WHERE THE BOW RIVER BEGINS
Visit Bow Lake on the Icefields Parkway
Bow Lake is one of the most striking stops on the Icefields Parkway, and most visitors are surprised by just how open and exposed it feels. The turquoise colour comes from glacial flour, fine rock particles ground by the glacier above, suspended in the water and scattering blue and green light. On calm mornings the glacier and surrounding peaks reflect clearly across the surface. Bow Lake is also the source of the Bow River, which flows south through Banff, Canmore, and Calgary.
How Canmore Travel fits in: Canmore Travel provides private guided tours and transfers to Bow Lake and Peyto Lake along the Icefields Parkway. We do not sell tickets to third-party attractions.
What to See and Do at Bow Lake
Bow Lake and the surrounding stretch of the Icefields Parkway reward visitors who take the time to explore beyond the first pull-off.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake sits at 1,920 metres in an open alpine valley well above treeline, with the Bow Glacier rising directly from the southern shore and the Waputik peaks forming the western wall.
The lakeshore at Bow Lake is flat and accessible from the parking area within a five-minute walk. Most visitors spend 60 to 90 minutes here, walking along the shore and taking in the wide alpine terrain. The lake sits well above treeline, giving it an exposed, open feel unlike the lower valley lakes. Best reflections happen on calm mornings before wind builds from the south. There is a small picnic area with benches along the shoreline, and a seasonal cafe called Provisions Co operates near the parking area in summer.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake Lakeshore
Free parking with Parks Canada pass. Two lots: roadside overlook pulloff and main Lodge lot (100 vehicles).
Bow Lake
The Lodge at Bow Lake
The Lodge at Bow Lake occupies the northwest corner of the lake. Built by Canadian wilderness guide Jimmy Simpson as a backcountry outpost in the early 1920s, it operated as a guest lodge from the 1940s and is one of the oldest continuously operated lodges in Banff National Park. The building's distinctive red roofline is a recognizable landmark visible across the water. The Bow Glacier Falls trailhead departs from the lodge's parking area. Rooms book out well in advance for summer; if staying in the area, Lake Louise (25 min) or Banff (60 min) offer more accommodation options.
Formerly known as Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. The trailhead for Bow Glacier Falls departs from here.
Crowfoot Glacier is visible from a roadside pullout approximately 3 kilometres before Bow Lake on the Icefields Parkway. The glacier once had three distinct lobes extending down the mountain face, resembling the toes of a crow's foot. Two lobes remain. The gap where the third once reached is visible in the exposed rock face and is one of the most legible illustrations of glacial retreat in the Canadian Rockies. No hiking required. Guides familiar with the area can point out where the missing lobe once reached and explain the retreat timeline.
Bow Lake
Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint
Roadside pullout on Hwy 93N, approximately 3km south of Bow Lake.
Trails and Hikes
Three trail options start at or near Bow Lake and cover a wide range of commitment levels, from a 30-minute lakeshore walk to a full-day alpine hike. A Parks Canada pass is required as these trails are within Banff National Park.
The Bow Lakeshore trail follows the shoreline from the Lodge parking area and provides continuous views of the glacier and surrounding peaks. The trail is 3.5 kilometres, gains almost no elevation, and takes about 30 minutes at a walking pace. It is one of the easiest trails in Banff National Park. The views across the open water toward the glacier are exceptional at any speed. It does pass over some large root sections, so a stroller is not practical, but the trail is accessible for most ages and fitness levels.
Trails and Hikes
Bow Lakeshore Trail
3.5 km. Easy. 30 min. Departs from Lodge parking area. Parks Canada pass required.
The Bow Glacier Falls trail starts at The Lodge parking area, crosses the open lakeshore flats, and climbs toward the falls where glacial meltwater drops into a canyon below the glacier lip. The full route is 8.7 kilometres return with approximately 266 metres of elevation gain. Allow 2 to 4 hours depending on pace. Note for a significant rockslide in June 2025 closed the upper section of the trail near the falls. The lakeshore section and lower trail remain open and offer excellent views of the glacier and valley. Confirm current trail conditions with Parks Canada before departing.
