What to do in Bow Lake

Activities, attractions and tours

Bow Lake in Alberta, CA. Nestled away of the main road between Jasper and Banff. #Adventure #BowLake #Canada
Bow Lake is a small lake in western Alberta, Canada. It is located on the Bow River, in the Canadian Rockies, at an altitude of 1920 m. The lake lies south of the Bow Summit, east of the Waputik Range and west of the Dolomite Pass, Dolomite Peak and Cirque Peak. Wikipedia (June 2019) #Nature
Perfect weather to capture this beauty. #longdrivingCanada #travels #gratefulheart
The Crowfoot Mountain (elevation 3,055 m) at Bow Lake, which is the source of the Bow River. Taken after an usual early snowfall. #mountain #lake
Beautiful Bow Lake! A must see on your drive on the Columbia Icefields Parkway! #bowlake #icefieldsparkway #canada #beautifullakes

Bow Lake Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Bow Lake has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Bow Lake, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Bow Lake with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Bow Lake

Bow Lake is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Bow Lake, and make it a breeze to explore Bow Lake and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Bow Lake to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Bow Lake, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Bow Lake.

Bow Lake attractions

Bow Lake has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Bow Lake to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Bow Lake.

Looking for things to do in Bow Lake can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Bow Lake or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Bow Lake attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Banff National Park

Where to Stay in Banff National Park From mountain lodges with views stretching across Banff National Park to the iconic Chateau Lake Louise, the first hotel in the park, sitting on the shores of the lake, you have a great choice of places to stay both summer and winter. Get away from it all in one of Banff National Park’s spa resorts or skiing lodges, or find a hostel or mid-range hotel in the towns of Banff or Canmore, both well set up for winter and summer holidays for all budgets. Some hotels have swimming pools with flumes, which are perfect for families, while others have a more grown-up feel, with golf, spas and a relaxing sense of calm.
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Banff National Park which includes a lake or waterhole, mountains and railway items

2. Lake Louise Mountain Resort

Find adventure sports, breathtaking mountain scenery and wildlife at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Ski on challenging trails, enjoy a scenic gondola ride or hike through forests seeking wildlife. The resort is within Banff National Park, part of the Canadian Rockies. It offers over 4,200 acres (1,670 hectares) of skiable terrain, exquisite dining and lively après-ski entertainment.
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Lake Louise Mountain Resort which includes snow and snow skiing

3. Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park encompasses a section of the Canadian Rockies, where jagged mountain peaks zigzag into pristine river valleys. Discover astonishing lookouts, geological wonders and tranquil forests as you drive, hike or ski through the landscape. Covering an area of 507 square miles (1,313 square kilometers), Yoho National Park packs heritage sites, fascinating fossil deposits and 28 peaks over 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) into its UNESCO World Heritage-listed expanse.
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Yoho National Park showing a lake or waterhole and a bridge as well as a couple

4. Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, runs through the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. The Parks are classed as a world heritage site because of their pristine beauty and on the Icefields Parkway you get to see the best of it during one epic journey. En route, you’ll get to see lakes, glaciers, and peaks and you can get involved in several outdoor activities.
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Icefields Parkway showing a river or creek, mountains and tranquil scenes

5. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park. It turns aqua blue in summer, creating a beautiful sight as the water is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
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Peyto Lake featuring mountains, general coastal views and views

6. Lake Louise Gondola

Admire the spectacular panoramas of Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains from the Lake Louise Gondola. Sit in an open chair or enclosed pod and be transported high over an area of breathtaking natural beauty. See grizzly bears in their natural habitat, hike along marked trails and join guided walks. Learn about the region’s plants, animals and history at an educational center.
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Canadian Rockies featuring mountains, tranquil scenes and views

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What to do in Bow Lake

Popular places to visit

Crowfoot Glacier

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Crowfoot Glacier during your travels in Bow Lake. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's glaciers.

Crowfoot Glacier

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Bow Lake

Banff National Park featuring a lake or waterhole, landscape views and snow

Lake Louise

Heading eastbound on TransCanada 1 just before Banff, I was stuck by the beauty of the afternoon sun lighting up the mountains. I pulled off at the Hwy 93 exit and climbed up a rickety billboard scaffold (not recommended) to capture this shot.

Castle Junction

Revelstoke which includes landscape views, tranquil scenes and mountains

Golden

Blaeberry River, near Golden, British Columbia, Canada. Beautiful panoramic Canadian Landscape View of Frozen water and mountains in winter. With Flag Composite

Blaeberry

Just a short drive from The Crossing resort on the Icefields Parkway is the Howse Pass Viewpoint, you can just relax here and watch the Saskatchewan River flow through the valley. There is also a hike here but it’s a 24km gruelling one for the fit! #Nature

Saskatchewan River Crossing

Frequently asked questions

Is Bow Lake worth visiting?
Bow Lake has an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, nature or local culinary flavours, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Bow Lake?
Kick your day off with a visit to Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. Then, tour other areas of Bow Lake for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bow Lake?
The top tourist attraction in Bow Lake is Crowfoot Glacier, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Bow Lake?
If you only want to tick off the most popular attractions, three days is plenty of time for a trip to Bow Lake. Book for a week or more for the chance to truly appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby hotspots and discover some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Bow Lake with kids?
Planning what to do in Bow Lake with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Bow Lake for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Bow Lake. Whether you're into art, history, nature or just love finding new places to explore, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Bow Lake?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Bow Lake is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Peyto Lake is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.