For those cycling the Bow Valley Parkway there are bike racks. The Coral Creek Picnic Area is a real hidden gem along the BVP. Dining options range from grab-and-go snack bars to cafes to charming bistro-style dining rooms. If your visit takes you from Banff to Lake Louise, the Castle Mountain Chalets are in a great location. The Banff Hop-On Hop-Off bus also stops at Johnston Canyon. 11.5 miles from Bow Valley Parkway. They've been our companions hiking and snowshoeing in these mountains since they were babies. Although the mountains are generally a harsh place for wildlife to live, the Bow Valley Parkway sits at a lower elevation on the sunny side of the valley, making it prime habitat. We are Dan and Celine Brewer, the proud owners of Travel Banff Canada. The Bow Valley Parkway is rated in the top 10 attractions to see when visiting Banff, known for its hikes, wildlife waterfalls and look out points. Family Friendly Rides Sundance Trail Tunnel Campground Loop A large, beautiful picnic area along the Bow Valley Parkway, Muleshoe is a great spot to stop for a scenic break along the shores of tranquil Muleshoe Lake (which was once a part of the nearby river). The 51 kilometers Bow Valley Parkway is paralleling Highway-1 between Banff and Lake Louise. Allow 4 - 6 hours for the circuit. Even the eastern section from Johnston Canyon will still have limited vehicle traffic during the closures (typically youll see some Parks Canada trucks and other service trucks on this section). Biking the Bow Valley Parkway is a fun thing to do in Banff with kids. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. 30 miles. A small, but beautiful Banff picnic area in a mixed forest of aspen trees and evergreens. Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway from the town of Banff to Johnston Canyon is 50 km return. Primarily used as the starting point for the Cory Pass hike, the Fireside Day Use area is also a pretty, well-treed picnic area along a beautiful creek which flows down in the valley between Mount Edith (2,554 m) and Mount Cory (2,802 m). Walk into a small cave and get so close to the Lower Falls that youll get soaked from the spray! If you turn left at the Lake Louise Ski Resort Road you can join the Trans Canada . Other roadside turnouts with interesting reads about the area: Pilot Pond, Hillsdale Meadow, 1993 Prescribed Burn, and Moose Meadows. The Bow Valley Parkway, or Highway 1A, is the old highway between Banff and Lake Louise, and has relatively little traffic. Some species are a bit more public . You join Highway 1A (aka Bow Valley Parkway at this point) just after Mt Norquay heading west from Banff. This is a shame as Moose Meadows is a beautiful, and significantly less crowded hike through a lush forest. A short paved trail leads from a tiny parking lot to a wooden platform with amazing views of Castle Mountain. Note, that if you wish to visit these extremely popular Banff attractions in peak season, you will likely need to book a shuttle due to parking limitations. The Bow Valley Parkway, also known as Highway 1A, is a prime habitat for wildlife in the Bow Valley. A small but scenic roadside pullout offering 360-degree views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies. Protecting wildlife is the foundation of a great visitor experience and sustainable future for Banff National Park. With a lush forest, epic mountain scenery and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, driving the Bow Valley Parkway is a must-do attraction in Banff National Park. Also, we recognize that it will be tempting to skip hills by going the wrong way on the one-way sections. How long does it take to bike the Bow Valley Parkway? There are a few good hills along the way in both directions. Other cycling distances for the Bow Valley Parkway are: Biking the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon from Castle Junction is an easy bike ride in Banff. During construction, the upper portion of the trail between Lower Falls and Upper Falls will be closed. Morants Curve is famous as you can see an S-shaped curve in the CPR train tracks alongside the turquoise coloured glacier fed Bow River with the dramatic Lake Louise area Rocky Mountain peaks as a backdrop. If you plan on visiting both Banff and Lake Louise during your visit, the places to stay along the Bow Valley Parkway are approximately halfway between these two popular destinations, especially the places near Castle Junction. To increase your chances of seeing this top Banff attraction, be sure to read our full post on the Johnston Canyon hike. While the Bow Valley Parkway was clear of all snow and ice, the Legacy Trail portion from Vermilion Lakes Road was still covered in ice. Tips for Biking the Bow Valley Parkway with Kids: Roam Route #9 Bus to Johnston Canyon Schedule and