Trails and Hikes
Bow Glacier Falls Hike
8.7 km return. Moderate. 2-4 hours. Upper section near falls closed (rockslide, June 2025). Check Parks Canada for current conditions.
Helen Lake is one of the most rewarding moderate hikes accessible from Bow Lake, with its trailhead directly across the Icefields Parkway. The trail climbs 559 metres in 6 kilometres one-way through forest and into a stunning alpine meadow with views of mountains and wildflowers on the approach. The lake itself is a destination, but most hikers continue a short distance further for views out toward Mount Hector and the surrounding ranges. Marmots are a reliable presence throughout the upper section. Allow 3 to 6 hours depending on how far you go.
Trails and Hikes
Helen Lake Hike
12.6 km return. Moderate. 3-6 hours. Trailhead across Hwy 93 from Bow Lake parking area. Parks Canada pass required.
Peyto Lake at Bow Summit
Peyto Lake is 10 kilometres north of Bow Lake on the Icefields Parkway, at Bow Summit, the highest drivable point on the Parkway at 2,088 metres. The two stops form a natural half-day on the northern Parkway and most visitors combine them in a single trip.
The viewpoint trail from the Bow Summit parking area to the main platform is 0.6 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes return. The lake's distinctive shape, resembling a wolf's head when viewed from elevation, is only visible from this vantage point. The turquoise colour comes from the same glacial flour process as Bow Lake: fine particles suspended in the water scatter blue and green light. The Peyto Lake parking area fills to capacity by 9:00 AM most summer mornings. Arriving before that window makes a significant difference to the experience.
Peyto Lake at Bow Summit
Peyto Lake Viewpoint
12.6 km return. Moderate. 3-6 hours. Trailhead across Hwy 93 from Bow Lake parking area. Parks Canada pass required.
Bow Summit at 2,088 metres is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway reachable by road. The terrain at the summit is open subalpine: no treeline, wide sky, and views across the Waputik Range and the Mistaya Valley stretching north toward Saskatchewan River Crossing. Even visitors who do not walk to the viewpoint will notice the dramatic shift as the road climbs above the trees from Bow Lake below. In clear conditions, Bow Lake is visible far down in the valley to the south.
Peyto Lake at Bow Summit
Bow Summit
Temperatures at 2,088m are significantly cooler than Canmore or Banff. Bring a wind layer regardless of the season.
When to Visit Bow Lake
Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies at 11,000 square kilometres. Canmore Travel reaches Jasper via the Icefields Parkway, a full-day journey with stops en route.
Parkway clears by mid to late May. Snow possible at Bow Summit through early June. Ice breaks on the lake through May. Bow Lakeshore trail accessible from late May. Bow Glacier Falls trail can be muddy or patchy. Fewer visitors than summer. Cold temperatures at elevation.
Spring (May to June)
Peak season. Full turquoise colour. Both Bow Lake and Peyto Lake parking fill by 8:00-9:00 AM most days. Bow Lakeshore and Helen Lake trails fully open. Bow Glacier Falls lakeshore section open; upper falls section closed (rockslide, confirm with Parks Canada). Arrive before 8:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to manage crowds. Warmest temperatures at the lake.
Summer (July to August)
Fewer visitors than summer. Strong lake colour holds through September. Larch colour at nearby valleys peaks late September (Larch Valley, Paradise Valley). Early snowfall possible at Bow Summit from October. Early September is often the best combination of colour, light, and manageable visitor numbers.
Fall (September to October)
Icefields Parkway stays open but Bow Summit can be icy and snow-covered. Winter tires required. Frozen lake surface. Exceptional low-light photography. Very few other visitors. Wapta Traverse ski touring season from Bow Lake area. A private driver handles all mountain road conditions.
Winter (November to April)
Ready to Visit Bow Lake?
No public transit reaches Bow Lake. Canmore Travel runs private tours and transfers along the Icefields Parkway from convenient pickup locations across Canmore, Harvie Heights, and Banff. Your driver handles all route logistics and road conditions.
Private tours include guide narration and crowd-timed arrival. Transfers give you independent time at the lake. Peyto Lake at Bow Summit can be added to either option.
