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Bow Valley Parkway | Alberta

Photo by Vlad Umnov

Start your journey in Banff and finish in Lake Luise

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Best stays in Bow Valley Parkway Alberta

Bow Valley Parkway

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Don’t miss the sign 1A! The Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy-1A) is a scenic, winding route between Banff and Lake Louise, and a quieter alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway. This 48-kilometer paved road has roadside pull-offs, scenic views and picnic areas. Find the map here. Photos: Vlad Umnov

Backswamp Viewpoint

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Scenic spot Nice place to have a quick stop and enjoy the scenery. The surrounding nature, mountains and Bow River are incredibly beautiful.  And – if you are lucky – to meet Rocky Mountain bishop sheep.  Photos and videos: Vlad Umnov

Mule Shoe Lake

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This horseshoe-shaped pond is called Mule Shoe Lake. It was once a large bend, or meander, in the Bow River. When the river found the shortcut, the meander was abandoned. This is a peaceful place surrounded by a rare montane forest. It is a great place to stop for a picnic or scenic break. Photos: […]

Johnston Canyon

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National park with hiking trails & bridges to waterfalls, ridges & blue ‘ink pot’ spring pools. The well-maintained trail winds through lush evergreen forests, with suspended catwalks guiding hikers to the lower and upper falls. Accessible year-round, the canyon transforms in the winter, offering a magical experience with snow-covered trails and frozen waterfalls.  Plan […]

Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows

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Open May – October If you have time, stay in Johnston Canyon for one to two days. It would be a unique experience. Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows has been proudly family owned and operated since 1926 and is ideally located at the trail-head of historic Johnston Canyon. We offer 42 heritage bungalow/cabin accommodations in […]

Castle Cliff

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Scenic spot The Castle Mountain Lookout hike in Banff National Park is one of the best panoramic viewpoint hikes. The mountain’s castellated, or castle-like, appearance results from erosive processes acting at different peak layers of softer shale and harder limestone, dolomite and quartzite.   Photos and videos: Vlad Umnov

Storm Mountain Viewpoint

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As winds swirl around and rise above these massive barriers, clouds build up and bring the rain and snowstorms for which Storm Mountain was named.  Photo and video: Vlad Umnov

Castle Mountain Internment Camp

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Castle Mountain Internment Camp, established in 1915, was the largest internment camp in the Canadian Rockies. Several hundred enemy aliens, ostensibly citizens of countries at war with Canada, were held there at any one time. However, the vast majority were immigrant settlers, primarily of Ukrainian ethnic origin. The camp held immigrant prisoners of Ukrainian, Austrian, […]

Castle Lookout Trailhead

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It takes an average of 3 h 11 min to complete this 7.2-km out-and-back trail. This is a trendy area for hiking, snowshoeing, and running. Photos: Vlad Umnov

Backer Creek

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It’s a great place to relax and take a break before exploring Lake Louse.  Photo: Vlad Umnov

Morant’s Curve

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Scenic spot Morant’s Curve is a beautiful area that the Canadian Pacific railway passes through along the Bow River. The spot was made famous by Nicholas Morant, a staff photographer for the Canadian Pacific Railway. He took photographs for the company during the mid-20th century. Many images of the trains travelling through the curve were […]

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Bow Valley Parkway | Alberta Classified

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Discover towns near Bow Valley Parkway | Alberta

Alberta
Banff
Banff
Canada's first national park town — hot springs, wildlife, and mountain scenery that started the country's love affair with the Rockies.
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Lake Louise
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One of Canada’s most iconic alpine destinations, famous for its turquoise lake, glacier backdrop, and postcard-perfect Rocky Mountain views.
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Canmore
Canmore
Mountain town at the gateway to Banff — hiking, skiing, and the 1988 Olympic Nordic Centre.
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Kananaskis
Kananaskis
A vast mountain region west of Calgary, known for rugged trails, alpine lakes, and a quieter, more wild alternative to Banff
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Bankhead
Bankhead
Abandoned mining town with intriguing ghost stories and remnants of early 20th-century life.
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Smith Dorrien Trail
Smith Dorrien Trail
Breathtaking mountain route offering stunning vistas and opportunities for thrilling outdoor activities.
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Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka
Discover scenic trails and pristine waters perfect for outdoor adventures and tranquility.
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Morley
Morley
Traditional foothills community enriched by stunning mountain scenery and vibrant Indigenous traditions.
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Bow Valley Parkway | Alberta Classified

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