Bow Valley

Bow Valley is a valley following the Bow River through the Rocky Mountains, with glacial lakes and a web of hiking trails connecting different areas. The landscape features steep mountain slopes, open meadows, and forested sections that stretch across many kilometers.

The name comes from reeds that once grew along the river and were used by Indigenous peoples to make hunting bows. European explorers and railroad builders arrived in the late 1800s and shaped how the region developed.

The towns of Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise serve as working communities where galleries, shops, and restaurants blend into daily life among the mountains. Each place has developed its own character shaped by how residents and visitors interact with the landscape.

Plan for adequate time to explore different areas since distances between locations are considerable. Good footwear, weather protection, and a map or GPS device will help you navigate safely and move around comfortably.

The area contains gorges and canyons carved into the rock, such as Johnston Canyon with its cascading waterfalls. These features are not visible from the main roads but require only short walks to discover.

Location: Alberta

GPS coordinates: 51.16710,-115.48000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:01