Bow Glacier

Bow Glacier is a glacier that flows from the Wapta Icefield along the Continental Divide and forms the source for Bow Lake and the Bow River. The ice spreads across a large area and shapes the landscape with its white, deeply crevassed surface.

The glacier formed through the accumulation of snow over long periods and was continually shaped by the movement of ice masses. Its retreat patterns have been documented since the 1800s and demonstrate the effects of climate change on the alpine region.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts gather at the glacier viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway to document environmental changes.

The glacier is accessible via the Icefields Parkway with designated parking areas for visitors. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the road is fully open and walking routes are accessible.

The glacier's decline has left behind new lakes and sediment zones that reveal nature's power to reshape landscapes. Visitors can observe how the terrain shifts and how quickly ice deposits vanish within a relatively short span of years.

Location: Alberta

GPS coordinates: 51.64639,-116.51111

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43