Skywalk
  • Includes a hot buffet lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre and light snacks & refreshments
  • Can depart from Calgary, Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise
• Pursuit Icefields Parkway Roundtrip Tour from Banff
  • Stops at Lake Louise (except if you’re being picked up from Lake Louise) Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield
  • Includes admission for the Columbia Icefield Adventure & Columbia Icefield Skywalk
  • Includes a hot buffet lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre and light snacks & refreshments
  • Can depart from Calgary, Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise

The tours from Pursuit have this disclaimer included in their tours: “Some stops may be unavailable due to seasonality, weather conditions or traffic delays, and will be substituted based on the driver’s discretion”. Although I wouldn’t anticipate them to cut out any stops unless absolutely necessary!

Tours from the Jasper Area:

There are definitely not as many tours that leave from Jasper to explore the Icefields Parkway and Bow Lake! One that I did find with great reviews and a reputable company is with SunDog Tours:

• One way Jasper to Lake Louise and Banff Tour
  • Stops include Athabasca Falls, the Weeping Wall, Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Glacier, and the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, ~20-30 minutes at Lake Louise
  • Includes a Glacier Adventure tour onto the Athabasca Glacier and admission to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk 
  • Includes lunch!

Bow Lake Facilities

The public facilities at Bow Lake are simple: 

• Pit toilet style washrooms in the parking lot by The Lodge
• A few picnic tables along the lake shore
• Small pebble beach (depending on water level)
• The Hanging Glacier Cafe

Bow Lake is the perfect spot to have lunch or spend some time just enjoying the scenery! If you have fold-up/camp chairs, this is a great thing to bring with you if you are planning to spend some time here!

There is also a cafe inside the hotel at Bow Lake: Hanging Glacier Cafe. It is usually open everyday from 9-5pm from the end of May to early October. Here you can find some lunch options, coffee, and baked goods!

The Best Time to Visit Bow Lake

Late Spring, during the Summer, and early Fall are the best times to visit Bow Lake. 

The conditions during each season can be hard to predict year to year, based on how the weather is and the season is going in general. Sometimes, Bow Lake can remain quite frozen even during late Spring, especially if Winter seems to be dragging on. 

During the Summer time (July and August), the lake is thawed and that brilliant blue colour. However, in recent years our summers have been more and more smoky, which can dampen the experience at Bow Lake! Wildfires are unpredictable and the smoke levels can change day to day, or even vary between morning and evening. If you are planning to visit in the Summer, keep this in mind when planning your trip. 

In the early Fall (early-mid September), the weather can be amazing at Bow Lake. Recently I’ve seen the first week or two of September feel like Summer conditions, with nice (sometimes even hot!) conditions. But, in the mountains everything is unpredictable, because I’ve also seen snow in early September!

In the Winter, Bow Lake is frozen over with snow over-top of the ice, making it appear white instead of beautiful blue. The mountains surrounding the Lake though are also covered in snow, which really makes them pop! 

No matter when you choose to visit, it is absolutely stunning in every season!

How Long to Spend at Bow Lake

Like a lot of lakes in the Canadian Rockies, you can spend as much or as little time as you want at Bow Lake. 

You are most likely visiting as a stop while driving the Icefields Parkway, which is an absolutely amazing drive that requires time for a lot of stops! Make sure to factor this in when planning. 

If you are just interested in the beautiful view and a stunning photo, you can stop, spend 20 minutes exploring the lakeshore, and then keep going. Or, you can plan to have a picnic and spend a little longer here. There is also the option of packing a Stand Up Paddleboard or swimming floaty and spending the whole afternoon at the lake!

If you are planning to do one of the hikes around Bow Lake, you will also need to budget enough time. The amount of time you leave, really depends on the hike you do and your skill level!

What to do at Bow Lake in Summer

At Bow Lake, there are quite a few things you can plan to do, including exploring the lakeshore, photography, swimming, paddleboarding, and more!

Explore the Lakeshore

The most common thing to do here is exploring the lakeshore. Some parts of the lakeshore is accessible from the parking lot, and part of the lake is lined by the edge of the mountains! 

You can walk along the small pebble beach and snap some great photos, or jump in the water from here to go swimming! 

There is also a small path that follows part of the lakeshore if you are looking to explore even farther around the lake!

Photography

This lake is that amazing blue colour for most of the summer, and the towering mountains against the lake make photography at Bow Lake one of the best things to do here. 

Return during golden hour for super pretty, soft lighting and less crowds. Or, even return at night when it’s pitch black to see the amazing night sky, and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights! 

Swim

Water that is fed by glaciers is chilly! But if you’re looking to go swimming in Banff, Bow Lake is definitely an option for a fun, chilly dip in the summer!

If you have some sort of floaty or SUP, this will make swimming in Bow Lake even more fun. 

Please remember that there are no lifeguards on duty when swimming in the Canadian Rockies lakes, and you are responsible for your own safety! Bow Lake is quite big and deep, so swim at your own risk.