Route, 30+ Amazing Things to do in Banff in Winter, Christmas in Banff 33 INCREDIBLE Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit, The Ultimate Travel Guide to Banff National Park. With a speed limit of just 60 km/h (compared to 110km/h on the Trans-Canada Highway), the Bow Valley Parkway is a more leisurely drive from Banff to Lake Louise. In fact, prior to the Trans-Canada Highway, this stretch was the main highway between the two mountain towns. Pull over where it is safe to do so, use your hazard lights, and avoid creating wildlife jamsby promptly moving on. This mandatory travel restriction will allow sensitive wildlife to move unimpeded across the landscape, use high-quality habitat, and engage in normal behaviour. There are two ways to get to the Ink Pots: via Johnston Canyon or via Moose Meadows (2 km down the road from Johnston Canyon). Distance: 5.3 km. The total elevation gain is 117 m over the one-way distance of 6 km. For your convenience, this list of things to do on the Bow Valley Parkway is in geographical order, starting on the eastern end at the Fireside Entrance and working westward towards the Lake Louise entrance. This short hike is only 4.5 km one-way to the summit of Mount Cory, but its extremely steep with over 1,400 m of elevation gain. For those who are interested in more information about Canadas internment camps, there is a better exhibit found at the Banff Cave and Basin, another of the must-see attractions in the national park. At Falcon Crest Lodge, turn left on Kananaskis Way, then turn right and stay on the bike path along Bow Valley Trail. One of the most scenic drives in Banff National Park, the Bow Valley Parkway runs in an east-west direction parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Lake Louise. You are gaining elevation overall on the way to Lake Louise, and generally have a headwind on the way there, which usually means a tailwind on the way home (no guarantees!). Find us: Historic Banff Train Station 327 Railway Ave.Banff, Alberta. But, there are enough attractions and picnic areas along this Banff scenic drive to fill a full day. In addition to the Roam bus routes, the Banff Hop-On Hop-Off bus has a stop at Johnston Canyon. Things to See Drive or Bike the Bow Valley Parkway as it winds its way through the valley along the Bow River, with frequent wildlife sightings such as Bears, Elk and Moose on you way to magical . The Bow Valley Parkway is a scenic 48km route along the original path of the Trans Canada Highway running between Banff and Lake Louise. There is a lot to know about this bike ride, so we suggest you read our full post on Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway. This was the result of multiple planned forest fires between 1985 and 2014 to restore sections of Banff National Park to a more natural state. If you only plan on stopping at Johnston Canyon, you can budget a half-day for your scenic drive. 201 Lynx Street, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1K5, Canada. Some are to allow slower vehicles to pull over, but many also have excellent viewpoints, tranquil streams etc. The Castle Cliffs Viewpoint is an especially nice place for sunset pictures. This beautiful, well treed campground with 132 campsites is conveniently located across the highway from one of the most popular attractions in the national park. Thanks to its diverse vegetation, lower elevation and access to plenty of sunshine, the Bow Valley Parkway is an ideal place to spot wildlife in Banff. Also known as Highway 1A, the Bow Valley Parkway is a prime habitat for wildlife in the Bow Valley. Enter dates to see prices. You join Highway 1A (aka Bow Valley Parkway at this point) just after Mt Norquay heading west from Banff. To Castle Junction: approximately 60 km roundtrip with 420 metres elevation gain. From March 1st to June 25th, travel is not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. This is becuase of the high demand for camping, if you do not wish to make a reservation, please visit one of our first come first serve campgrounds, such as Three Sisters, Sibbald Lake, Willow Rock, Bow River, and Dawson Equestrian. winding its way through sun-speckled forest, the bow valley parkway provides visitors with a scenic, convenient and leisurely route between banff and lake louise, and a quieter alternative to the trans-canada highway. Here are the details on the Bow Valley Parkway Cycling Experience: The eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway (meaning the section from the Trans-Canada Highway to Johnston Canyon) will have restricted public vehicle access in the Spring and Fall. 218 Lynx Street, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1K5, Canada. Again in the fall of each year, starting September 1 to September 30, public vehicles will not have