Bow Glacier Falls Route Guide
Table of contents
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.
What’s new for Bow Glacier Falls Trail in 2024
In 2024, the Bow Falls Trail in Banff is likely to be ready for hikers earlier than usual due to low snowfall, offering great views of the Bow River and falls. Other great news, the Lodge at Bow Lake (formerly Num-Ti-Jah Lodge), located at the trailhead, reopened in August 2023 after renovations, so don’t forget to stop by its Café for a coffee and treat!
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 34.9 km and park in the Bow Lake lot and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. There is also campground and HI Hostel nearby.Route Information for Bow Glacier Falls
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
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Bow Glacier Falls
I did this hike on a weekend in July this year, it was better than expected. Even though this trail is not too long, it passes through various terrains, such as a turquoise lake, walking along the rocky riverbed, a deep canyon, an old glacier bed, and, of course, a tall and powerful waterfall in the end. You can also climb on the big bolder above the canyon if you want (the trail over it leads to the Onion). You can either stay at the overlook towards the waterfall in the distance or approach the falls very close.
- Trip Length
- 03:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
- Trip Length
- 03:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Wherever I look in this hike, there's always something beautiful to see.
- Trip Length
- 03:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Absolutely stunning lake hike! I'd say it's easy as it's mostly flat as you walk next to the lake until you reach a quick steep section near the end to reach the falls. I recommend a polar dip in the lake on a hot day! Crowd levels will be higher here because it's easy to access and there's a lodge nearby.
- Trip Length
- 03:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The trail was easy to follow, and there are plenty of wonderful views to enjoy.
- Trip Length
- 03:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Rained poured for couple of hours before we reached Bow Glacier.
- Trip Length
- 04:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Bow Glacier Falls is a must-visit! Be ready to get wet as well.
- Trip Length
- 04:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
definitely worth it if you're already at bow lake. we tried to brave the lake but only made it knee deep before changing our minds!
Impressive! So much to see! The falls looks majestic!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Great views, very secluded. A fun hike.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.