Bow Valley Parkway
Bow Valley Parkway
4.5
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4.5
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Average
167
Poor
28
Terrible
12
Susan C
Vancouver115 contributions
July 2020 • Couples
Stunning!
Although taking the Trans Canada Highway here to go from Banff to Lake Louise is faster, take the Bow Valley Parkway instead, with a camera, bug spray, and hiking / biking gear in tow.
When we went through this last week though, there were bear and wild warnings. We ended up seeing a black bear which was fine because we were in the car.
There are some great trails, places to visit, campgrounds sites, and lodgings here. For instance, I’m sure you’ll take lots of pictures of / at Castle Mountain, Baker Creek (Chalets, too!), Johnson Canyon, Morant’s Curve, etc. just to name a few, and appreciate the scenery that each place offers.
The route is newly repaved which makes the 60km/h drive even smoother and more enjoyable. There are many points of interest here as well, too numerous to mention. Just google “Bow Valley Parkway” and see what strikes your fancy.
If you’re a believer that the journey is part of your whole nature experience, then taking this parkway is for you.
Although taking the Trans Canada Highway here to go from Banff to Lake Louise is faster, take the Bow Valley Parkway instead, with a camera, bug spray, and hiking / biking gear in tow.
When we went through this last week though, there were bear and wild warnings. We ended up seeing a black bear which was fine because we were in the car.
There are some great trails, places to visit, campgrounds sites, and lodgings here. For instance, I’m sure you’ll take lots of pictures of / at Castle Mountain, Baker Creek (Chalets, too!), Johnson Canyon, Morant’s Curve, etc. just to name a few, and appreciate the scenery that each place offers.
The route is newly repaved which makes the 60km/h drive even smoother and more enjoyable. There are many points of interest here as well, too numerous to mention. Just google “Bow Valley Parkway” and see what strikes your fancy.
If you’re a believer that the journey is part of your whole nature experience, then taking this parkway is for you.
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AK8397
Ontario, Canada1,018 contributions
Oct 2022
This parkway offers you the opportunity to get off the 4-lane highway and take a quieter, slower trip through the countryside. Lots of scenery to admire, with a few look-offs to stop at. Some hikes too, such as the Johnson Canyon trail which is highly recommended. We went in October, so there wasn't much traffic and there were few tourists. Hoped to see wildlife, but we were traveling in mid-day, when the sightings are less likely. It's a good alternative route, if you have the extra time.
Written 20 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine W
Chippenham, UK271 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We drove this route from lake Louise to Banff.it follows the river and has beautiful views all the way. We managed to photograph a train at Morants curve and stopped at other viewpoints though we failed to see any wildlife. We drove on to where the road is blocked at Johnston canyon. Walked here but were disappointed to find the upper falls trail was closed for maintenance. It is good that the road is closed at times which must help the wildlife and be wonderful for cyclists. It is a much quieter more pleasant drive than the trans Canada highway.
Written 7 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harvnjules
Jackson, TN33 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a must if you are staying in the Banff/Lake Louise area. This drive along the Parkway is gorgeous and we went in winter when there was snow everywhere. The river was frozen but our driver let us get out and take photos as she told us about the history of the area and how the Bow Valley got its name. Don't miss this drive. I would think it would be just as beautiful in the summer.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim B
Grapeview, WA1,827 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We rode our bikes from Banff to Johnston Canyon on the closed section. While I can sympathize with those who are upset that it is closed all month, as a cyclist, I can say there is nothing better than being able to ride through such a beautiful area without having to constantly watch for traffic.
As we rode, there were amazing views of different mountains around every corner. Also enjoyed the many pull offs with signs discussing different animals, rivers, history, and wild fires.
At Johnston Canyon you can ride into the closed campground for a quiet picnic stop.
As we rode, there were amazing views of different mountains around every corner. Also enjoyed the many pull offs with signs discussing different animals, rivers, history, and wild fires.
