1. About Bow Lake
2. My Trip
3. Why Visit Bow Lake?
4. Best Time to Visit
5. Hiking Around the Area
6. How Long Do You Need to Visit Bow Lake?
7. Place to Eat

About Bow Lake

Bow Lake, nestled along the stunning Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies, is a gem waiting to be explored. Here’s why you should definitely visit this pristine alpine lake in Alberta, Canada:

My Trip

I am a huge planner when it comes to vacation. I need to plan in advance the activity I want to do, places I want to visit and food I want to try. I always make a list (excel file list) of my itinerary per day. I like the feeling of having things planned and in-control to maximize the time. It may sound like control freak but not really. I just want to make sure things will go well and I do not waste time wondering and thinking what to do when I get to the place.

Planning ahead do have its pros and cons. I will not list it down, but I want to focus on one pros that I realize is good when you do not plan everything that you need to do. That is sometimes being spontaneous can lead you to finding the most beautiful places and most delicious food that you never expect you will find. That is the case for Bow Lake. This lake was not really in our itinerary. If you visit Alberta, the most popular attractions you will often hear people talk about are Lake Louis and Banff, but there are a lot of in Alberta than these major attractions.

Actually, there are so many beautiful places in Alberta, you just have to explore and extend beyond the most popular ones. I’ve been going back and fort in Calgary to visit a very close friend of mine. Calgary is my top visited Canada province more than anything else. I’ve been to this place countless times, I stopped counting.

Even after going back here several times, there are still a lot that is waiting for me to be explored. I do not think I will be able to visit them all even in my lifetime.

Bow lake was not a planned visit, but was a welcome sight to see. Although we only stopped for few minutes, I was very happy that we took our time to stop and admire this place. The lake itself was breathtaking and mesmerizing. It was like those photos I see in postcards or vacation magazines, it was unreal even in not so perfect weather.

You can tell from the photo that it was bait yellowish in color and that was because of the dust. When went during the end of Summer (around September), there were still some wildfires happening that affected the air and humidity. Even with this condition, the view was still unbelievable, imagine if you go here on a perfect sunny Summer day when everything is bright and clear. It was a nice welcome stop-over, unplanned by definitely welcome.

Why Visit Bow Lake?

Spectacular Scenery

• Bow Lake is one of the many lakes that grace the Icefields Parkway. Surrounded by majestic mountains and glaciers, it offers breathtaking vistas.
• When the water is calm in the mornings, you can witness a reflection of Crowfoot Mountainmirrored in the lake.

Turquoise Beauty

• The lake owes its mesmerizing turquoise color to the glacial melt from the Crowfoot Glacier and Wapta Icefield.
• During the Banff summer months, when the ice thaws, Bow Lake transforms into a dizzying blue wonder.

Outdoor Activities

• Hiking: Explore the area with a family-friendly walk along the lakeshore trail. Or opt for longer hikes around Bow Lake for a more immersive experience.
• Mountaineering: Adventure seekers can tackle nearby peaks and enjoy sublime views from the summit of Mount Jimmy Simpson.
• Picnic Spot: The lakeshore boasts an excellent picnic site with benches, perfect for a relaxing lunch stop.
• Winter Activities: When the lake is locked in ice, it becomes a hub for snowshoeing and ski touring

Historic Significance

• Along the shore stands The Lodge (formerly known as Num-Ti-Jah), built by one of Banff’s early mountain guides, Jimmy Simpson.
• Mount Jimmy Simpson, named after the same guide, offers multiple routes for rock climbers and scramblers.

Location and Accessibility:

• Bow Lake is approximately 30 minutes north of Lake Louise off the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93).
• It sits at an elevation of 1,920 meters (6,300 feet) and is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park.

Combine with Peyto Lake:

• If you’re heading to Peyto Lake, consider combining the two destinations for a memorable day of natural beauty and exploration.

So, whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility, Bow Lake awaits with its azure waters and awe-inspiring surroundings. Don’t miss this Banff gem!

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bow Lake in Banff is from June to September. Let me share some details about why this period is ideal:

1. Spring (June):
   • As spring arrives, the lake begins to melt, revealing its stunning beauty.
   • Witness an abundance of wildflowers in bloom.
   • The lake takes on a brilliant blue hue, thanks to the glacier melt from the Crowfoot Glacier and Wapta Icefield.
2. Summer (July to September):
   • During summer, Bow Lake remains full and is always a great visit.
   • The turquoise waters against the backdrop of towering mountains create a picture-perfect scene.
   • Morning is an excellent time to visit when the water is calm and mirrors the surrounding peaks, including Crowfoot Mountain and the continental divide.
   • Evening and sunset also offer impressive views of Bow Lake.

Hiking Around the Area

Please note that the is no cell service in this area until you get to Lake Louise, your best bet is to download the AllTrails map to your phone to use offline before you head out on your hiking trip. Many of the trails in this area are not super well marked and it can be easy to get turned around.

There are many great hikes in this area, with even more options starting from Peyto Lake just down the road.

How Long Do You Need to Visit Bow Lake?

The length of time needed depends on the activity that you want to do. Fo a short quick stop just to take photo and relax, 30 minutes will do. If you are planning hike around the area, it will take more time. Plan ahead. The area where we stopped was just a portion/side of the Bow Lake, this is the one close to the highway. There is so much to explore if you have time to spare.

Remember, Bow Lake is not just a visual delight; it’s also a gateway to various hiking trails, including the Mount Jimmy Simpson Summit. So pack your camera, explore the area, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this beautiful Banff lake!

Place to Eat

There is a lodge house in front of the Lake that is hard to miss. This is the one you see when you enter the Lake, the red lodge house. They have a small cafe where you can get snacks and drinks to go. They were doing some renovations when we got there and no hot meals are available. Anyway, best to bring your own snacks.

That’s it for noe. I hope you enjoy this post. Whether you stay for awhile or spend longer hours, just enjoy the scenery and relax.

Click the item to watch the video

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• [VIDEO] Bow Lake
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