Bow Valley Parkway – Banff National Park Alberta Scenic Drive

Bow Valley Parkway, Banff, Alberta

Website

403- 762-1550

Year round with seasonal restrictions.

 
Eisenhower Tower, Bow Valley Parkway

About Bow Valley Parkway Banff

Bow valley parkway

Bow valley parkway viewpoint

Bow Valley Parkway is a 51km scenic road and one of the two roads that link (Trans Canada Highway being the other) that connects Banff and Lake Louise.

The drive that cuts through mountains and passes over Bow river valley, is replete with panoramic views and wildlife.Site of an old boomtown with five operating mines and Canadian internment camp which held immigrant prisoners of Ukrainian, Austrian, Hungarian and German decent also lies along the Bow Valley Parkway.

Are you interested in Banff attractions, summer & winter activities and itineraries, if so see Attractions in Banff National Park

What to do at Bow Valley Parkway ?

 
Things to do at Bow Valley Parkway

  • Marvel at the scenery, stop at pullouts and learn about the natural and geographical history through the interactive displays.
  • Watch wild life. Bow Valley Parkway provides one of the best wild life viewing opportunity in Banff. As you travel along the Bow Valley Parkway; be on the lookout animals like Big horn sheep, deer, elk, grizzly bears and grizzly bears.
  • Take a hike, picnic , camp or stay overnight at the resorts.

The below list describes in brief, the pull outs/interactive displays on the way from Banff to Lake Louise and the things to do at each of the stops of Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park. The distance mentioned is from Banff town centre.

Backswamp (9 km )

Learn how the Bow valley was formed at this marshy wetland interpretive display pullout. Watch out for Big horn sheep across the mountain side, and birds like Ospreys and Great Blue Herons. Fishing is also allowed here.

Mule Shoe (12 km)

At this interpretive display scenic pullout, named after horse shoe shaped pond called Mule shoe pond to your right; understand how the wetland was formed when Bow river changed its path. Also do not forget to look up to view the large mouthed cave created by the Bow glacier called the Hole in the wall to the east. Watch for elk. Picnic.

Hillsdale Meadows (19 km)

Try spotting wildlife at this pull out: this scenic viewpoint surrounded by aspen trees is one of the richest habitats for wildlife.

Johnston Canyon ( 25 km from Banff)

Spend time hiking at this spectacular Canyon formed by rushing waters 8000 years ago. This is a must do hike. Read this article for more about Johnston Canyon.

Moose Meadows (27 km)

Stop at this pull out to view the imposing Castle mountain towering above the aspen forest. Spot the Eisenhower Tower. Spot the elk and deer on the meadow. At the west end, is the plaque that shows the location of Silver city.

Castle cliffs (32km)

Appreciate the stunning Alpine scenery with Castle mountain at the background.

Storm Mountain Bow valley Parkway

Storm Mountain Bow valley Parkway

Storm Mountain (34 km)

Have a picnic and watch the clouds that swirl around the Storm mountain (Kootenay National Park) with Bow valley providing a velvety green foreground. The interment Camp memorial lies after the Storm Mountain lookout, just before Castle mountain Lookout trail.

Baker creek (46 km from Banff)

Yet another scenic pullout with the view of a mountain creek born near Skoki Valley, with Mount Temple providing a stunning backdrop.

Morant’s Curve (54 )

At this site, named after the photographer Nicholas Morant, be amazed by the panoramic view of rivers and rail lines and the ‘Canadian Alphs’. Spot the Harlequin ducks and American Dippers at the river down below.

Hikes on the Bow Valley Parkway

Silverton Falls

A short 1.0 km (one way) hike to a series of small lakes. Trailhead: Rockbound Lake parking lot, 0.2 km east of Castle Junction. GPS : 51.268209,-115.915751

 

Hole in the wall, Bow Valley Parkway

Hole in the wall ( black spot to the left of the tall middle tree top), Bow Valley Parkway

Castle Lookout

A moderate 3.7 km(one way ) to the remains of Castle lookout tower (fire spotting tower). Trailhead: 5 km west of Castle Junction on the Bow Valley Parkway.

GPS: 51.292512,-115.974207

Rockbound Lake

A long hike to Tower Lake (7.7 km) & Rockbound Lake (8.4 km) and beautiful scenery around. Trailhead: Rockbound Lake parking lot, 0.2 km east of Castle Junction on the Bow Valley Parkway. GPS: 51.268209,-115.915751

How to get to Bow Valley Parkway ?

Bow Valley Parkway location/directions

Speed limit – 60 km/hour or 37 miles/hour

From Banff town,

Head north on Banff Ave and turn left to Wolf Street. Turn right at Lynx St. Continue onto Mt Norquay Rd. Turn left onto the AB-1/Trans Canada HighwayTake . Take the Bow Valley ParkWay/AB-1A exit onto Bow Valley Pkwy

CastlemountainEisenhowertower

Castle Mountain – Eisenhower Tower

From Calgary,

AB-1 W/Trans-Canada Hwy, Take the Bow Valley ParkWay/AB-1A exit onto Bow Valley Parkway.

From Lake Louise,

Head southeast on Village Rd toward Lake Louise Dr. Take the 1st left onto Lake Louise Dr. Continue onto Bow Valley Pkwy.

Eastern end, GPS coordinates: 51.171204,-115.661083

Western end, GPS coordinates:51.424982,-116.16124

How much do Bow Valley Parkway scenic drive cost?

Admission/fees Bow Valley Parkway

Free, with Banff National Park Admission

More To Do in Canadian Rockies:


When to visit Bow Valley Parkway ?

Hours / Timing Bow Valley Parkway
Bow valley parkway banff map

Bow Valley Parkway

 
Year round, some sections restricted at certain times of the year. Early morning and evening drives are the best time to spot wild life.

Bow Valley Parkway during winter season

Bow Valley parkway is open during winter season, but be cautious on the road due to icy conditions. Check road conditions, here

Bow Valley Parkway Closure

There is a mandatory travel restriction between the eastern section of Bow Valley Parkway and Johnston Canyon Campground(17km) to help the wild animals forage for food from March 1 to June 25 between 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Access to Johnston canyon and rest of the parkway is through Highway 93 and TransCanada intersection which leads to Castle mountain village.- (details)

How long will it take to see Bow Valley Parkway ?

Booking.com  
Depending on interest, one hour to well over half a day if one wants to hike at Johnston Canyon.

What about Amenities, accessibility & parking?

Parking available at pullouts. Wheelchair Accessible

Castle Mountain Village provides accommodation, food , gas(fuel) and washrooms.

Baker Creek has a resort and a restaurant.

Johnston Canyon (seasonal) has campgrounds, washrooms and fuel.

Posted in Activities, Attractions and Cruises, Hikes & Scenic Drives

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