access to the eastern section of Highway 1A. If you have the time for a 5 km hike to see the impressive Upper Falls, its well worth it. But, for those visiting Banff who have a sense of adventure and a little extra time on their hands, we recommend a scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway instead. It would be a fun outing to include a bike ride and stop at one of the picnic areas along Highway 1A. The Sawback prescribed burn is mostly seen as you drive past the remnants of the fire, but there there is a small pullout with interpretive signs toward the western end of the burn zone. There are also seasonal restrictions on the Bow Valley Parkway from March 1 through June 25. Cyclists looking to ride the section of the Bow Valley Parkway closed to public vehicles can start either in Banff or at the first Hwy 1A exit (gate at Fireside Day Use area). Those who stop at the Internment Camp pullout will learn a great deal about this troubling time in Canadas past. The Bow Valley Parkway scenic drive is a 48 kilometer secondary highway that parallels the Trans-Canada Highway and connects Banff to Lake Louise. These options are listed in geographical order, starting closest to the Fireside Entrance and work westward towards the Lake Louise entrance. This small creekside clearing is a perfect spot for a picnic near Lake Louise. Even with vehicle traffic, the Bow Valley Parkway is also a bike-friendly roadway with large shoulders and excellent pavement. However, you could still enjoy cycling from Banff and along the Bow Valley Parkway from the Fireside Day Use. Search from Bow Valley Parkway stock photos, pictures and royalty-free images from iStock. There is also a seasonal travel restriction on the eastern 17 km section (Johnston Canyon Campground to Fireside day use) of the Bow Valley Parkway from March 1 to June 25 from 8 pm to 8 am. Morants Curve is one of the most famous photography spots in Banff National Park. Turn right for the Lake Louise ski area, which offers a sightseeing gondola in summer and world-class skiing in the winter. Yes, in the summer months you can take the bus on the Bow Valley Parkway in fact you have three bus routes to choose from. Located in a rare section of montane forest in Banff National Park, this area is rich in wildlife. One of our favourite Banff mountains, Castle has majestic towering cliffs which are on full display here. After the McDonald's, you'll see the trailhead for the Legacy Trail! Additional amenities include a gas station, liquor and grocery store and various gift shops. Year-round, you may see elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer and wolves, while summer provides you with a rare opportunity to see black bears and grizzly bears. It will continue to get busier throughout the summer and more traffic will appear on the road starting in May when the Johnston Canyon Bungalows open. Book the most popular Canyoning in Bow Valley Parkway. What Makes The Bow Valley Parkway Special? Due to its popularity, the two massive parking lots at Johnston Canyon can get full. The time to cycle the Bow Valley Parkway will vary greatly depending on fitness, starting point and any stops along the way. Only experienced hikers should attempt this difficult Banff hike, but those who do will be rewarded with outstanding views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Backswamp is a small unmarked viewpoint just 3 km into the Bow Valley Parkway scenic drive. Enjoy outdoor activities and roadside pull-offs that make this alternate route unique. Weve been exploring these mountains for decades and are excited to be sharing our insider knowledge of the Canadian Rocky Mountains with you. Law enforcement does patrol and gates are set up overnight . Keep a respectful distance from wildlife. In fact, it had also been swept and was clear of any gravel. The Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail begins in Canmore, runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway to the town of Banff and can be accessed again at the end of Vermilion Lakes Road. Starting in 2022, with vehicle traffic limited on a section of the road in the spring and fall, even the casual cyclist can enjoy this unique cycling opportunity. Castle Junction has a gas station and general store. It's not fenced like the Trans Canada Highway that runs through Banff, so there are chances to see wildlife right along the roadside. With 970m of elevation gain along this hike, it makes for a full day trip. Total elevation gain is 771 m over the 24 km from Banff. The closest Highway 1A hotel to Lake Louise, the Baker Creek Mountain Resort has 19 standalone log cabins in a well-forested location. "With the Bow Valley Parkway closed to traffic, the bike ride is very enjoyable.". The Bow Valley Parkway can be accessed from 3 locations: Hwy 1A West exit 6 km west of Banff, Castle Junction (Hwy 93 South exit) or from Hwy 1A East exit at Lake Louise. Keep an eye out for deer, elk, wolves, coyotes and grizzly bear. If you are driving to the area, we highly recommend this Banff audio tour. 2022. 