Hiking trail
Bow River Loop
Last updated:
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Distance
- 7.1 km loop
- Elevation
- 30-50 m
- Time
- 1.5 to 2.5 h
- Area
- General
Valley floor walk along the milky-blue Bow River. Mount Temple views, no shuttle required. Good warm-up or recovery option.
Quiet compared to the lakeshore trails. Village trailhead - no shuttle needed. West-side seasonal closures are common for grizzly activity.
West-side closures are commonly posted seasonally. Use the east bank out-and-back when closure signs are posted. Usually clear from late April.
Read the full guide in Field Notes
A gentle, scenic loop that follows the milky-blue waters of the Bow River. This is the ideal choice for a low-effort recovery walk or for those wanting to explore the valley floor.
The Route Visit
The trail begins at the Bow River parking lot near the train station. It follows both banks of the river, connected by two sturdy bridges. The path is wide, flat, and mostly forested.
- Wildlife corridor: The west side of the loop passes through sensitive habitat and may be closed seasonally for grizzly activity.
- River Views: Enjoy the constant sound of the rushing river and views of Mount Temple and the Slate Range.
Safety & Logistics
- Seasonal closures: Check for wildlife-corridor signs. If the west side is closed, use the east bank as an out-and-back.
- Bear Spray: Even on the valley floor, you are in bear country. Always carry bear spray.
Photography Tips
- Mount Temple: The river provides a strong foreground for photos of Mount Temple's north face.
- Glacial Water: Capture the distinct "rock flour" color of the Bow River in the midday sun.