Banff Bow River to Bow Falls to Banff Springs Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Banff Bow River to Bow Falls to Banff Springs
This hike is the best and easiest way to see Banff on foot and makes an excellent walk after dinner or for a lazy day. You can start anywhere in Banff, though the map for this hike starts at the wonderful Banff Springs Hotel.
The crux of this walk is actually finding the path down to the Bow River from the Banff Springs Hotel. Ask for directions to Waldhaus, a wonderful German restaurant and pub. You’ll know you’re on the right path when you will find a public set of wooden stairs that lead down to the Bow River and Waldhaus. On the way down you can look across the Spray River and you will see the Banff Springs Golf course, a world-renowned fairway.
Pass the Waldhaus, and continue down to the Spray River. DO NOT CROSS the bridge towards the golf course, but continue on the left-hand side of the Bow River. You may be lucky to see some river rafts launching from here for a trip down the Bow, a great idea for hot days. From here, you’ll quickly reach Bow Falls.
From Bow Falls, the best path is a series of stairs that hugs the river. These stairs are very difficult with a stroller. This path gives great views of Bow Falls and eventually lets you walk along the Bow River through a lovely grove of trees. You can cross the Bow either on the pedestrian bridge or later across the main road bridge, which leads onto Banff Avenue.
We recommend walking down Banff Avenue and doing a little window shopping or picking up a coffee or a slice of pizza at Aardvark Pizza on Caribou Street. Walk all the way down to Wolf Street and then turn left and follow the street as it bends towards the left. You soon come back towards a tranquil section of the Bow River. Pass through the large Banff Central Park (which occasionally has live bands at the bandstand) and cross over the bridge for your return journey back through the forest to the Banff Springs hotel.
Insider Hints for Banff Bow River to Bow Falls to Banff Springs
- These trails are often a good choice on days when parking is limited in Banff. Find a spot and saunter into Banff along the river.
- Watch for ice on the stairs leading down to Waldhaus and along Bow Falls.
- Buy some snacks and have a picnic at Banff Central Park. There are washrooms, picnic tables and a fun play area for kids!
- Check out our YouTube video on this great family hike.
Getting to the Banff Bow River to Bow Falls to Banff Springs Trailhead
Park your car at the Banff Springs Hotel and set off on foot. You can also park anywhere along the route and even in Banff.Route Information for Banff Bow River to Bow Falls to Banff Springs
When to do:
All Year
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
Throughout
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit
Banff Bow River to Bow Falls to Banff Springs Elevation Graph
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Check Area WeatherReviews for Banff Bow River to Bow Falls to Banff Springs
Probably the most classic walk in the Banff area. Probably doesn't count as a hike since there are stairs, but it's a nice stroll for anyone visiting the town. Careful, steps are slippery when wet.
Perfect hike on a sunny day!
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- 02:00
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I spent my whole time admiring bow river, bow falls, and the forest. I'm completely blown away!
- Trip Length
- 02:00
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The charm of the Banff Springs Hotel is beyond words. Love it's architecture. Looks great in photos too.
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Well worth the walk from downtown Banff up to the Bow River Falls. From Banff town centre it will take approximately 25/30mins it’s a beautiful walk along the riverside and there a lot of local wild life to see. It is in a quiet place with ample parking. Relaxing place to visit.
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It's a nice walk in Banff. Just realized that it's quite popular for wedding shoots.
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The trail was not that hard, but I hope they can improve the stairs. I tripped a couple of times while going down to the Bow River.
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The path leading to Bow falls was a bit challenging even though there is a staircase. The view looks astonishing from there.
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It was a fun way to indulge yourself with beautiful nature with minimal effort. Walking through the grove of trees was fantastic.
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Pretty fun. Great way to escape the hoards of tourists. Solid easy, and a short great hike for amateurs.
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