Bow Hut Trail

Start from the Bow Lake parking area near Num-Ti-Jah Lodge and follow the rough north-shore trail, with changing views across the water. At the stream entering the lake, climb the marked path beside the canyon and take its first left over a boulder bridge to the east side of the river. The stairs that continue toward Bow Glacier Falls lead to a different hike, so follow the Bow Hut branch here. The parking area is shared with other lake hikes and fills quickly; an early start helps.

Beyond the bridge, stay on the trail above the east bank, then drop to the streambed and keep left as you head upstream. The path climbs through trees and over boulder fields. In the upper sections, cairns mark a braided route rather than one polished tread, and they're easy to lose among the rubble. Snow can linger, and the creek crossings can be difficult when water is high. Take the cairn line carefully and don't force a crossing that doesn't look safe.

The trees give way to an open, rubble-filled moraine basin beneath a headwall. Bow Glacier fills the far end, and Bow Hut sits on a rock ledge to the right. Follow the cairns across the basin, cross the last creek before the steep final paths, then climb to the hut. From the basin, frame the glacier and hut together; that view shows how far the route has carried you from the lake. The hut is reserved overnight accommodation, not a day-use shelter. Turn around outside unless you have ACC authorization to go in.

The first Bow Hut was built in 1968 to help ski tourers and mountaineers reach the Wapta Icefields from Bow Lake. Peter Fuhrmann started the project, Peter and Catharine Whyte funded it, and Calgary Ski Club and Alpine Club of Canada members helped build it. The original hut later fell into disrepair, with drainage and sanitation problems at its site. A replacement opened in 1989, built with $98,000 raised mainly by the Calgary and Edmonton ACC sections. The hut still serves as a base for longer glacier and mountaineering trips.

The Alpine Club of Canada lists the approach as ATES Class 3 avalanche terrain. This is the summer hiking route; the hut's year-round opening has a separate winter ski approach. Dogs are allowed on Banff summer trails unless a specific restriction applies, and must stay leashed and under control. Don't continue onto the glacier without glacier-travel experience and proper equipment.