Fish

You can fish in Bow Lake! However, fishing here does require some pre-planning as there are restrictions when it comes to fishing in the lakes of Banff and in Canadian National Parks. 

In order to go fishing, you will need a National Park fishing permit (not a provincial one!) and an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Permit. You also need all of your own fishing gear, and to know the rules and regulations before heading out to fish.

Make sure to read up on all of the information you need to know before fishing in Banff National Park!

Stand Up Paddleboard, Canoe or Kayak

Bow Lake is a great place to bring your SUP, Canoe, or Kayak! There are no rentals available at Bow Lake, which means if you wanted to head out on the water, you’d have to bring your own canoe/kayak/SUP or rent one before leaving Banff or Canmore, etc. 

Before heading out on any lake in Banff, make sure your boat or water craft is clean and dry from previous lakes. This is to help prevent the spread of diseases to these alpine lakes in the Canadian Rockies. 

Before you head out on the water, you’ll need to complete an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) self-certification permit saying that you’ve done this. 

The permit requires watercraft that has been on water outside of Alberta, BC, Yukon, and Northwest Territories to have been dry for 30 days before heading out on a new lake, and watercraft that has been on lakes in Alberta, BC, Yukon, and Northwest Territories to be dry for 48 hours before heading out on a new lake. 

Hikes At and Near Bow Lake

There are quite a few hikes that start from or nearby Bow Lake as well! Unfortunately, I have not been lucky enough to do all of these hikes (yet!) but you can look up recent reviews and trail conditions on AllTrails. All of the hiking information at a glance listed here is gathered from AllTrails!

Remember to only do hikes that match your skill level and ability. Always be prepared when hiking in the Canadian Rockies for unpredictable and changing weather, especially on the Icefields Parkway! 

Please remember to be bear aware, have enough food and water, and Leave No Trace. It’s usually good idea to download an offline map of the hiking trail as well, especially since there is no service along the Icefields Parkway. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety! (If you are a beginner hiker, it is not recommended to attempt a scramble).

Hikes in the area: 

• Lakeshore Hike: A super easy, flat, and quick trail that follows the edge of the lake.
• Bow Glacier Falls
  • Park at Bow Lake parking lot
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 8.9 km, Out + Back
  • Elevation: 240m
  • Time: 3-4 hours depending on skill level and photo time!
• Mount Jimmy Simpson: Continues from Bow Glacier Falls. Details include the Bow Glacier Falls hike information + Mount Jimmy Simpson  –
  • Park at Bow Lake parking lot
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Distance: 14.6km, Out + Back
  • Elevation: 1,153m
  • Time: 6-7 hours depending on skill level and breaks
• The Onion: Starts at Bow Lake lakeshore and heads towards Bow Glacier Falls, but you’ll come to a fork in the trail where you need to head towards Bow Hut, and not Bow Glacier Falls
  • Park at Bow Lake parking lot
  • Difficulty: Hard (scramble)
  • Distance: 17.5km, Out + Back
  • Elevation: 885m
  • Time: 6-10 hours depending on skill level and breaks
• Helen Lake
  • Park across from Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint on Google Maps, just South of Bow Lake parking lot
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 11.6 km, Out + Back
  • Elevation: 533m
  • Time: 4-5 hours
• Cirque Peak (via Helen Lake): From Helen Lake, scramble up to Cirque Peak. Details include the Helen Lake information + scramble  –
  • Park across from Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint on Google Maps, just South of Bow Lake parking lot
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Distance: 16.1 km, Out + Back
  • Elevation: 1,091m
  • Time: ~7 hours depending on skill level and breaks
• Chephren Lake
  • Drive into the Waterfowl Lakes Campground (17 minute drive North of Bow Lake car park) and follow the signs that have a hiker symbol on it. It will take you to a small parking lot! Then you’ll begin your hike by crossing the Mistaya River wooden bridge and following the signs to Chephren Lake.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 8.2km, Out + Back
  • Elevation: 258m
  • Time: 2-3 hours, depending on skill level, breaks, and photo time! If you have extra time, you can also add in a hike to Cirque Lake.

Other Things to do Near Bow Lake

Stopping at this lake is just one thing you can add to your day exploring the Canadian Rockies. Unless you’re doing a long day hike in the area, you should have plenty of time to visit a bunch of other spots!

• Continue driving further along the Icefields Parkway: To get to Bow Lake you’ll be driving along the Icefields Parkway, and there are so many more spots to stop at along the way! A few of my favourites are Peyto Lake and Mistaya Canyon. You can drive the Parkway all the way to Jasper National Park, or if you’re heading back to Banff, most visitors turn around at the Columbia Icefields.
• An evening at Lake Louise: A great way to spend a day in the Rockies is to pack up some food, explore a large chunk of the Icefields Parkway, and then head to Lake Louise after 7pm. In the summer, parking at Lake Louise is free after 7pm (during the day it costs $36.75 to park), there a few less crowds, and the lighting is pretty for photos! I would end my day here, especially if you’re staying in the Lake Louise area or by Downtown Banff (just be prepared for a long day!).
• You can also visit other spots in Banff National Park, just make sure to look into driving time between stops!