At Johnston Canyon you can ride into the closed campground for a quiet picnic stop.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
buttercup1211
Winnipeg, Canada1,758 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
We drove between Lake Louise and Castle Junction and what an absolutely scenic and peaceful ride. If you’re not in a rush, you definitely want to get off Highway 1 and take this route instead. Do a quick stop at Morant’s Curve for a quick photo op, or maybe you will be lucky and spot a train. We didn’t really see any wildlife other than chonky crows, but the leaves were starting to turn mid-September so it wa very pretty. There was hardly anyone on this route and the slower speed was a nice change. After Castle Junction, the road is closed, but if you want to drive up to Johnston Canyon, you can make a reservation to have a meal at Blackswift Bistro and the Parks Canada people will open the barricade for you. You can’t get past Johnston Canyon though so you still have to drive back to Castle Junction to get back on Highway 1.
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick D
Calgary, Canada1,215 contributions
Aug 2020
the Parkway was closed to reduce the number of people at Johnson Canyon and to rehabilitate some of the wildlife areas.
you can still get to Johnson Canyon if you drive the north route from Lake Louise, park near the cabins at Johnson Canyon and then have a short walk to the trailhead.
BUT the best part is that the road is open to walkers, hikers, skate boarders, roller skiers, roller bladers and cyclists. The road was newly paved a couple of summers ago and is in great condition and the route is 17 kms from the TransCanada closure to the Johnson Canyon parking lot. The sites are spectacular but it was the only time that the road has been quiet. It is so good we'll go back in two weeks to do the ride again
you can still get to Johnson Canyon if you drive the north route from Lake Louise, park near the cabins at Johnson Canyon and then have a short walk to the trailhead.
BUT the best part is that the road is open to walkers, hikers, skate boarders, roller skiers, roller bladers and cyclists. The road was newly paved a couple of summers ago and is in great condition and the route is 17 kms from the TransCanada closure to the Johnson Canyon parking lot. The sites are spectacular but it was the only time that the road has been quiet. It is so good we'll go back in two weeks to do the ride again
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KJDC19
Overland Park, KS177 contributions
July 2019
By far the best way to see Banff NP. Get off the Trans Canada Highway and immediately you're immersed in the wild. We saw loads of bears (black & grizzly), deer, moose and mountain sheep. The river and scenery is gorgeous and unforgettable. You can find crowded spots for sure but just as easily can find yourself alone with nature in the solitude of the wild along this scenic route. Highly recomend.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isabelle
Aruba30 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Its a beautiful drive! We could not hike Johnston Canyon, as the conditions were icy and we had no clamptons, so we choose to drive instead. We stopped at all lookout points.. it took about 1.5 hrs. Suggest to take picnic basket with.. and stop for a picnic in an amazing place! We only saw mountain goats and deer. Unfortunately no beers or wolves… but thats probably the season.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey4two
180 contributions
June 2023
My wife and I rented an e-bike in Banff and rode the Bow Valley Parkway, which was closed to vehicular traffic for the summer. We began our ride at 8 am and practically had the Parkway to ourselves. We saw deer, mountain goats and a bear, which made it memorable. The e-bikes made the 30+ mile ride a breeze (especially during the uphill portions), and it gave us a chance to casually observe the scenic ride. It is truly one of the most beautiful rides in the world! When the road splits, just stay on the right (as the sign indicates) and you'll get to enjoy both sides of the majestic beauty throughout the ride. After exploring the Johnston Canyon, we had lunch at the cafe, which had great food. (Johnson Canyon is just past the end of the closed portion of the Parkway.) This was an awesome experience, so be sure to do it!
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelling this month (August 2020) can anyone advise if Bow Valley Parkway is open to vehicular traffic??
Thanks in advance.
Written 9 August 2020
No. It’s closed for the entire summer to anything other than bicycles and walkers.
Just returned from it
Written 9 August 2020
Is this a loop drive? How long is the drive?
Written 3 January 2018
Not really a loop. You join Highway 1A (aka Bow Valley Parkway at this point) just after Mt Norquay heading west from Banff. It ends at the Lake Louise Ski Resort Road.. it is about 50km- approx. 30 miles. You could make it a loop by returning on the Trans Canada to Banff area. If you turn left at the Lake Louise Ski Resort Road you can join the Trans Canada there or cross it to go to Lake Louse Itself and Chateau Lake Louse further up the road. Even further up the road is Moraine Lake- a beautiful hiking trail esp. in the fall. Cheers!
