Originating from the Bow Glacier on the Wapta Icefield in the Canadian Rockies, the Bow River flows for about 587 kilometers (365 miles) through Banff National Park and the city of Calgary before joining the Oldman River to form the South Saskatchewan River. Within Banff, the river winds through meadows and mountain valleys, its turquoise waters reflecting peaks like Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. Visitors can walk along its many trails, admire the cascading Bow Falls, or paddle calm stretches for an up-close view of the park’s stunning scenery.

Robin

December 7, 2023

Hiking

Nice view from there the whole year around.

Jörg_Outdoor

September 4, 2025

Hiking

Brilliant horse riding trip through the Bow Valley

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Routes here

Best Hikes to Bow River

4.5

(42)

284

hikers

1. Sundance Canyon loop — Banff National Park

9.42km

02:39

190m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.7

(46)

199

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2. View from Sulphur Mountain – Bow Falls Viewpoint loop from Banff

19.9km

06:39

940m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.7

(46)

199

hikers

3. View from Sulphur Mountain – Bow Falls Viewpoint loop from Banff

19.9km

06:39

940m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 1,400 m

Weather

Today

Monday 26 January

-4°C

-13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

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Location: Alberta, Canada

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sundance Canyon

Sulphur Mountain Summit Lookout

Banff Town Centre

View of the Hoodoos from Hoodoo Loop

Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon

View from Tunnel Mountain

View from Sulphur Mountain

Sanson Peak

View of Banff and the Rocky Mountains

Bow Falls Viewpoint

Mountain Trail in Banff National Park

View of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Bow Valley

Bow River

1. Sundance Canyon loop — Banff National Park

2. View from Sulphur Mountain – Bow Falls Viewpoint loop from Banff

3. View from Sulphur Mountain – Bow Falls Viewpoint loop from Banff

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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