About
Bow Lake is a large glacial lake in Banff National Park, in Alberta, Canada. It lies beside the Icefields Parkway, the scenic road that links Banff and Jasper, and it sits at the toe of the Bow Glacier, which feeds the water.
What to expect
The lake is known for its views. On a clear day, Crowfoot Mountain rises above the water, and the setting makes it a favourite stop for photographers. Many travellers pull over here simply to look across the lake and take in the scale of the surrounding peaks.
A stop along the parkway
- Location: Icefields Parkway, Alberta, within Banff National Park
- Best suited to: photography, short walks and an unhurried break on a road trip
- Nearby: the wider Icefields Parkway corridor, with its other lakes, glaciers and mountain viewpoints
Because Bow Lake is on a major route, it works well as one stop among several rather than a destination on its own. Visitors often combine it with other points along the parkway, so allow time to stop at more than one place as you drive.
Is it worth the visit?
If you are travelling the Icefields Parkway and enjoy mountain lakes, Bow Lake is a natural place to stop. It offers open views, a chance to walk along the shore, and a good opportunity to photograph a glacier-fed lake framed by high peaks.