How to Hike to Bow Glacier Falls on the Icefields Parkway

One of the top stops on the Icefields Parkway is Bow Lake. Most visitors stop here to enjoy the views from the lakeshore, but did you know there are a few epic hikes around Bow Lake? If you’ve ever wondered about the water source of Bow Lake in Banff, the answer is just a short hike away.

The water originates from the Bow Glacier and Wapta Icefield. It tumbles all the way down Bow Glacier Falls before emptying into Bow Lake and continuing down the Bow River, through Banff and Canmore, and eventually onto Calgary. That was a lot of “Bows!”

Though it is visible, you won’t really get a great view of Bow Glacier Falls from Bow Lake, so for those after a short hike, we recommend hiking to Bow Glacier Falls for a closer look. This is one of the easiest hikes on the Icefields Parkway, and it comes with a very nice reward at the end.

Bow Glacier Falls

To get a closer look of the beautiful Bow Glacier Falls, take the easy path past The Lodge at Bow Lake on the right side of Bow Lake. You’ll follow the trail around the lake, until you reach the end. Beyond Bow Lake, the trail gradually ascends through the alluvial plain. Keep the creek to your left to stay on the correct path. The trail is well defined and easy to follow until you reach a set of wooden stairs.

Here there is a sign directing you where to go for Bow Glacier Falls. Continue to take the “right” trail. Once you reach the top of the stairs, the falls come into view. You can stop here if you are satisfied with the view, however we recommend venturing on. From here, drop down into a boulder field and pick your way along the rocky, undefined terrain to reach the base of the falls. Continue as long as you want before turning around and heading back the way you came.

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When is the Best Time to Hike This Trail?

The area around Bow Lake is locked away in snow between mid-October and June. The best time to hike to Bow Glacier Falls is between mid-June and mid-October.

It’s best not to venture back here during the winter, as the whole area is surrounded by avalanche terrain. Snowshoes would be ideal if you decide to go in the winter months. Ideally, you also have avalanche knowledge and awareness (AST1 and beacon, probe, and shovel).

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Trailhead Info

Park at Bow Lake. Walk to the lake and take a right to start on the trail that skirts the lakeshore.

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Trail Duration

This trail should take most hikers anywhere between 2 and 4 hours to complete. Two hours would be on the very fast end, and four hours would be for those moving slower. Bow Glacier Falls takes most hikers 3 hours round trip to complete.

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How Hard is the Trail?

This trail is considered easy to moderate by Canadian Rockies standards. Most hikers, young and old, should be able to complete it. It’s fairly flat the entire way, besides the stair section; however, it can feel a bit long, leading to a 3 hour ordeal. The Bow Glacier Falls trail is not wheelchair—and stroller-friendly.

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Hiking Gear We Recommend

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Trail Notes

• The parking area for Bow Lake can get busy in the summer, particularly on a weekend day. This should be accounted for when planning your hike.
• Always carry bear spray while hiking on trails in the Canadian Rockies.
• You can stop at Provisions Cafe at The Lodge at Bow Lake for a snack before or after your hike!
• This trail is well-suited for families and pets. Please keep dogs on a leash at all times!
• There is no cell service at Bow Lake.
• There are plenty of other amazing hikes along the Icefields Parkway. Some nearby favorites are Helen Lake and Mistaya Canyon!