Hike to Bow Glacier Falls

Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Distance

5.6 miles

Elevation Gain

508.5 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Christin Healey

This is a fairly easy 9km hike in Banff National Park with a 155m elevation gain that leads to a beautiful waterfall with Mount Jimmy Simpson in the background. At the end of the hike, take a dip in Bow Lake to cool off and enjoy drinks, coffee, and amazing bison chili at the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge cafe.

The trailhead begins directly behind the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on km 37 of the Icefields Highway. The trail is well marked and winds along the shore of Bow Lake for the first 1.2km of the hike. Eventually you will lead up to a narrow gorge and onto the crest of a glacial moraine. There are only a few spots where the trail is not as obvious, but just make sure to follow the cairns and you will be fine. All of the elevation gain is in the last 1.5km of this hike, so just save a little energy if you are hiking with children. Also, this hike is best in the morning as not only is it less crowded, but the falls will be in the sunlight. This is a great little hike right in the middle of Lake Louise and Jasper, and a great way to break up that part of the trip while exploring a trail a little off the beaten path!

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Hike to Bow Glacier Falls Reviews

Erin T

Hike to Bow Glacier Falls

09/01/22

This trail was beautiful, with a little bit of everything you should expect in the Canadian Rockies: snowcapped mountains and a glacier above a pristine blue lake, forest, river, rapids, and a waterfall. Most of this hike is pretty easy, but there is a spot near the end that requires a steep, stepped climb, so save some energy. Stay on the main trail; some offshoots are more slippery (loose sand) and steep than they appear.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike to Bow Glacier Falls

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Hike to Bow Glacier Falls Reviews

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Nearby

Watch the Sunrise at Bow Lake, Banff NP

Snowshoe up Crystal Ridge

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