Pros & cons
PROS
- Towering, glacier-fed waterfall with dramatic 154 m drop
- Rewarding 9 km easy–moderate hike through classic glacial terrain
CONS
- Parking fills quickly in peak season
- Rocky, uneven sections and a steep middle climb
Why go
Bow Glacier Falls is the showpiece at the head of Bow Lake: a thunderous, glacier-fed cascade dropping roughly 154 m off the cliffs below Bow Glacier and the Wapta Icefield. It’s one of the biggest waterfalls along the Icefields Parkway and feels every bit of it—especially in late spring and summer when meltwater is roaring.
The hike, at a glance
Start from Bow Lake near the historic lodge and skirt the lake’s brilliant turquoise shoreline before the trail climbs around a canyon and across a broad glacial outwash plain. Expect a steep section with stairs in the middle and some rocky, bouldery stretches near the end. It’s about 9 km round trip with ~160 m of gain—easy to moderate—but the final approach can feel longer over the rocks. Many hikers push right to the base for spray-in-your-face views.
What makes it special
This route is an open-air geology lesson: moraines, a narrow gorge carved by meltwater, and the glacier itself looming above. You’re literally walking through the Bow River’s headwaters—the water you see plunging here flows through the Bow Valley and beyond. Photographers rave about the combination of lake reflections, glacier views, and the falls framed by rugged cliffs.
Wildlife
Bear encounters are possible, and marmots are commonly seen along the route. Mountain goats, pikas, and alpine birds also frequent the area. Keep dogs leashed.
Know before you go
- This is a very popular outing; the Bow Lake parking area can fill fast in summer.
- No cell service at Bow Lake—plan offline and tell someone your plans.
- Trail footing varies: expect wet sections, spray near the falls, and uneven rock.
- Mosquitoes can be pesky, especially early summer near the lake and flats.
Services
All amenities are at the Bow Lake trailhead: parking, restrooms, and a café/restaurant inside the lodge area. There are picnic benches at the Bow Lake picnic site. There are no services at the falls themselves.
Best time to visit
Late spring through summer brings the biggest, most photogenic flow. Aim for early morning or weekdays to beat the crowds and snag parking. If you’re visiting later in the season or during a dry spell, expect a lower-volume cascade but still beautiful mountain-and-glacier scenery.
Where it is
51.6525, -116.4984Tips for Bow Glacier Falls
- 01Arrive early or go on a weekday—the Bow Lake lot fills quickly.
- 02Carry bear spray and know how to use it; bears frequent the area.
- 03Wear sturdy, grippy shoes and a shell—the trail is rocky and the falls are misty.
- 04Download maps and plan offline; there’s no cell service at Bow Lake.
- 05Budget extra time for the steep stair section and final boulder field.
Amenities
Near Bow Glacier Falls
All places →All trails →
0.7 mi awayBow GlacierActive glacier above turquoise Bow Lake and thundering Bow Glacier Falls
0.7 mi awayThe OnionDome summit with sweeping icefield views above Bow LakeScenic Viewpoint
1.3 mi awayBow HutSelf-service alpine hut and Wapta Icefield base with big viewsRestroom · Lodging
2.1 mi awayBow LakeTurquoise roadside lake with glaciers, reflections, and easy trailsTrailhead · Pullout
2.3 mi awayBow Glacier FallsTurquoise shoreline walk to Bow Glacier Falls viewpointsModerate · 5.6 mi · 3 hr2.3 mi awayBow Lake LakeshoreBow Lake shoreline and forested climb to Bow Glacier FallsEasy · 5.6 mi · 3 hr
2.3 mi awayMount Jimmy Simpson TrailA full-day scramble from Bow Lake to Icefields Parkway panoramasChallenging · 9.5 mi · 8 hr2.3 mi awayBow Hut TrailDemanding alpine approach from Bow Lake to the ACC’s Bow Hut, with glacier views, moraine, and creek crossingsChallenging · 9.7 mi · 5.5 hr
