Breathtaking Bow River Banff: A Scenic Walk from Bow Falls to Banff Village, Canada

The Bow River is one of Alberta, Canada’s most scenic waterways. Stretching approximately 587 kilometers (365 miles), the river begins high in the Canadian Rockies at Bow Glacier and winds its way through some of Alberta’s most spectacular landscapes.

From its headwaters, the Bow River flows past Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, Calgary, and Arrowwood before joining the Oldman River to form the South Saskatchewan River. Its waters eventually make their way toward Hudson Bay.

The river’s name is believed to refer to the reeds that once grew abundantly along its banks. Indigenous peoples used these slender, water-loving plants to make bows, giving the river its name.

Our Bow River Walk

According to AllTrails, the Bow River trail is approximately 5 miles long with 931 feet of elevation gain. We didn’t hike the entire trail. Instead, we chose to explore a particularly scenic section near Bow Falls.

On September 16, 2022, we drove to the large parking area at Bow Falls and began our visit there. After admiring the falls, we climbed the steps beside the waterfall and followed a portion of the trail along the Bow River toward Banff Village.

This section of the trail was crowded during our visit, but the scenery more than made up for it. The river was beautiful, and I found the constant sound of rushing water incredibly soothing as we walked beside it.

The trail also offers a fascinating connection to history. The banks of the Bow River have attracted explorers, artists, royalty, and Hollywood stars over the years. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited the area, as did Theodore Roosevelt. Marilyn Monroe also spent time along the Bow River while filming River of No Return in 1953.

The river’s spectacular landscapes have inspired numerous artists over the years, and it isn’t difficult to understand why. With the Rocky Mountains rising dramatically in the distance and the turquoise-blue river flowing through the valley, the scenery is exceptionally photogenic.

Although we only walked a small portion of the trail, it was enough to give us a wonderful taste of the Bow River’s beauty.

If you’re visiting Banff, I highly recommend walking this section of the trail from Bow Falls toward Banff. Even if you don’t have time for a longer hike, Bow Falls is absolutely worth a stop.

If You Go

Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada.
Our Visit: September 16, 2022.
Trail: AllTrails lists the full route at approximately 5 miles with 931 feet of elevation gain.
Our Route: We parked at Bow Falls and walked a short section of the trail along the Bow River toward Banff Village.
Difficulty: The portion we walked was relatively easy, although there are stairs near Bow Falls.
Scenery: Expect beautiful river views, mountain scenery, waterfalls, and plenty of photography opportunities.
Best For: Scenic walks, photography, nature lovers, and visitors who want to experience the Bow River without committing to the entire trail.
Crowds: This is a popular area, so expect other visitors, particularly during peak tourist periods.
Photography Tip: The combination of Bow Falls, the river, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains provides excellent photo opportunities.
Don’t Have Time for the Hike? At a minimum, stop at Bow Falls. The waterfall and surrounding scenery are well worth seeing.