Bow Glacier

An outlet glacier of the Wapta Icefield, located approximately 37 km north of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway. The Bow Glacier sits at ~2,310 m and feeds Bow Lake, which forms the headwaters of the Bow River.

The glacier’s meltwater; cold, sediment-rich, and nutrient-poor; establishes the baseline hydrology for the Bow River system. Glacial erosion produces rock flour (fine silt and clay) that gives Bow Lake and the river their milky turquoise colour. Trails from Bow Lake lead to Bow Glacier Falls and the Wapta Icefield. The glacier is retreating due to climate change.