Where will you go first?
Day trips to The Lodge
Of course you can visit us for the day.
Look for the “Bow Lake” sign on the Icefields Parkway, and park in one of the two day-use parking lots. There is one right next to the highway, and a second gravel lot approx. 300m down the road. Please do not park on the side of the roadway as the area can get very congested. From the second lot, you’ll see a gravel walking-trail that leads to the shores of Bow Lake. Walk up the North shore of the lake to find The Lodge.
Stop by our Café for a coffee and treat, admire local art in our Gallery, but make sure to leave the majority of your afternoon for taking in the lake and surrounding natural beauty. From July 1st to October 31st fishing is permitted (catch & release only), and there are dozens of hiking trails to choose from in the area. For an easier stroll that’s still heavy on views, we recommend the Peyto Lake Hike or for more of a challenge, take your lunch on the Bow Glacier Falls Hike.
Join us for dinner
Not resting your head for an overnight stay at The Lodge? We’d still love for you to join our dinner table.
Dinner is served every night at 6:30 pm with a 4-course set menu for $130 (GST + gratuity included). Alcohol can be purchased for an additional fee.
Hiking Bow Lake
From nature novices to expert mountaineers, there’s a trail for everyone at Bow Lake.
Stroll
Peyto Lake Hike:
Don’t be fooled by the shorter distance; the payoffs are stunning.
Bow Lake Paddle:
Get out on that beautiful water! This easy 8.2km loop offers beauty and stillness to all paddlers.
Trek
Bow Glacier Falls Hike:
Bring your lunch, take your time and enjoy gorgeous canyon views.
Bow Summit Hike:
Bring a glass of wine for the summit trail viewpoint. Well worth the 6.8K total journey.
Conquer
Helen Lake Hike:
Some tame scrambling is worth it for the unreal alpine meadow views.
The Lodge Café,
Gallery and Gift Shop
Our Café, Gallery and Gift Shop are open during the Summer from June 1st until October 6th, 2024. Café regular hours are from 9am - 5pm MST.
Preserving the Park is everyone's responsibility.
The extraordinary natural environments of our National park are for all visitors — past, present and future — to enjoy. To that end, it is imperative we respect the natural landscape and artifacts. Stay on the trails, pack-out all garbage, pick up after others, and make sure you do not remove, destroy, damage, disturb or otherwise exploit the natural surroundings. And please — as cute as they can be — please don't feed any wildlife. Please carry bear spray with you and know how to use it. You can pick some up in the nearby towns of Lake Louise or Banff.
It is everyone's responsibility to ensure we leave the land as healthy and self-sufficiently thriving as we found it. If you have any questions, please ask us at The Lodge and see the full Parks Canada list of visitor guidelines, here.
Stay safe, respectful and responsible.
WARNING: Hiking and water activities around The Lodge at Bow Lake is done at guests' own risk. The Lodge assumes no liability for any injury, loss or damage associated with hiking trail and lake use. Guests should not hike alone and should always take the necessary safety precautions prior to engaging in hiking or water activities, such as checking the weather conditions and bringing appropriate supplies and safety equipment. Guests must also be aware of the possibility of wild animals and hazardous terrain while traversing the trails. The Lodge is not responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur while using the trails.
Notice to Trail Users in Bear Country:
Trail users are advised to take extra caution when travelling through bear country. Respect wild animals and their habitats by adhering to the following guidelines:
Keep food stored away from bears
Always make sure that bear spray is within easy reach and know how to use it
Remain alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times
Stay together with your hiking group and avoid isolated areas where bears may be present
Make loud noises while hiking to alert any wildlife of your presence
Do not approach or feed any wild animals, including bears
Do not run if you encounter a bear – back away slowly, talk calmly, and keep eye contact
Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in serious injury or death. By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and the wildlife around you.
