Bow River

Near Lake Louise · Banff National Park

Moderate · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 66 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Bow River is a 12.3 km out and back trail near Lake Louise in Banff National Park. It runs 6.2 km each way. The route gains 152 m in total and tops out at 1,551 m. Hike Alberta rates it moderate, and Parks Canada rates it moderate. Allow about 3 hours 30 minutes of moving time. It passes 11 mapped trail junctions. At 3.9 km the trail forks. This route keeps right; the left fork is a 0.2 km side branch with the same name. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass a campground. Much of the route follows Bow River. Also used for trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Length: 12.3km; 6.2 km each way
Elevation gain: 152m
Estimated time: 3h30min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,551m
Lowest point: 1,522m

Elevation profile

1,522 m to 1,551 m

Highest point 1,551 m, lowest 1,522 m, 152 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 15% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

0% LTE · 100% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 0.0 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

1.3 kmLake Louise Campground Drinking WaterDrinking water
2.6 kmLake Louise Campground Drinking WaterDrinking water
4.4 kmLake Louise Tent CampgroundCampground

Good for

Hiking, Trail running, Mountain biking, Horseback riding, Backpacking, Cross country skiing
Dog friendly (on leash)
River or creek, Camping

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.4245° N, 116.1806° W.

Driving directions

Banff National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy day or annual pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 588 trails in Banff National Park

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Parks Canada trail data, Open Government Licence Canada
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30