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Nestled between Canmore and Kananaskis, Bow Valley Provincial Park is not just a seasonal delight but a year-round destination. Its proximity to various accommodations in Canmore and the surrounding areas enhances its appeal.
The park’s location near other provincial parks and Banff National Park provides visitors with abundant dining options and scenic beauty, making it an ideal spot for those seeking diverse outdoor activities and amenities in Alberta’s majestic landscape.
The recreation opportunities in the Bow Valley are also as abundant as the wildlife. So, during any activity at any time, listen and watch for birds, bears, large wildcats, deer, moose, elk, or big-horned sheep.
From Grotto Canyon to Barrier Lake: A Quick Guide to Summer Adventures at Bow Valley Provincial Park
The Beauty of Grotto Canyon in the Winter
Grotto Canyon and the trail to it are accessible from Bow Valley’s Grotto Mountain Day Use Area. A self-guided hike in the winter is recommended for those winter hiking experience and equipment, like spikes and poles. And for those without experience, there are guided Grotto Canyon ice walk tours available!
Gap Lake Ice Skating
Gap Lake offers a wilderness experience with its stunning mountain scenery, yet is easily accessible between Highways 1 and 1A.
Popular for wild ice skating, it provides vast and smooth ice surfaces, complemented by a day-use area with lakeside picnic spots on the north shore. It’s a short 5-minute drive from the scenic Grotto Canyon Hike. However, safety is paramount. Visually inspect the ice. Safety tips include never skating alone, packing a change of clothes and safety gear, being prepared for weather changes, carrying a hockey stick or rope for rescue, and considering a personal flotation device.
Winter Walks on the Bow Valley Interpretive Trails
Learn a bit about the natural or cultural history of the areas you explore during a winter visit to Bow Valley Provincial Park. The Kananaskis park offers several interpretive trails, which could all be covered in one day given their shorter lengths. Plus, they are all accessible from the Middle Lake Day Use Area.
- Flowing Water Interpretive 1km loop
- Heart Creek Interpretive 2.6km out-and-back
- Many Springs Interpretive 1.3km loop
- Montane Interpretive 1.5km loop
- Moraine Interpretive 1.1 km one-way
Fat Biking or Snowshoeing on the Stoney Trail
The Stoney Trail covers almost all of Bow Valley Provincial Park as it follows Highway 40 north to south for 22.5 km. Along with snowshoeing and fat biking, the trail is also open to winter hiking, and equestrian riding. The north start of the trail can be accessed in the winters from the Widow Maker Day Use Area. In the south, access the Stoney Trail from the Kananaskis Village. This trail acts as a convenient connector between Canmore and Kananaskis Village.
Picnics at the Bow Valley Ponds
The day use areas open for winter in Bow Valley Provincial Park provide all you need for a perfect winter picnic: fire pits, picnic tables and shelters, beautiful scenery, and nearby activities for before or after the picnic.
- The Middle Lake Day Use Area provides a lakeside picnic area right beside the Trans-Canada Highway but nestled away from the noise in the trees.
- The Mount Lorette Ponds Day Use Area is on the far south side of the park with picnic amenities, washrooms, and short trails leading across the ponds.
- Gap Lake, also beside the highway, is on the north side of the park and of the Bow River. Along with a great picnic spot, this is also a nice quiet area for wildlife viewing.
Cross-country and Downhill Skiing in Neighbouring Parks
The Bow Valley Provincial Park trails are set aside for snowshoeing, hiking, fat biking, and horseback riding. This is partially because nearby are tons of opportunities for cross-country skiing on groomed mountain and foothill trails.
- Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is west of Bow Valley Provincial Park in Canmore. The area provides over 20km of groomed ski trails, as well as areas for hiking and biking.
- Enjoy downhill skiing or snowboarding at the Nakiska Ski Area to the south of Bow Valley Provincial Park in Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area.
Planning your Trip – Bow Valley Provincial Park
What: Bow Valley Provincial Park covers the Bow River Valley east of Canmore. The park extends south on the west side of Highway 40. Bow Valley Provincial Park is home to numerous small bodies of water, streams, the Bow River, and the Grotto Canyon Waterfall. It is an especially cool winter hike and attraction in the winters as the waters in the Canyon freeze over the walls.
Location and how to get there: access from Highway 1, Highway 1A, or Highway 40 east of Canmore and Exshaw.
Cost: Kananaskis Conservation Pass $15.75 per day per personal vehicle; $94.50 per year per personal vehicle
For more information:
Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area
