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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Nearby routes

Best routes near Bow River

4.5

(42)

285

hikers

#1.

Sundance Canyon Trail

9.42km

02:39

190m

Hike the moderate 5.9-mile Sundance Canyon Trail in Banff National Park, featuring river views, a dramatic canyon, and waterfalls.

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Moderate

4.7

(46)

204

hikers

#2.

View from Sulphur Mountain – Bow Falls Viewpoint loop from Banff

19.8km

06:37

940m

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

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Hard

4.4

(14)

hikers

#3.

Banff Avenue – Bow River loop from Hidden Ridge Resort

21.0km

05:48

350m

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

Sunday 29 March

-1°C

-12°C

-- %

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Take Me There

Location: Alberta, Canada

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sundance Canyon

Sulphur Mountain Summit Lookout

Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon

Banff Town Centre

View from Tunnel Mountain

Sanson Peak

View of Banff and the Rocky Mountains

Mountain Trail in Banff National Park

Heritage Trail

View of Banff

View of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Bow Valley

Banff Avenue

Bow River

#1.

Sundance Canyon Trail

#2.

View from Sulphur Mountain – Bow Falls Viewpoint loop from Banff

#3.

Banff Avenue – Bow River loop from Hidden Ridge Resort

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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