Written 3 January 2018
where bear sightings north of johnson canyon
we had no luck from banff to johnson canyon
Written 1 July 2017
You need to get there either early in the morning...or at dusk. We saw about four when we were there. We had easy access though. Our lodge was nearest the one entrance that was open thruout the day/night.
Written 3 July 2017
Are there any restrictions on Bow Valley Parkway for truck-campers? Width, height or length?
Written 29 May 2017
No restrictions that I saw but beware lots of :obsticles" slow moving cars, fast moving cars and animals on the road. Otherwise enjoy
Written 30 May 2017
Travelling from Jasper to Calgary this October 3rd to 5th. Overnight in Lake Louise . Any advice on where to go along the route and especially where might be the best opportunities to see bears would be greatly appreciated . Thanks!!
Written 27 May 2017
Hi,
Just vot back from there, we saw a Grizzly Bear mama abd her cubs,along the mid point of the Bow Valley pkwy. coming from Lake Louise .Mid May is a good time as they are all coming out if hibernation and looking for food.
Written 31 May 2017
Hi All,
Going to Banff after a week in the end of April. I would like to see wildlife in Bow Valley Parkway. Which time and spot will you recommend for me? I don't mind to reach there before sunrise if that's the case.
Thanks,
Written 16 April 2017
There is no time, really it's just have your camera to hand, and sometimes your just in the right place at the right time, the scenery is just so beautiful to.
Johnston canyon is just fantastic to walk up and see the waterfall to x
Written 18 April 2017
What time of day were you traveling this parkway? Thanks.
Written 31 July 2016
We started at about 9 am and returned at 3|30.
Written 3 August 2016
we want to bike part of the Bow Valley Parkway. Where can we begin? How do we find the beginning? We are staying in Canmore. Where is the best place to begin that bike ride? We will have to rent bikes somewhere. We will probably ride about 5-10 miles, then turn back around.
Written 13 September 2015
I'd suggest driving your car from Canmore to the Banff Train Station and Heritage Visitor Center. Staff at the visitor center are very helpful and you can pick up maps there too. The train station/visitor center is located on Mount Norquay Road just outside of downtown Banff. Park your car here and then take the 10 minute walk into town to Bear Street. There is a bike rental place on Bear Street called Snowtips/Bactrax. (There may be a second bike rental place on Bear Street). Once you pick up your bikes, head back to the train station/visitor center and head up Mt. Norquay Road. You will see Vermilion Lakes Road (or Vermilion Lakes Drive) on your left before you get to Trans-Canada One (the main "interstate" between Canmore and Banff and Lake Louise, etc.). Mt. Norquay Road and Vermilion Lakes Road are all part of the Legacy Trail. Turn left here and follow the signs for Vermilion Lakes Road/Drive which goes past both of the lakes and continues on to Bow Valley Parkway. The start of the Parkway is about 5 miles from downtown Banff so you'll have to gauge how your legs are feeling if you want to continue up the Parkway. Have fun!
Written 15 September 2015
Hi there where shouts did you see the Bears. We're in Banff now looking for some. Thx
Written 11 September 2015
No we didn't but we did in Jasper & Mt Ronson. They are there but very shy and if its really busy with tourists they will keep away. They are after salmon at the moment to get the most amount of fat build up before winter. Head to Lake Minniewanka you will see a lot more. There is a lookout with a chipmunk that comes and says hello, Coyotes and Elk.
Written 13 September 2015
We will be in Banff in mid-October, will Bow Valley and Icefields Parkways be accessable this time of year? Any other advice for the month of October? Looking for scenic drives and non-strenuous hiking. Thanks!
Written 4 August 2015
Wildlife will be at the lower elevations at that time of year - so its a good choice, be prepared to stop if they wander into roads.
Top places to visit at that time of year - include Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, Columbia Icefield, Maligne Canyon, Bow Lake just to name a few. You also don't want to miss the tallest waterfall in Canada in Yoho Park, and the Natural Bridge which is on way back to highway from Emerald Lake.
If you go into Jasper - you can take the cable car to the summit of the mountains for a fantastic 360 view. A similar, but not as beautiful view can be seen from Banffs sulpher mountain.
It will be cold at the glacial lakes, so dress accordingly.
Layers are highly recommended.. There are plenty of places to stop along the Ice fields Parkway - take your pick - beautiful scenery the entire time.
Written 17 August 2015
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