Bow Glacier Falls Hike

How to get to Bow Glacier Falls?

The Bow Glacier Falls hike is located at Bow Lake about 2.5 hours from Calgary on HWY 93, via scenic Jasper Icefields Parkway. Parking fills up early on weekends so arriving before 10 AM is best for ample parking opportunities.

Bow Lake is popular for its scenic beauty surrounded by 2 huge glaciers topped mountains on each end of the lake which cast their shadows on the lake on a calm sunny day.

Bow Lake has lots to see and do like fishing, hiking, and kayaking. As well, a trading post at the unique Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge has some great native-inspired gifts, a cafe, and lodging, however, is temporarily closed. Several clean washrooms are available in the parking lot area.

Is Bow Glacier Falls hike Easy?

The Bow Glacier waterfall hike is approx a 9km hike in and out which winds alongside the lake leading to a spectacular waterfall plunging down from the glacier-fed Iceberg lake above. This moderately rated hike is family-friendly, however, with exposed roots and rocks, water crossings, stairs, narrow trails and steeper inclines the trail may not be suited for everyone. (Shown below)

Plan at least 3 hrs although with time we took having lunch and wandering around the falls admiring its beauty, maneuvering the flooded pathways and creek crossings it took us 4 hours to enjoy the most of this hike.

I highly recommend good soled, waterproof hikers, trekking poles, and the bear spray of course as one can encounter wildlife even on the most popular of trials. For more advice on what to bring on day hikes check out>Back-Country Essentials for day hikes here

The Canyon

At approx. 3.5 km mark a trail veers off a bit towering the canyon below. A must-see sight as the rushing water carves its path through the mystic river valley with a stunning view of the falls in the distance. This is where to connect with the Onion or Bow hut trail by crossing atop the huge boulder wedged tight in the canyon walls.

The Bow Glacier Waterfall

Upon arrival, you are welcomed not only by the huge falls but many others that adorn this cirque, not to mention the falls seen along the hike. I counted 10 in all along with all the streams venturing throughout the river bed making this hike high on the list for water lover hikes.

The smooth staircase of rock amidst the falls is a great place to have a well-deserved break with the thundering sounds of water and mist from the falls is excitingly invigorating.

Looking down from the falls you can see Bow lake and the red roof of the lodge leaving one with a great feeling of accomplishment seeing how far one traveled. The views heading back are just as breathtaking, seeing things from a new perspective and a different angle.

I encourage hikers to really look around while hiking, be aware of their surroundings, and open their eyes to what’s around them. There is so much beauty people pass by without even being aware. By just venturing a couple of feet off the beaten trail or just admiring what is right in front of you one can capture some great shots of flowers, unique trees, or rock formations.

Check out the video below to see what I captured on this hike?

Other hikes in the area are The Onion, The Bow Hut, Iceberg lake or follow the Portal Peak route trail to the top although shows on the trails map but can’t find the actual west side route. These are Hard rated hikes so having experience is a necessity to stay safe.

Travel the Icefields Parkway for more exciting viewpoints here