Bow Falls
4.5
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Top ways to experience Bow Falls
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
131 within 3 miles
Attractions
47 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,174 reviews
Excellent
2,054
Very good
1,537
Average
535
Poor
44
Terrible
4
Worthy Travels
San Francisco, CA433 contributions
Sep 2022
A definite must-see when visiting Banff! Try to go early in the morning and just marvel at the way the color of the water changes with the sunlight. It's just stunning. Walk the trail and enjoy listening the rush of the water and just marvel at this breathtaking waterfall and its lovely surroundings.
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sightseer48954554169
Belfast, UK2 contributions
Sep 2022
The gentle walk along the Bow Falls offers stunning scenery and the opportunity to take a lovely hour long raft tour along the river. Our guide Kim was full of interesting information about the areas wildlife, fauna flora and geology. We visited Banff at the end of a busy sightseeing holiday in Canada and this was a lovely relaxing way to end our holiday. Easy to reach from the town and on the doorstep of Banff Springs hotel.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
must_travel_soon_10
Mississauga, Canada1,579 contributions
Sep 2020
Surprise corner viewpoint allows a great vista overlooking the rapids and falls from above. The river road viewpoint has the lower falls view, which is spectacular. From above the power and fast flowing waters can be appreciated. From below the falls are roaring and then down stream, seems so tranquil. Didn't get a chance to walk along the walkway along the Bow river, but it appears to be a great stroll.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tin QC
Calgary, Canada318 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
Scenic and awesome to see! We’ve been here in winter when it was frozen and then now in summer when it is free-flowing and powerful. We went on a rainy day and Bow Falls looked extra pretty with fog all around it. Definitely a must-see!
Written July 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jnewman13
12 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
There are great walking paths to visit this viewpoint. Things get a bit slippy in the winter. There is also parking close by if there are not too many people trying to visit. At peak times, it is difficult to get pictures or move too close to the best spots. There is a nice pub, Waldhaus close by if you need a break after a hike.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
marvi62
Lafayette Hill, PA588 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
I think the 3 of us would have had a better impression of the Falls if we had parked on the side of the river where the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is. We could see people on that side walking on a trail facing the Falls. But we followed the signs and parked on Buffalo St in the designated (and small) parking lot. We could hear the Falls but couldn’t really see them.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kburns195
Ontario, Canada31 contributions
Feb 2020
On our way to the Banff Springs Hotel we stopped at the Bow Valley Falls. The skies were overcast and it was snowing. Low cloud covered the mountain.
As we made our way up to the Hotel, the sun came out. So after we finished exploring the hotel and the magnificent views from the Garden Terrace, we decided to head back to the Bow Valley Falls. Glad we did! They were so much more spectacular when it was sunny.
If you go when the water is somewhat frozen, be careful on the ice. There were people wandering out on the ice and very close to the open running water.
As we made our way up to the Hotel, the sun came out. So after we finished exploring the hotel and the magnificent views from the Garden Terrace, we decided to head back to the Bow Valley Falls. Glad we did! They were so much more spectacular when it was sunny.
If you go when the water is somewhat frozen, be careful on the ice. There were people wandering out on the ice and very close to the open running water.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
shelley k
3 contributions
Oct 2022
Travelled to Bow Lake in October 2022. My daughter decided to have a destination wedding here at the lake edge with the mountains in the background . The area is gorgeous!! There were so many areas to take beautiful pictures. The wedding was a sunrise ceremony and we were not disappointed.
There is a cafe on premises and outdoor washrooms.
One thing to keep in mind is that we did not have any cell service while we were there. Could not send or received texts or calls. A bit inconvenience but we managed.
I would recommend seeing Bow Lake and looking into getting married there.
There is a cafe on premises and outdoor washrooms.
One thing to keep in mind is that we did not have any cell service while we were there. Could not send or received texts or calls. A bit inconvenience but we managed.
I would recommend seeing Bow Lake and looking into getting married there.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheryljenn
Red Deer, Canada221 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
This is a very popular spot in Banff. If you want less of a crowd go in the off season, morning, or weekday. For a slightly different view of the falls drive past the main parking area and park in one of the stalls on the side of the road. We found there to be less people in this area as well. This is a beautiful spot worth checking out while in Banff. There is lots of hikes from this area as well.
Written October 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
M F
3 contributions
Sep 2022
A leisurely walk along the river and adjacent woodland in the sunshine led us to the falls. The views are delightful - a real photo opportunity.
Walking through the woodland to the nearby Fairmont hotel allowed us to enjoy a welcome coffee.
Walking through the woodland to the nearby Fairmont hotel allowed us to enjoy a welcome coffee.
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
treavelbug
Vancouver, Canada23 contributions
Where are those stunning falls?
ScubaNut099
Edmonton, Canada203 contributions
The falls are accessible from within the Banff townsite itself by following a very easy trail. It's towards the south east end of town and follows the Bow River.
The Banff townsite website does have maps showing the location.
Salman S
Edmonton, Canada39 contributions
Are there washrooms at the Bow falls view point?
EKSKS21
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK1,389 contributions
Toilet Facilities at base of Falls and nearby ar Fairmont Springs Hotel which we were allowed to use during our visit.
No Washrooms situated at actual viewpoint but not an issue as so many are in nearby vicinity withing easy walking distance
travelingmontez
Plano, TX3 contributions
Hello I am looking for some fly fishing spots that are in close proximity to Rimrock Resort Hotel. Can anyone give me their recommendations?
JD W
Millet, Canada
Sorry not sure on that
Malu M
3 contributions
E seguro fazer rafting no River BOw
sueli2015
Rio Claro, SP36 contributions
Eu não fiz rafting lá, mas pesquisei e verifiquei que se forem tomadas todas as precauções e atendidas as normas de segurança que são fornecidas no local, é seguro. É bom também evitar uma passagem perigosa - a Harvie Passage. Espero ter sido útil minha resposta.
James C
United Kingdom14 contributions
How far are the falls from the centre of town and is the path steep ? Thanks
davGrimshaw
Alberta, Canada513 contributions
It would take about half an hour to walk to the falls from the downtown core. Before you descend to the falls from the street, you have a steep hill. Remember: what goes down must go up.
And when you arrive at the parking lot, situated at the bottom of the falls, there is a primitive (safe and well fenced) path along the side of the falls. You can see the full extent of the falls from the parking lot, but it's best to experience them but taking that path.
Lots of nice photo ops along that path. It's rugged, so if your heart is up to it, the effort is well rewarded.
Bow Falls (Banff) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Bow Falls
- We recommend booking Bow Falls tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 34 Bow Falls tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Bow Falls:
- Summer Tour: Banff and its Wildlife (From $67.33)
- Winter Tour: Banff and Its Wildlife (From $64.04)
- 6 Day Rocky Mountain Explorer Private Tour (From $3,670.19)
- Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip (From $723.52)
- 4 Hour Sulphur Mountain Horseback Ride (From $215.13)
- Hotels near Bow Falls:
- (0.12 mi) Fairmont Banff Springs
- (0.31 mi) Banff Log Cabin B&B
- (0.36 mi) Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity - Hotels
- (0.78 mi) Beaujolais Boutique B&B at Thea's House
- (0.34 mi) Cascade Court Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Bow Falls:
- (0.10 mi) Rundle Bar
- (0.13 mi) Grapes
- (0.11 mi) Waldhaus Pub & Patio
- (0.10 mi) Waldhaus Restaurant
- (0.13 mi) 1888 Chop House