Hiking trail
Bow River Loop
Last updated:
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Distance
- East-bank out-and-back during closure; 7.1 km full loop when open
- 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, but not a full loop while the southwest-side closure is active.
Quiet compared to the lakeshore trails. Village trailhead - no shuttle needed. Because the full loop is partly closed in summer, expect an out-and-back experience.
Partially closed May 15 to October 15, 2026: the southwest-side section of the Bow River trail is closed for wildlife corridor protection. Use the east bank as an out-and-back and obey posted signs.
Read the full guide in Field Notes
A gentle, scenic valley-floor trail that follows the milky-blue waters of the Bow River. For summer 2026, do not treat it as a normal full loop: Parks Canada lists Bow River as partially closed, with the southwest-side section closed from May 15 to October 15.
The Route Visit
The trail begins at the Bow River parking lot near the train station. In normal open conditions, the route follows both banks of the river, connected by two sturdy bridges. During the current May 15 to October 15 closure, use the open east-bank section as an out-and-back and turn around before entering any signed closure area.
- Partial closure: Parks Canada reports the trail section along the southwest side of the Bow River is closed May 15 to October 15. Obey posted signs even if a map app still draws the full loop.
- Wildlife corridor: The closed side passes through sensitive habitat used by wildlife moving through the Lake Louise valley.
- River Views: Enjoy the constant sound of the rushing river and views of Mount Temple and the Slate Range.
Safety & Logistics
- Current routing: Plan this as an east-bank out-and-back while the partial closure is in effect. Verify the latest Parks Canada trail report before relying on the full loop.
- 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.