Backswamp Viewpoint

Backswamp is a small, unmarked viewpoint on the Bow Valley Parkway, about 3 km into the drive from its eastern end. It’s a quick roadside stop for a broad valley view, rather than a place to plan a long visit around.

Mount Bourgeau rises above the Bow River and the wetlands below. A train sometimes passes on the tracks down by the river, a lucky extra if one comes through. For a photo, keep the river in the foreground with the mountain above it; that layered view is the whole draw.

Coming from the eastern end of the Parkway, the pull-off is just before the first one-way section. If you reach one-way road, you’ve gone too far. The eastern Parkway also has seasonal overnight wildlife closures, so check current Parks Canada access notices before you go.