Bow Falls
4.5
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Top ways to experience Bow Falls
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- booking1231,521 contributionsExcellentWe took roam bus 2 to falls but you can walk the trail 1.7 miles takes 39 minutes. Falls are spectacular. There are about 400 or more steps to climb if you want to look at the falls from the top. Falls are very scenicVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 September 2023
- Peter VMarket Bosworth, United Kingdom56 contributionsExcellentYou can hear the falls from a distance. An art trail takes you there and on a cold sunny day a memorable experience. Foot paths well looked after. Well worth the walk from centre of BanffVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 October 2023
- Marc WWeymouth, United Kingdom1,949 contributionsLovely, peaceful falls.The Bow falls. It probably took us an hour or so to walk through the park to the falls from the centre of Banff as there was plenty to see en route. We visited during the autumn, so it was also fairly quiet, so you could sit by the base of the falls and enjoy the noise of the water.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 January 2024
- Cynthia N16 contributionsWell worth the stop, even in mid-winterWas beautiful and very peaceful in the middle of winter. Was just a short stop for the view, but well worthwhile. The information boards were interesting and worth stopping to read. I would guess in the summer it would be lovely and offer some hiking around the river/falls and canoeing or kayaking on the river.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 15 February 2024
- N0rmaleeBossier City, Louisiana1,018 contributionsQuite the sightseeing spotTotally breathtaking spot. I’ve always seen and heard great comments about Banff and they are certainly correct! Wonderful photo ops anywhere you look. We were lucky enough to have good (if cold) weather. The force of the waterfall is awesome to view.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2024
- 945kirstenp4 contributionsBeautiful falls in the heart of BanffWhat an amazing sight. It looks underwhelming in photos but it’s very powerful and breath taking. The walk along the side of the falls lets you experience the power of the falls up close. It is approximately 5 flights of stairs but you can take your time if you are older or not used to climbing steps. Highly recommend for a relaxing 60min activity.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 June 2024
- DAROHATHCairns, Australia1,280 contributionsFalls are only just outside of townBow Falls are only just out of town and definitely worth a look. As we were there in March, the falls were predominantly frozen. This did allow you to walk up though and I’d definitely recommend a short stop here when visiting BanffVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 June 2024
- Scott W8 contributionsBow River Float from the Bow FallsWe saw the Bow Falls from the rafts.Had a great time and some excellent views of the river and Bow Falls. Well worth a visit. Hardly any walking needed to see the falls. Great spot for a family or wedding photo.Visited July 2024Travelled on businessWritten 24 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
4,229 reviews
Excellent
2,086
Very good
1,554
Average
541
Poor
44
Terrible
4
must_travel_soon_10
Mississauga, Canada1,802 contributions
Sept 2020
Surprise corner viewpoint allows a great vista overlooking the rapids and falls from above. The river road viewpoint has the lower falls view, which is spectacular. From above the power and fast flowing waters can be appreciated. From below the falls are roaring and then down stream, seems so tranquil. Didn't get a chance to walk along the walkway along the Bow river, but it appears to be a great stroll.
Written 23 September 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.
945kirstenp
4 contributions
June 2024 • Family
What an amazing sight. It looks underwhelming in photos but it’s very powerful and breath taking. The walk along the side of the falls lets you experience the power of the falls up close. It is approximately 5 flights of stairs but you can take your time if you are older or not used to climbing steps. Highly recommend for a relaxing 60min activity.
Written 11 June 2024
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.
sainbasha
Irvine, CA3,998 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Banff is beautiful. You can enjoy nature at any point of Banff. A peek to falls very near Banff downtown is Bow Falls. Just a few minutes drive from downtown you can enjoy the falls and lake surrounded by mountains. This visit can be made at any time of the day at leisure.
Written 5 June 2024
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.
