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Bow Lake, Banff National Park
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Bow Lake, Banff National Park


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Bow Lake - Banff National Park
Bow Lake
by Webboy
Things to Do in Banff National Park: Bow Lake tips and photos posted by real travelers and Banff National Park locals.
Bow Lake
# Highway 93 Icefield Parkway
• 20 Photos
• 17 Reviews
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Bow Lake: Bow Lake
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  • Early morning clouds on Bow Lake and Bow Glacier - Banff National Park
    Early morning clouds on Bow
    Lake and Bow Glacier
    by madamx
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    Bow Lake is located along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, otherwise known as Highway 93. Of all the famous mountain lakes in Banff National Park, Bow Lake is probably the least crowded, and just as stunning as Lake Louise. Fishing is good on Bow Lake, and when we were there in September, we saw quite a few trout in the streams located around the lake near Num-ti-jah Lodge (see next tip).

    For more stunning views , hike around the lake and up to Bow Glacier Falls.

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  • Directions: Just past the Lake Louise turnoff on the Trans Canada, take the Highway 93 exit. Take Highway 93 north for 36 km, and turn left onto the Bow Glacier/Num-ti-jah Road.
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    Bow Lake: Bow Lake
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  • Bow Lake is again one of those must see lakes. Surrounded by peaks and glaciers, this area provides some of the nicest scenery along the Icefields Parkway.

    Especially if you have time do a few hours of hiking. Some rather spectacular falls come of the Bow Glacier and feed the river leading to the lake. You can see both the glacier and the falls in the back of the picture.

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    Bow Lake: Bow Lake - Bow Glacier Falls hiking trail
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  • A hiking trail leads along the right side of the lake and then follows the river. After a while you have some steep climbing to do (partly steps). If you gained elevation you will have some great views of the surrounding area and the falls.

    From this point you can continue for half an hour or so across the moraine. This part is rather flat but of course very rocky and filled with numerous very small undeep streams to cross, so wear good shoes.

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    Bow Lake: Bow Lake
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  • Bow Lake is one of the picturesque lakes you see in many travel brochures, and it certainly lived up to expectations.

    Luckily we had the chance to see this on a clear sunny day. What a picture with all the trees surrounding it, the hills in the background, the blue shimmer from the water, and of course the Crowfoot Glacier hanging in the background!

    The Bow Lake can be found on the infamous Highway 93 - the Icefields Parkway, just minutes after the viewing point for the Crowfoot Glacier (if you are heading north).

    The Viewing point is right on the edge of the road, so there is no walk like there is at some stopping points e.g. Peyto Lake.

    A stunning picture opportunity. Worth a stop, even if only for 5 minutes!

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  • Directions: Just minutes after the viewing point for the Crowfoot Glacier (heading north).
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    Bow Lake: Bow Lake Columbia Ice Fields.
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  • I am not a 100% sure , but I believe this is Bow Lake ,this lake was still frozen when drove by,there is a viewpoint to see Bow lake and it has a Picnic site .
    Bow lake is one of the largest lake along the Ice Fields and it is fed by melt water of the Bow Glacier, and the Wapta Ice Fields ,and it is the headwaters of the Bow River.

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  • Directions: It is 196 km fom Jasper and it is of the 93 Highway.
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    Bow Lake: Bow Lake, great blue lake, Banff National Park
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  • Beautiful Bow Lake and reflections - Banff National Park
    Beautiful Bow Lake and
    reflections
    by Ann75, 2 more photos
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    Bow Lake is another amazing lake in Banff National Park. You can walk half way around the lake with cozy walkways. You will enjoy great views over the Crawfoot Glacier from the walkways along the edge of the water. It's a real nice place to spend some time! and enjoy the beautiful views! There is a picnic area, a lodge and a restaurant. Bow Lake is another example of the beautiful blue color!

    These glacier lakes in the Canadian Rockies can thank their brilliant blue color to the light filtering effect of rock flour (a powdery substance that the glaciers grind off the mountain rocks) in the glacial runoff.

    The rock flour suspended in the water filters out much of the light spectrum, leaving this remarkable turquoise blue color. The rock flour might also leave that milky look to the water. That's why each lake looks different and might look so blue one day like this photo and another day the lake will look like a sheet of glass reflecting the surrounding scenery. Bow Lake is a great example of these different looks! It all depends on the weather conditions (sunny or not), light conditions and the amount of rock flour present in the water.

    Bow Lake is found along the Icefield Parkway about 36km (22.5mi) north of Lake Louise towards Jasper. You can see this lake while driving along the highway.

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  • Directions: This lake is about 36km north of Lake Louise and it's along the Icefield Parkway to Jasper.
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    Bow Lake: Stop a while at Jimmy Simpsons Trading Post
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  • Lovey place to stop & rest a while - the views of the mountains & Bow Lake are truley magical from here.
    After a cold drink in the sunshine visit inside for a browse at some nice gifts & great books.

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    Bow Lake: Bow Lake
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  • This is one of the many scenic lookouts along the Icefields Parkway. It is located between Hector Lake and Lake Peyto. Hopefully you will see beautiful mountain reflections in the water as I did.

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    Bow Lake: BOW LAKE
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  • BOW LAKE: Sport fishing for trout is popular at the southern end while the swampy area at the lake's outlet is a great place to see moose.

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    Bow Lake: Bow Lake
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  • BOW LAKE: In the winter this lake is a great place for ice-skating. Check out the icy condition by in my Banff page.

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    More Banff National Park Tips
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