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    Bow Valley Parkway

    1,843 Reviews
    #3 of 85 things to do in Banff
    Features Animals
    Nature & Wildlife Areas, Scenic Drives, Sights & Landmarks, Nature & Parks, Outdoor Activities
    Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
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    US$127.90*
    and up
    Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Day Trip from Banff
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    US$120.93*
    and up
    Small-Group Glacier Lakes and Lake Louise Hiking With Lunch
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    Overview
    4.5
    1,843 reviews
    • Excellent64%
    • Very good27%
    • Average7%
    • Poor1%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “beautiful drive” (152 reviews)
    “the main highway” (88 reviews)
    “between banff and lake louise” (87 reviews)
    LOCATION
    Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
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    Reviews (1,843)
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    1 - 10 of 1,615 reviews

    Reviewed yesterday
    Wonderful!

    Delightful road, provided you take your time, relax and enjoy the ride. It twists and turns along the river route and offers great views. Weren't particularly lucky with wildlife, sadly, but really enjoyed the drive through such stunning scenery at a leisurely pace. Not for...More

    Thank DonkScotland
    Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile
    Canada Road Trip

    Great views and not too busy, visited as part of a grand tour of the Canadian Rockys. Can thourghly recommend Sunwapta falls.

    Thank Johnthewhit
    Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile
    Saw a very big black bear bear on this drive

    Lovely drive from lake Louise to Banff along the old 1A highway, saw a lovely black bear munching on the berries along the road side, also lots of elk... Don't rush, take your time and enjoy the drive.....

    1  Thank JohnoWirral
    Reviewed 4 days ago
    Nice drive to Johnson Canyon

    The road splits to one way a couple of times and kind of makes the drive more intimate. It's a slow speed limit due to wildlife, so, take your time and enjoy the views on your way to and from Johnson Canyon

    Thank CodyMav
    Reviewed 4 days ago
    No Wildlife

    Took the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise, it was a very nice ride. Hope we'd see some wildlife but we didn't. It was very enjoyable though and we are glad we did it.

    Thank tagent22
    Reviewed 4 days ago
    Enjoyable but surprising climb

    Great drive. Johnston Canyon was well worth the hike, but it's not the best falls in the area or the best canyon. Don't be fooled by guidebooks that say it's an easy hike. The trail is paved but it is a constant incline. All kinds...More

    Thank SafariToStay
    Reviewed 4 days ago
    If you have extra time...

    Though this roadway is beautiful with many stop offs, in my opinion, it's not a must-do kind of thing. We left our first day to kind of be a slow day after all day traveling the day before, so this was a perfect way to...More

    Thank miaescudero
    Reviewed 6 days ago
    An excellent road for viewing wildlife and learning about Banff

    Bow Valley Parkway is a lovely alternative to the major road from Lake Louise to Banff. There are wonderful views, many turnouts for viewing and educational displays at many parking areas. It's a great way to slow down and see more.

    Thank Barbara H
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    Pretty, but kind of dull...

    Saw ZERO animals, but did enjoy the alternate route to parts of Banff so I highly recommend taking this for one of your trips around the area...I had hoped for more however.

    Thank clairann2000
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Dusk and Dawn

    We stayed at Johnston Canyon Resort which is on Bow Valley Pkwy (aka Route 1A). Google Maps will try to get you on Route1 vs Route1A for speed but dont't do it. Take 1A when you can. Stop and smell the roses. Dusk and dawn...More

    Thank tlz259
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    lemeister
    30 June 2017|
    AnswerShow all 6 answers
    Response from Lakotaone | Reviewed this property |
    You need to get there either early in the morning...or at dusk. We saw about four when we were there. We had easy access though. Our lodge was nearest the one entrance that was open thruout the day/night.
    1
    Vote
    kds51
    29 May 2017|
    AnswerShow all 2 answers
    Response from treetrippers | Reviewed this property |
    No restrictions that I saw but beware lots of :obsticles" slow moving cars, fast moving cars and animals on the road. Otherwise enjoy
    0
    Votes
    Andy M
    27 May 2017|
    AnswerShow all 7 answers
    Response from tonyfishercymru | Reviewed this property |
    Bears can be seen most places along this route,October maybe a little lateen the season though. Even so, this is still a beautiful drive.
    0
    Votes