Worthy Travels
San Francisco, CA438 contributions
Sept 2022
A definite must-see when visiting Banff! Try to go early in the morning and just marvel at the way the color of the water changes with the sunlight. It's just stunning. Walk the trail and enjoy listening the rush of the water and just marvel at this breathtaking waterfall and its lovely surroundings.
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.
Sightseer48954554169
Belfast, UK2 contributions
Sept 2022
The gentle walk along the Bow Falls offers stunning scenery and the opportunity to take a lovely hour long raft tour along the river. Our guide Kim was full of interesting information about the areas wildlife, fauna flora and geology. We visited Banff at the end of a busy sightseeing holiday in Canada and this was a lovely relaxing way to end our holiday. Easy to reach from the town and on the doorstep of Banff Springs hotel.
Written 9 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.
Anne D
Sydney, Australia64 contributions
July 2023
You can easily reach the Bow River Falls by #2 ROAM bus which runs once and hour to the falls. The falls themselves are easily reached from the shore and then the lake opens out. The float tours (all completely dry thanks to a wooden floor in the big zodiacs) and kayak trips leave form here and go one way down the river and then the guests are transported back by shuttle. It's a very popular place for families in the local areas too.
Written 3 August 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.
booking123
New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada1,521 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We took roam bus 2 to falls but you can walk the trail 1.7 miles takes 39 minutes. Falls are spectacular. There are about 400 or more steps to climb if you want to look at the falls from the top. Falls are very scenic
Written 20 September 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.
DAROHATH
Cairns, Australia1,280 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Bow Falls are only just out of town and definitely worth a look. As we were there in March, the falls were predominantly frozen. This did allow you to walk up though and I’d definitely recommend a short stop here when visiting Banff
Written 13 June 2024
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.
Chad M
Calgary, Canada432 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
We always make it a point to come and visit the Bow Falls. This place is very meaningful for our family. This time of year, especially on a weekday, it’s quiet and there’s less rushing water. It was a gorgeous day and we truly love the view of the falls and the river below the falls. Go see for yourself if you find yourself in Banff!
Written 3 November 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.
marvi62
Horsham, PA769 contributions
June 2022 • Family
I think the 3 of us would have had a better impression of the Falls if we had parked on the side of the river where the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is. We could see people on that side walking on a trail facing the Falls. But we followed the signs and parked on Buffalo St in the designated (and small) parking lot. We could hear the Falls but couldn’t really see them.
Written 13 June 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.
The falls are accessible from within the Banff townsite itself by following a very easy trail. It's towards the south east end of town and follows the Bow River.
The Banff townsite website does have maps showing the location.
Written 12 July 2021
Are there washrooms at the Bow falls view point?
Written 7 August 2018
Toilet Facilities at base of Falls and nearby ar Fairmont Springs Hotel which we were allowed to use during our visit.
No Washrooms situated at actual viewpoint but not an issue as so many are in nearby vicinity withing easy walking distance
Written 7 August 2018
Hello I am looking for some fly fishing spots that are in close proximity to Rimrock Resort Hotel. Can anyone give me their recommendations?
Written 22 January 2018
JD W
Millet, Canada
Sorry not sure on that
Written 20 February 2018
Eu não fiz rafting lá, mas pesquisei e verifiquei que se forem tomadas todas as precauções e atendidas as normas de segurança que são fornecidas no local, é seguro. É bom também evitar uma passagem perigosa - a Harvie Passage. Espero ter sido útil minha resposta.
Written 10 July 2015
How far are the falls from the centre of town and is the path steep ? Thanks
Written 1 June 2015
It would take about half an hour to walk to the falls from the downtown core. Before you descend to the falls from the street, you have a steep hill. Remember: what goes down must go up.
And when you arrive at the parking lot, situated at the bottom of the falls, there is a primitive (safe and well fenced) path along the side of the falls. You can see the full extent of the falls from the parking lot, but it's best to experience them but taking that path.
Lots of nice photo ops along that path. It's rugged, so if your heart is up to it, the effort is well rewarded.
Written 29 August 2018
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