3,481 reviews. Brand new pavement on some sections of the Bow Valley Parkway, June 2019. It ends at the Lake Louise Ski Resort Road.. it is about 50km- approx. The Bow Valley Parkway is 48 km long (one-way). The HI Castle Mountain hostel is a great option for those visiting Banff on a budget. For more information on what remains accessible to the public at Johnston Canyon, transit options and parking details, go here. 48 kilometers of paved road showcase interesting roadside pull-offs and superb views, from ower-lled meadows to the multi-tiered pinnacles of Castle Mountain. It has extended hills to climb and fast downhills, which should be expected on this mountainous road. Theres a short trail from the parking lot to the shores of Pilot Pond. Top ways to experience Bow Valley Parkway See all Recommended Tours & Sightseeing Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus 322 Recommended Bus Tours from $60.58 per adult Discover Lake Louise (Spring & Fall Sightseeing) 11 Bus Tours from $73.40 per adult Deluxe Evening Tour to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with Dinner 21 Recommended Bus Tours from $134.57 The Trans-Canada Highway is the fastest and most efficient way to get through Banff National Park. This fun hike follows the shores of Johnston Creek deep into a tall canyon. Language: English En. Note: Pilot Pond is on one of the one-way sections of roadway and is only accessible for those traveling eastbound making it a good stop for those returning to downtown Banff from Lake Louise or the Johnston Canyon hike. For more information, please read our post all about hiking to the Ink Pots. #4 Best Value of 297 places to stay in Banff. From here, start the moderate 2.7 kilometer hike with 135 meter elevation to the Upper Falls. From March 1st to June 25th, travel is not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the 17-kilometre section of the parkway from Johnston Canyon Campground to the Fireside Picnic Area. Please note that in addition to the attractions listed below, there are lots of unmarked pullouts along this scenic route. Parks Canada has announced for 2022 that the Bow Valley Parkway will remain closed to vehicle traffic in May, June and September, continuing this amazing cycling experience. Not really a loop. The Bow Valley Parkway, The Alternate Scenic Route Between Banff And Lake Louise There are two routes that run through the Bow Valley connecting Banff and Lake Louise. A pleasant meadow with nice views of Pilot Mountain (2,935 m), this is a good opportunity to see some wildlife. about Pros And Cons Of Banff And Jasper National Parks In The Shouder Season of April And May, about Where And When To Photograph In Banff National Park, Everything You Need To Understand The Parks Canada Entry Fees, Where And When To Photograph In Banff National Park. Doing a leisurely ride from Fireside to Johnston Canyon will take 1-2 hours. Just under 4 km long (one-way), the views of the Canadian Rockies get better and better as you near the Castle Mountain Lookout. The open spaces at the Protection Mountain Campground provide great mountain views and are good for RV camping, but those looking for a well-treed campground should look elsewhere. Parks Canada requested feedback from the public on this cycling opportunity and based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback have launched a 3 year pilot program starting in 2022. The Bow Valley Parkway, or Highway 1A, is the old highway between Banff and Lake Louise, and has relatively little traffic. Yes, you can cycle the Bow Valley Parkway in fact its one of the most scenic bike rides in Banff. Banff: 3-Hour Bow Valley Loop Horseback Ride 3 hours Small group 4.5 (15 reviews) From US$ 161.12 per person Top Attractions in Alberta 1 Calgary Tower 2 Columbia Icefield Skywalk 3 Icefields Parkway 4 Banff National Park 5 Fort Edmonton Park 6 Jasper National Park 7 Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary 8 Lake Louise 9 Cave and Basin National Historic Site As you can see, there are an abundance of excellent stops along Highway 1A. Continue reading for all the details on Highway 1A closures and cycling opportunities in 2022. Its important to still follow the rules of the road. We are a local Canmore family who can't get enough of exploring our own backyard. Gate at Fireside area to Johnston Canyon is 34 km return. One of the rare easy hikes along the Bow Valley Parkway, the Silverton Falls hike is a popular choice for those looking for an alternative to the very busy Johnston Canyon trail.