Tower Lake
Table of contents
The hike to Tower Lake is great for those who don’t have the time or energy to trek all the way to Rockbound Lake. It is also a wonderful turn around point for folks who change their minds. It is a beautiful alpine lake that sits below the impressive Eisenhower Tower—a popular climbing objective.
Route Description for Tower Lake
Tower Lake sits at a slightly lower elevation than Rockbound Lake and is a great destination when snow is still holding at high elevations or if you just don’t want to hike all the way to Rockbound lake. It is less busy than many of the other hikes along the Bow Valley Parkway, so if you are looking for solitude, you’ll be happy you picked this trail.
Start hiking from the trail sign and follow the wide dirt trail. You will pass a junction for Silverton Falls, which is a great short detour if interested. Stay on the main trail and make your way to Tower Lake. The trail narrows after about 5.0 km and reaches a meadow that will lead hikers directly to Tower Lake.
The scenery at Tower Lake is incredible, and the massive Eisenhower Tower stands high above the lake, creating a drastic landscape. Head back the way you came on your descent.
Want to find more amazing Lake Louise hikes? Check out the Plain of the 6 Glaciers, Sentinel Pass, Morraine Lake or the Skoki Lakes hike.
Getting to the Tower Lake Trailhead
To get to the Tower Lake trailhead from Banff, travel westbound for 32.0 km on the Trans-Canada Highway to Castle Junction. Take the exit and turn right. At Castle Mountain Chalets, turn right onto the Bow Valley Parkway. Take your first left turn into the parking lot for Rockbound Lake. This is where your trail begins.
Route Information
When to do:
June-October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Tower Lake Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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