Bow Lake might be the most underrated stop on the entire Icefields Parkway, and that’s saying something given how much competition it has. Located 37 km north of Lake Louise village along Highway 93, sitting at an elevation of 1,920 meters, it’s the kind of place where you round a corner on the drive and suddenly the whole car goes quiet. When it seems like you can’t climb any higher along the dramatic Icefields Parkway, you’ll round a corner and discover breathtaking Bow Lake. The water is glacier-fed and that unmistakable turquoise blue, caused by glacial flour — fine rock particles created as the Bow Glacier grinds against bedrock. Unlike Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, you can actually experience this without fighting crowds — it offers a turquoise lake without the hustle and bustle found at those nearby spots.
What makes Bow Lake special is how effortless it is to enjoy. It’s ridiculously accessible, sitting right off the highway with no strenuous hiking required. There’s a lakeside trail that follows the water’s edge, and if you want more of a challenge, the hike to Bow Glacier Falls is a great extension for those with extra time. There are nice restrooms at the parking area near The Lodge at Bow Lake, plenty of spots to picnic, and in the summer a small cafe called Provisions Co for snacks and coffee — though we’d still recommend grabbing food in Banff or Lake Louise first since options here are limited. The Lodge itself, Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, sits right on the lake’s shore and is open seasonally — a beautiful, if pricey, place to stay if you want to wake up to this view.
