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Alberta
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Banff National Park
Things to Do in Banff National Park
Bow Lake
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Bow Lake

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Bow Lake
4.5
Top ways to experience Bow Lake
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The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
3 within 6 miles
Icefields Parkway
1,896
48 ftScenic Drives
Peyto Lake
3,236
Bodies of Water
Helen Lake Trail
45
2.8 miHiking Trails
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See what other travelers are saying
  • Wendy P
    347 contributions
    So worth it!
    We saw Bow Lake from the view point off the Hwy last year. This year we pulled into the driveway of the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. We walked pass the lodge and did the walk along the lake shore and I think this was my favorite hike this trip. We walked about 2 hours and then came back. The trail had just enough people on it to make you feel comfortable but not enough that you could not enjoy the beauty in peace. Mind we the weather was perfect for hiking in September.
    Written October 2, 2022
  • buttercup1211
    Winnipeg, Canada1,607 contributions
    Picture-worthy
    If you’re in the Lake Louise area or driving through to Jasper, you have to make some time to stop here. It’s a big beautiful lake surrounded by majestic mountains and glaciers and it’s just breathtaking. Try to come early or mid-morning so you get perfect lighting, and to avoid the crowds. This is also a perfect place for a picnic lunch or a quick snack. The
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 6, 2020
  • marcus825
    Mullica Hill, New Jersey16 contributions
    Our Favorite Lake in Banff
    After all the hype regarding Lake Louise and Moraine, we found Bow Lake, along the Icefields Parkway, to be just as beautiful. We were able to walk along the pathway there and enjoy the sights. It was very busy when we went back on the weekend.
    Written September 10, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
546 reviews
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Hansi
Gold Canyon, AZ1,426 contributions
Stunning views to say the least
Jun 2021 • Couples
Stunning!
It is always such a thrilling experience to travel this road, between Jasper and Banff. It is especially thrilling though to be able to travel again, after almost 18 month of lock-down and restricted travel. We are so fortunate to have this World Class attraction right in front of our doors. It is however alarming to see how fast our Glaciers are disappearing, melting down from Global Warming. We compare, year after year and they are seriously shrinking. So go and look at these awesome sights now, before they are gone. Enjoy nature at its finest, you too will be thrilled.
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Genevieve A
7 contributions
Overcrowded Bow Lake
Jul 2021
Stopped at Bow Lake today and parked near Num-ti-jah Lodge. First of all, we don't understand why the lodge is closed until next year. The website attributes the closure to the COVID-19 pandemic, but all restrictions have been lifted in Alberta. Beyond that, it was very crowded all along the north end of the lake. It seemed like most people were obsessed with taking selfies. What's up with that?
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JFLeBlanc
Moncton, Canada3,396 contributions
Blue Lake!
Jul 2022 • Couples
Recently attended the lodge near the lake. Such a beautiful place! The lake is nice blue and such a beauty. There are a couple trails leading around the back part of the lake which I heard is very nice!

Highly recommended!
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shai & Huvi
Israel344 contributions
Beautiful Bow Lake
Jul 2021
Imagine the beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine, but without the crowds. That is Bow Lake. We didn't have the best weather as the pictures show, and coats were needed despite being July. Bow Lake is beautiful though.
Written November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
grlgrdgate
California1,689 contributions
Lovely Lake
Jul 2019 • Couples
Bow Lake is another beauty and worth a stop to see it. The area feels less crowded than other lakes like Peyto, Moraine, and Lake Louise. We enjoyed our time here.
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jjluke
Calgary, Canada1,316 contributions
Nature at its finest and just off the roadside
Jul 2017 • Couples
The best place to access this is from the roadside and it’s just a few steps on a hill down to the water. This site is probably the closest you can get to realizing the wow factor and sheer size of the Rocky Mountains. The view of the lake is great as well with the unique blue water color in between pine trees and the mountains behind them. Is it worth a visit? Absolutely, this is one of the best bang-for-buck sights you’ll get on your journey to Jasper. Just turn off, step out the vehicle and take pictures!

Please kindly indicate if you found this review to be helpful as it will allow me to better focus my future efforts! Much appreciated - hope you have a great time and safe travels!
Written August 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
IamDavid1964
Hamden, CT71 contributions
A Special Lake
Aug 2019
My friend Kat and I went to Bow Lake a couple of weeks ago. We drove from Calgary which took about two and half hour with no traffic. We arrived in the afternoon and had serious jet lag. We stayed at the Num-Ti-jah Lodge a different review. After getting a good nights sleep and seeing the brightest stars Ever!! I walked out side in the morning to sit near the lake and have coffee that was soo great. we walked along the trail to Bow Falls. Firts you walk past the lake then into son very green trees to the stream which is a very blue color but really cold. There are some stairs to get to a view of the falls. Everything looks close but the perspective is hard to get, Things are big a thirty foot tree looks about 6 feet. There is a way up the glacier and lake about the rock face. I didn't go up there but bring extra water sunblock and glasses. The Sun is very strong. Oh BTW the mosquitos can be a pain too. Walking up to the falls and just sitting to take things is so worth it. I think people tent to run around to see as much as possible but in a place like this just sitting for a few hours to listen is a special thing. Also If you plan on doing a lot of hiking be in shape because the altitude 6,500 feet will get to most people. If you like places that are not as touristy as Lake Louise but still gorgeous come here.
Written August 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Photophilplym
Plymouth, UK274 contributions
A truly stunning Lake
Aug 2016 • Couples
This is a stunningly beautiful lake which has a terrific colour. Unlike a lot of the other big lakes it is right beside the Icefields Parkway and is easily accesible to the shoreline. There is a car park which is a tad on the small side but patience normally finds you a space or limited parking on the access road is available. It is a beautiful Blue colour and there are nice pathways and bridges around the main shore. There is also a very interesting shop at the cabin which is worth a look around. No access problems and well worth a stop and sit to take in the true beauty.
Written September 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve S
Warrington, UK715 contributions
Make the effort to get out of the car!!
Sep 2014 • Couples
There is a very long pull in section as the lake runs parallel to the Icefields Parkway but make the effort to get out and enjoy a little of this natural beauty. There is also a road that off shoots to the Num Ti-Jah resort and there are paths that go from the roadside parking to the resort car park. You can also walk the whole way around the lake but I think it's about 11 kms and probably a good days hike but the surrounding hills are spectacular and the view of Bow Summit Glacier is breathtaking. So don't just pull-in, jump-out and take a few snaps but spend a little time to walk along the waters edge because the colour of the water changes with your perspective. Enjoy!
Written October 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travellover6128
San Francisco, CA3,092 contributions
Well worth a stop
When driving from Jasper to Lake Louise, Bow Lake is fairly close to lake Louise and I think for this reason, a lot of people don't stop here, as they have either been to a number of attractions along Icefields Parkway, or they just want to get to the more famous lakes. If you do this, then you really are missing out. Bow Lake is stunning, very quiet but it had some of the most amazing views of the holiday. Even if you stop for a few mins, you should really take the opportunity, as the views are tremendous !
There is a stopping point along the road but there is also a turn off, which allows you to park the car and go for a walk. I would highly recommend you do this - you wont be disappointed !
Written October 10, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Bow Lake (Banff National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Bow Lake
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