Bow Glacier Falls

Overview

About Bow Glacier Falls

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.

Why stop

Towering, glacier-fed waterfall with dramatic 154 m drop
Rewarding 9 km easy–moderate hike through classic glacial terrain

Heads up

Parking fills quickly in peak season
Rocky, uneven sections and a steep middle climb

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.

Parkwolf’s verdictWhy go

Map

Where it is

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Full map

SightBow Glacier Falls51.65254, -116.49835

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Bow Glacier Falls

Arrive early or go on a weekday—the Bow Lake lot fills quickly.
Carry bear spray and know how to use it; bears frequent the area.
Wear sturdy, grippy shoes and a shell—the trail is rocky and the falls are misty.
Download maps and plan offline; there’s no cell service at Bow Lake.
Budget extra time for the steep stair section and final boulder field.

Plan your stop

Before you go

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.

8 active Banff alerts

ClosureRed Deer River valley bottom closed for ceremonial bison harvestThe Red Deer River valley bottom is closed to the public during an Indigenous ceremonial bison harvest taking place through November.Official details
ClosureLake Minnewanka and Aylmer area closureLake Minnewanka Trail, Aylmer Pass Trail, and campgrounds Lm8, Lm9, Lm11, Lm20, Lm22 and Lm31 are closed to all users because black bears are displaying food-seeking behaviour.Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Banff Tour Guide

Your drive to Bow Glacier Falls, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Banff National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

More about Bow Glacier Falls

What makes it specialThis route is an open-air geology lesson: moraines, a narrow gorge carved by meltwater, and the…

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.

WildlifeBear encounters are possible, and marmots are commonly seen along the route.

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 goThis is a very popular outing; the Bow Lake parking area can fill fast in summer.

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.

ServicesAll amenities are at the Bow Lake trailhead: parking, restrooms, and a café/restaurant inside…

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.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Banff

All Banff wildlife maps

122 sightingsGrizzly BearMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

150 sightingsBrown BearMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

44 sightingsGray WolfMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

12 sightingsRiver OtterMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

67 sightingsMooseMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

465 sightingsBlack BearMost seen around 9 PMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Banff. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.