Where to Stay Near Bow Lake

Because you’ll be on the Icefields Parkway, places to stay super close to Bow Lake are limited. But, there definitely are a few options still, including campgrounds and hotels!

Campgrounds Nearby

There are a few campground options near Bow Lake, just make sure you have the proper gear to camp. 

Most campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway are First Come First Serve, so I would recommend getting there around check-out time, or earlier, and leaving your tent or chairs at an empty site to snag it (and fill out the reservation slip at the campground too).

Some campgrounds along the Parkway can be booked in advance through Parks Canada. Watch for reservations to open and book right away (usually opening in January, February, or March for the upcoming summer season), or watch for cancellations leading up to your trip!

Campground near the lake:

• Mosquito Creek: 9 minute drive and First Come First Serve
• Silverhorn Creek Campground: 13 minute drive away and reserve in advance
• Waterfowl Lakes Campground: 17 minute drive away and First Come First Serve
• Lake Louise Campground: 30 minute drive away and must reserve in advance

Hotels and Hostels Nearby

If you’re looking to stay in a hotel or hostel on the Icefields Parkway, there are two located near Bow Lake. Make sure to check when they are open for the season, because they do close down during some parts of the year since weather and conditions on the Icefields Parkway are not ideal during some seasonal periods!

Hotels and Hostels near the lake:

• The Lodge at Bow Lake: Located right beside Bow Lake! Here, your breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the cost of your room.
• HI Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel: A step-up from camping but still quite rustic! They have a sauna, as well as shared dorms, private rooms, and a family cabin. But no running water or indoor toilets!

Bow Lake in the Winter

If you’re visiting Banff in the winter time, Bow Lake may still be on your list of things to see!

The weather on the Icefields Parkway during the winter season can be unpredictable, and it can be harsh. Because of this, sometimes it can be difficult to visit Bow Lake during the winter time. 

Things to Know About Visiting in the Winter:

• Snow tires are required when driving the Icefields Parkway during winter. If you’re renting a car during the winter, it is highly recommended to have snow tires (even if you’re not driving the Icefields Parkway, you should have snow tires in the winter in Alberta!)
• Be careful while driving. There can be black ice on the highway and low visibility when snowing. Check the road conditions on 511.alberta.ca before driving the Icefields Parkway in Alberta and have flexibility to change your plans if it is unsafe to drive.
• Watch for any avalanche risk zones when in the mountains.
• Be prepared for changing weather, and super cold weather! Dress properly!

Things to do in Winter:

• Ice Skate: Ice skating at Bow Lake is wild, meaning the ice is not maintained or monitored! If you want to go ice skating, make sure to check the ice thickness at different parts of the lake, and bring a shovel if it has snowed recently to clear off a section of the ice.
• Backcountry Skiing: The backcountry skiing around Bow Lake is supposed to be amazing. If you’re familiar with backcountry skiing, this is a great spot to check out. You can also call The Lodge to inquire about booking a backcountry skiing tour (especially if you’re a guest there!).
• Snowshoeing: Rent some snowshoes and explore the area around Bow Lake! Make sure to dress accordingly and have a plan before setting out.

When exploring the Canadian Rockies, remember you are responsible for your own safety!

Other Bow Lake Tips

• Go early or late to avoid crowds and have a less stressful time parking
• Have your Canadian National Parks Pass visible in your car
• Take care driving during the winter
• If you’re exploring the Icefilds Parkway in 1 day, pack lunch and snacks!
• There is little to no service on the drive, download what you need before hand 
• There is only 1 gas station on the Parkway. Fill up before leaving Banff because it can be more expensive to fill up at this gas station!

Frequently Asked Questions

Bow Lake Summary

Bow Lake is a gem in Banff National Park, with pretty views, a ton of different activities to do, and just one stop along one of the most beautiful highways in the world (the Icefields Parkway!) you can’t miss coming here. 

Spend as much or as little time as you want here, whether it’s just for a quick photo or picnic, or to do one of the hikes nearby! 

There are quite a few campgrounds in the area, as well as a hostel nearby. Or, stay at The Lodge right beside the lake. 

If you’re visiting Banff in the winter and hoping to see Bow Lake, make sure to be prepared for winter weather and take all of the necessary precautions for winter driving. I also really recommend being flexible with your plans and checking road conditions before heading out for the day. 

There are limited gas stations along the Icefields Parkway, so make sure to fill up before leaving Downtown Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise Village (or Jasper if coming from that direction. There is also limited cell service and data on the Icefields Parkway, so make sure to download offline maps or anything else you might need before leaving.

And make sure your camera is charged with a ton of space on your memory card because you’ll need it!! 

Hopefully this Guide to Bow Lake helped you plan your trip!

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Other Lakes in the Rockies:

• Ultimate Guide to Visiting Peyto Lake
• Tips for Visiting Moraine Lake
• Lake Louise One Day Itinerary
• Getting from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake
• Johnson Lake in Banff: Your Guide!
• Your Guide to Swimming in Banff

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