Bow Valley Parkway

Bow Valley Parkway

Bow Valley Parkway
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,419 reviews
Excellent
1,551
Very good
661
Average
167
Poor
28
Terrible
12

AK8397
Ontario, Canada1,048 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
This parkway offers you the opportunity to get off the 4-lane highway and take a quieter, slower trip through the countryside. Lots of scenery to admire, with a few look-offs to stop at. Some hikes too, such as the Johnson Canyon trail which is highly recommended. We went in October, so there wasn't much traffic and there were few tourists. Hoped to see wildlife, but we were traveling in mid-day, when the sightings are less likely. It's a good alternative route, if you have the extra time.
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hansi
Gold Canyon, AZ1,370 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
It’s a great way to travel to Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon however, it is closed to passenger cars this Sommer. You can however walk or ride a bike if you don’t want to use a bus. Busses are scheduled to run this summer from Banff along the Bow Parkway, Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise. Not the same as by your own car but, hey, at least one is able to see it.
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Catherine W
Chippenham, UK271 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022 • Couples
We drove this route from lake Louise to Banff.it follows the river and has beautiful views all the way. We managed to photograph a train at Morants curve and stopped at other viewpoints though we failed to see any wildlife. We drove on to where the road is blocked at Johnston canyon. Walked here but were disappointed to find the upper falls trail was closed for maintenance. It is good that the road is closed at times which must help the wildlife and be wonderful for cyclists. It is a much quieter more pleasant drive than the trans Canada highway.
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jim B
Grapeview, WA1,839 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022 • Couples
We rode our bikes from Banff to Johnston Canyon on the closed section. While I can sympathize with those who are upset that it is closed all month, as a cyclist, I can say there is nothing better than being able to ride through such a beautiful area without having to constantly watch for traffic.

As we rode, there were amazing views of different mountains around every corner. Also enjoyed the many pull offs with signs discussing different animals, rivers, history, and wild fires.

At Johnston Canyon you can ride into the closed campground for a quiet picnic stop.
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kburns195
Ontario, Canada30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
This is a gem of a drive. If you don't have definitive plans and no time constraints on your way to Lake Louise from Banff, this is the road for you! The speed limit is only 60, so to help protect wildlife from accidents with vehicles.

I would highly suggest stopping at Johnson's Canyon and at least hike up to the Lower Falls. I found the Upper Falls not quite as spectacular, but glad we did the whole thing. We did not have time to go up to the Ink Pots (5.5km walk from the entrance to the Canyon).

On this drive you don't see much of the mountains, as you are surrounded by trees, but you can see some wildlife if you are lucky!
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LillyWales
Luxembourg872 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Enjoyed a trip up the A1 from Lake Louise to see Johnston’s Canyon. We picked a very snowy day and I was a little fretful travelling a windy B road. But nothing to worry about really the 4x4 coped well with 8 inches of snow and an uncleared Road. Lots to see and facilities along the road to picnic or sightsee,
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Susan C
Vancouver115 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020 • Couples
Stunning!

Although taking the Trans Canada Highway here to go from Banff to Lake Louise is faster, take the Bow Valley Parkway instead, with a camera, bug spray, and hiking / biking gear in tow.

When we went through this last week though, there were bear and wild warnings. We ended up seeing a black bear which was fine because we were in the car.

There are some great trails, places to visit, campgrounds sites, and lodgings here. For instance, I’m sure you’ll take lots of pictures of / at Castle Mountain, Baker Creek (Chalets, too!), Johnson Canyon, Morant’s Curve, etc. just to name a few, and appreciate the scenery that each place offers.

The route is newly repaved which makes the 60km/h drive even smoother and more enjoyable. There are many points of interest here as well, too numerous to mention. Just google “Bow Valley Parkway” and see what strikes your fancy.

If you’re a believer that the journey is part of your whole nature experience, then taking this parkway is for you.
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Darren B
Courtland, VA662 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
We enjoyed riding our e-bikes on the Bow Valley Parkway from Vermillion Lakes to Muleshoe.
The parkway was closed to automobile traffic at the time of our visit. Being able to ride on this beautiful parkway through such amazing surroundings without the fear of being run over by cars was an amazing treat.
Enjoy.
Written June 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

buttercup1211
Winnipeg, Canada1,755 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
We drove between Lake Louise and Castle Junction and what an absolutely scenic and peaceful ride. If you’re not in a rush, you definitely want to get off Highway 1 and take this route instead. Do a quick stop at Morant’s Curve for a quick photo op, or maybe you will be lucky and spot a train. We didn’t really see any wildlife other than chonky crows, but the leaves were starting to turn mid-September so it wa very pretty. There was hardly anyone on this route and the slower speed was a nice change. After Castle Junction, the road is closed, but if you want to drive up to Johnston Canyon, you can make a reservation to have a meal at Blackswift Bistro and the Parks Canada people will open the barricade for you. You can’t get past Johnston Canyon though so you still have to drive back to Castle Junction to get back on Highway 1.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nick D
Calgary, Canada1,203 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
the Parkway was closed to reduce the number of people at Johnson Canyon and to rehabilitate some of the wildlife areas.
you can still get to Johnson Canyon if you drive the north route from Lake Louise, park near the cabins at Johnson Canyon and then have a short walk to the trailhead.
BUT the best part is that the road is open to walkers, hikers, skate boarders, roller skiers, roller bladers and cyclists. The road was newly paved a couple of summers ago and is in great condition and the route is 17 kms from the TransCanada closure to the Johnson Canyon parking lot. The sites are spectacular but it was the only time that the road has been quiet. It is so good we'll go back in two weeks to do the ride again
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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BOW VALLEY PARKWAY (2025) - All You MUST Know Before You Go (with Reviews)

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