The Lodge at Bow Lake
Your home base
for exploring the mountain parks.
Our central location within the mountain parks makes The Lodge at Bow Lake the ideal spot as your base for exploring the Canadian Rockies. Most of the highlights in Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks are within an hour’s drive of The Lodge — many are much closer.
There are endless places to visit and things to see and do, all within a short walk, hike, or drive from The Lodge.
Who better to guide
you than the locals?
With so much to see and do, it can feel overwhelming to plan your visit. Our team lives and works in the area and can recommend all sorts of activities and adventures to suit your needs. When you arrive at The Lodge, feel free to ask us where to go, and we’ll make sure to point you in the right direction.
We’ve curated a few of our favourite local activities and sites to visit just for you:
Just outside our door
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Hike to Bow Glacier Falls
Walk out the back door of The Lodge a few feet, and you’ll find yourself at the lakeshore trailhead to Bow Glacier Falls. The trail features breathtaking views of Bow Lake and the surrounding mountains and leads to the picturesque Bow Glacier Falls as they cascade down from Bow Glacier. It's an accessible and rewarding trek, perfect for hikers of all abilities.
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Visit Helen Lake
Pop across Highway 93 from the Crowfoot Glacier lookout, and you’ll find the trailhead for the Helen Lake hike. The trail ascends through dense forest and lush meadows, revealing stunning alpine views. The clear, blue waters of Helen Lake, surrounded by towering peaks, provide a serene and picturesque destination, perfect for hikers seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
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Hike to Bow Summit
Head north up Highway 93 for a few hundred metres, and you’ll find the start of the Bow Summit hike past the Peyto Lake lookout. This invigorating adventure offers panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. The trail winds through scenic landscapes, leading to a viewpoint overlooking the iconic Peyto Lake. This relatively short but rewarding hike is perfect for those seeking breathtaking vistas with a sense of accomplishment.
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Hiking in the Icefields Parkway area
There is no shortage of hikes along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. This hiker’s paradise offers trails to accommodate all abilities and ensures an unforgettable adventure no matter which path you pick. Discover stunning alpine scenery, majestic glaciers, and vibrant wildflower meadows. This area is a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts seeking natural beauty.
Explore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
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Visit the world-famous Lake Louise
Lake Louise is just down Highway 93 from The Lodge. Its iconic backdrop of Mount Victoria and its glaciers is a stunning sight. A number of historical tea houses dot the mountainsides and make for wonderful hikes. It is also the jumping-off point for visiting Moraine Lake. Enjoy activities like canoeing, hiking, skating, and skiing in this spectacular area.
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Take the Moraine Lake Shuttle to see Larch Valley
Moraine Lake, set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, dazzles with its turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop. Nearby Larch Valley offers a scenic hike, especially stunning in autumn when golden larches transform the landscape. Together, they provide a must-see experience for nature lovers and photographers.
Try Fairview Limos for a fantastic shuttle experience.
*Important note: Summer access to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is via a shuttle service. Trust us, it takes the stress out of trying to navigate these busy areas. Booking ahead is the key to ensuring you can get a shuttle when you want it. The shuttle service operates from mid-May to mid-October, depending on the weather and road conditions.
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Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola
Truly one of the best places to downhill ski in Banff National Park, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola offers breathtaking views and year-round adventure. In winter, enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding across diverse terrains, and come home to The Lodge at the end of you ski day. In summer, ride the gondola for panoramic vistas, explore hiking trails, and spot wildlife, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Columbia Icefields & North
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Columbia Icefields Glacier Tours
The Columbia Icefields, located in the Canadian Rockies, offer an awe-inspiring experience for tourists. Explore the massive glaciers on guided tours, walk on the Athabasca Glacier, and marvel at the stunning ice formations. The Icefields Parkway provides breathtaking views, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
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Hike to Wilcox Pass
Hiking the Wilcox Pass offers an exhilarating trek with spectacular views of the Columbia Icefield and surrounding peaks. The trail features diverse landscapes, from lush alpine meadows to rocky outcrops. Ideal for wildlife spotting (particularly if you’d like to see some mountain sheep), it's a moderately challenging hike that rewards adventurers with panoramic vistas of the Athabasca Glacier.
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Explore Jasper National Park
A visit to Jasper National Park offers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Experience stunning landscapes, including majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, skiing, and stargazing in this Dark Sky Preserve. Jasper promises a serene and awe-inspiring nature escape.
Just across the
British Columbia border
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UNESCO World Heritage site Yoho National Park and the famous Burgess Shale
Yoho National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Field, British Columbia, captivates visitors with its rugged mountains, stunning waterfalls, and pristine lakes. The famous Burgess Shale offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient marine life and features some of the world's best-preserved fossils. Explore this natural wonder for a unique and enriching experience.
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Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls
Visiting Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls offers a stunning experience in Yoho National Park. Emerald Lake's vibrant turquoise waters are perfect for canoeing and leisurely walks along its shores. Nearby, Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada's highest waterfalls, cascades dramatically down a cliff. Both spots provide breathtaking views and unforgettable day trips from The Lodge.
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Hike the Iceline in Little Yoho Valley
The Little Yoho Valley has some wonderful hiking on the Iceline Trail, Yoho Lake, and the Yoho Valley. The Iceline Trail provides stunning views of glaciers and waterfalls, while Little Yoho Valley features alpine meadows and dramatic mountain scenery. Together, they create a breathtaking adventure for nature enthusiasts. The trailheads and viewpoints are less than an hour away from The Lodge.