Bow Glacier Falls

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2-2.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
8.4 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
155 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.8
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Scenery from the Bow Glacier Falls hike on Icefields Parkway, the Canadian Rockies

The hike to Bow Glacier Falls is exquisite. We love the hike along Bow Lake, however hiking up to Bow Glacier Falls provides enormous and wonderful views.

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Route Description for Bow Glacier Falls

Start in the Bow Lake parking lot, and quickly head to the right of Bow Lake. You will soon pass the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. Continue on a path hugging the lake, and you have wonderful views in all directions. Depending on water levels you may be able to scamper across the rocks at the far end of the lake, saving a bit of time.

When coming to a river, continue following on the right-hand side of the water. There will then be a set of stairs, at which point you can go left to Bow Hut or up the stairs to Bow Glacier Falls. If you are tired, you can also turn around, however tackling these stairs yields a large reward with some incredible scenery – including an alpine wonderland and glaciers that are truly magnificent.

At the top of the stairs, the falls will be straight ahead, with a path leading off to the right. Follow this trail and continue to stay to the right of the stream the entire time. The path is clear and the views are delightful, though as you start your final ascent you may find the path difficult to find. Lots of water has created a litany of small streams that take over the trail and make route finding hard. Look for Cairns and continue in the direction of the water. You can get close enough to the falls to feel the spray!

Descend the way you came up. The views heading back on Bow Lake are sublime.

Insider Hints for Bow Glacier Falls

  • Weather can sweep in fast so make sure you bring extra layers and rain gear.
  • Snacks are available at Num-Ti-Jah Trading Post.

Getting to the Bow Glacier Falls Trailhead

Drive on Highway 93 north towards Jasper for roughly 35.0 km and park in the Bow Lake lot and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. There is also campground and HI Hostel nearby.

Route Information

  • When to do

    June through October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    Trailhead

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Bow Glacier Falls Elevation Graph

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Bow Glacier Falls Reviews

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