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Bow Valley Parkway

Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
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Ranked #3 of 30 activities in Banff
Type: Scenic Drives
66 visitor photos
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391 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    21
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Date Rating
Portland, Maine
Top Contributor
259 reviews 259 reviews
182 attraction reviews
Reviews in 73 cities Reviews in 73 cities
66 helpful votes 66 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

This absolutely breathtakingly beautiful 48-km, two-lane road connects Banff and Lake Louise and vice versa. By the time you’ve made it onto the parkway you’ll have paid C$9.80 per adult park day pass. When we drove through at mid-day and again in late afternoon, all the mountain peaks were clad in snow and low clouds obscured some of them. Yet... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by mainemountainbear for Banff
Toronto, Canada
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2013

We drove slowly to drink in the fresh air, magical mountain vistas, and lots of wildlife. Our rental car was a quiet Ford hybrid so the animals were not spooked and we came across black bear, elk, sheep, and goats...up close from the car! The many information panels at pull off areas were very interesting. Thanks, Parks Canada ...great job!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by HelencTorontO for Banff
Townsville, Australia
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
67 helpful votes 67 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2013

Easy to find, easy to follow, with magnificent scenery, I guess this is the "take the slow lane" on your holiday. Be prepared to stop many times along the way for wildlife and photo opportunities. Must do: Johnson Canyon, a remarkable walk through some unforgettable countryside.

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See 2 more reviews by peterTownsville for Banff
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2013

I ride my bike from banff to lake louise and back several times a year on the bow valley parkway. It by far is my favourite ride. Traffic is slow and is simply beautiful. For traveller's, definitely take it in - drive slow - enjoy the views. And watch out for us on the bikes. :)

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See 3 more reviews by ZiggeMoonRock for Banff
Dawson Creek, Canada
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 26, 2013

This drive is a MUST for anyone visiting the Banff Area, but especially if you are heading either to or from Lake Louise. Take the extra hour and do this drive! If you need to stay the night and like camping, Johnson Canyon Campground is a good option - it has showers!

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See 2 more reviews by Ryan M for Banff
Burlington
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 23, 2013

very beautiful drive, so much to see and enjoy while driving on the bow valley parkway, very picturesque.

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See 7 more reviews by Dawn T for Banff
Brockport
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 attraction reviews
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 19, 2013

The roads are winding and the scenery is breathtaking. We didn't see much wildlife but it didn't matter. We're from the flatlands so the lush landscapes surrounded us on our way to Lake Louise. I would recommend instead of traveling the highway. You're on vacation, right????

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by BeckyGille1213 for Banff
Calgary, Canada
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 17, 2013

Aside from the touristy stuff on this road,it has to be one of the finest roads for driving enthusiasts,Too bad it's in a National Park though.I've driven this road in everything from a 69 Chevy station wagon,An 81 Camaro,An 80 GMC Shortbox,An 88 Toyota Xtra Cab 4X4,a 98 Dodge Dakota,A 98 Jeep TJ,An 06 Porsche 4S,An 04 Corvette.Presently enjoying an... More

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Sherwood Park, Canada
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

This a very relaxed drive. 60 km. Time to take in the scenery and look for wildlife. This road takes you off of the Trans Canada so that you can get away from the heavy traffic for awhile.

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 2 more reviews by Louise1255 for Banff
Sydney, Australia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
6 attraction reviews
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 13, 2013

This is a must see, and you are almost guaranteed to see something. This is where the animals are at, so pack binoculars for animal spotting in between the trees :)

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 7 more reviews by Leese D for Banff

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