Bow River Tours and Activities
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What begins as a drip of water from the melting Bow Glacier turns into the stunningly beautiful Bow River, which flows slowly and steadily through the Rockies in Canada’s oldest national park. The river also flows through Banff, Canmore and Calgary, making it a constant presence on any journey through southern Alberta.
The best way to appreciate the beauty of Bow River is by heading out on the wheelchair-friendly walking and cycling path in downtown Banff to complete the short trip to Bow Falls. Countless picnic tables and park benches make Bow Falls an ideal lunch spot, and float trips, in giant inflatable rafts, begin right at the base of the falls, too. Both wildlife and wildflowers are often seen along the river, where canoe trips are popular. The river is divided into three half-day canoeing sections, all of which require intermediate experience: Lake Louise to Castle Junction, Castle Junction to Banff and Bow Falls to Canmore.
The Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic route between the town of Banff and Lake Louise, offers plenty of photo-worthy riverside stops, but one of the most spectacular is right where the Bow River flows beneath the towering walls of Castle Mountain, near Castle Junction.
Practical Info
The Bow River flows west to east through Banff National Park, and there are multiple access points along both the Bow Valley Parkway and the TransCanada highway. Bow Falls is located just behind the Banff Spring Hotels, approximately 1.5 kilometers from downtown Banff.
Address: Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Hours: Daily
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Bow River
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Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus
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Discover Banff National Park at your own pace with a ticket for the Hop-On bus. Buy your ticket in advance to guarantee your spot on the shuttle that zips around to attractions in the park not easily accessible without wheels. The modern school bus style shuttle goes between the town of Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Samson Mall, and the Lake Louise gondola. You choose where to visit and when.
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From
$55.92
From
$55.92
Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk
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Discover one of Banff National Park’s most popular hiking trails at night, without the fear of getting lost, during this small-group tour. Equipped with a headlight, explore Johnston Canyon with a guide leading the way, and marvel at shimmering frozen waterfalls and hike along a suspended catwalk. Then, take a break to warm up mid-route with hot chocolate and maple cookies.
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From
$71.93
From
$71.93
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
207
Discover Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on this guided tour from Banff. Located inside the Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the lakes are well-known for their distinct turquoise hues. Gain insight into the area’s mountaineering history, admire views of the Valley of Ten Peaks and leave with plenty of frame-worthy photos. Round-trip transportation is included on this small-group tour. Don’t miss this seasonal tour that operates from April to November.
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From
$78.95
From
$78.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Frame & Feast: Photo and Foodie Experience
Unlike any other tour or workshop out there! This activity merges landscape photography and fine dining into a cultural learning experience for those who want to delve into the local sights and flavours of Banff National Park.
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From
$793.63
per group
From
$793.63
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Discover Lake Louise
33
Widely considered the Banff National Park’s top attraction, Lake Louise is transformed in winter into a snowy wonderland—but booking transportation to reach it independently from Banff is time-consuming. This hassle-free transfer service includes round-trip travel from central Banff, with interpretive commentary from your guide along the way. Enjoy free time to explore Lake Louise at leisure, with snow-shoes and warming refreshments included.
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From
$72.81
From
$72.81
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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E-Bike & Hike - Banff To Johnston Canyon - Moderate
Experience two of Banff's best attractions in one guided tour, cycling the world famous Bow Valley Parkway by e-Bike to access Banff's most popular dayhike Johnston Canyon.
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From
$121.36
From
$121.36
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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