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 experience the best that Bow Lake has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, 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 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.

Activities and Tours

Bow Lake is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore 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 experience 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, 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.

Bow Lake Attractions

Expedia 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 to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Bow Lake.

Looking for things to do 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 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.

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Top places to visit

1. Banff National Park

Banff National Park is known for its rugged mountain scenery, glacier-fed turquoise lakes and miles of untouched forests. Come for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Thrill seekers will find no shortage of activities, from white water rafting to mountain biking.
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Banff National Park which includes railway items, a lake or waterhole and mountains

2. Lake Louise Mountain Resort

This premier destination is the place to be when you want that top winter getaway. From ski vacations to ski school and ski tours, Lake Louise has it all. Discover great deals for Lake Louise ski packages and start making your plans now! Winter is just around the corner and the excitement begins now!
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Lake Louise Mountain Resort featuring snow skiing and snow

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. 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 which includes tranquil scenes, views and mountains

6. 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 a lake or waterhole, views and mountains

What to do in Bow Lake

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bow Lake

Crowfoot Glacier

4.5/5(16 reviews)

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 showing mountains, snow and tranquil scenes

Lake Louise

Field showing mountains

Field

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 showing landscape views, tranquil scenes and mountain biking

Golden

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

Blaeberry

Mount Wilson is one of several mountains that surround Rampart Creek Campground in Banff National Park.

Rampart Creek

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.