Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- About Bow Valley
- Summer at Bow Valley
- Winter at Bow Valley
- Camping at Bow Valley
- Day Use Areas in Bow Valley
- Visitor Centers in Bow Valley Provincial Park
- Distances to Alberta Cities
- Conclusion
- Alberta Parks Website
| Kananaskis Conservation Pass Required for Parking in Kananaskis As of June 1, 2021 – The Alberta government charges PLUZ and Park users for parking in Kananaskis country in order to recover some of the costs associated with maintaining the land. You can purchase a conservation pass here (~$15/day or ~$90/year) |
About Bow Valley
Bow Valley Provincial Park is a stunning park located in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. It covers an area of 32.87km2 and offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and scenic views for visitors to enjoy. This park is known for its majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. In this blog post, we’ll explore all that Bow Valley Provincial Park has to offer and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit.
See All Alberta Provincial Parks
Summer at Bow Valley
Bow Valley Provincial Park is a popular destination for a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park offers over 70 kilometers of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, making it a great destination for all levels of hikers. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and moose, making it an ideal location for wildlife viewing and photography.
Trail Map of Bow Valley Provincial Park
For those who love fishing, Bow Valley Provincial Park is home to several pristine lakes and rivers, providing ample opportunities to catch trout, pike, and other species. The park is also a popular destination for campers, with several campgrounds offering a range of camping experiences, from primitive sites to full-service RV sites.
Winter at Bow Valley
Snowshoeing is allowed along the 22.5km Stoney Trail, however this is the only winter activity in Bow Valley Provincial Park.
Camping at Bow Valley
Campers at Bow Valley Provincial Park has 7 different campground that they can camp at depending on what their needs are.
Campground 1: Bow River Campground (April 14 – October 29)
| Type of Site | Amount Available | Cost/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Power (30 amp) | 59 | $47.00 |
| Walk-In Tenting Campsites | 7 | $31.00 |
Campground 2: Bow Valley Campground (April 28 – October 9)
| Type of Site | Amount Available | Cost/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Power + Water (15/30 amp) | 131 | $47.00 |
| Unserviced Camping | 36 | $31.00 |
| Walk-In Tenting Campsites | 6 | $31.00 |
Campground 3: Lac Des Arcs Campground (April 28 – October 9)
| Type of Site | Amount Available | Cost/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Unserviced | 28 | $31.00 |
Campground 4: Three Sisters Campground (April 29 – October 10)
| Type of Site | Amount Available | Cost/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Unserviced | 36 | $31.00 |
Campground 5: Willow Rock Campground (April 29 – October 10)
| Type of Site | Amount Available | Cost/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Power (15 amp) | 90 | $39.00 |
| Unserviced Campsites | 34 | $31.00 |
Campground 6: Canoe Meadows Campground (April 24 – October 15) *Reservation Only
| Type of Site | Amount Available | Cost/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-In Tenting Campsites | 10 | $29.00 |
Campground 7: Jewell Bay Backcountry Campground (June 16 – April 13)
For Random Backcountry Camping Check Out: Kananaskis Public Land Use Zone
| Type of Site | Amount Available | Cost/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Designated Backcountry | 7 | $12.00 |
Additionally, there are 5 Group Use areas in Bow Valley Provincial Park: Canoe Meadows, Elk Flats, Grouse, Owl, and Grey Jay.
Day Use Areas in Bow Valley
- Barrier Dam – The Barrier Dam Day Use Area is a popular swimming spot for visitors to the Kananaskis region. There is sand that collects along the lake’s edges due to wind erosion. There is also boat ramps available here and fairly good fishing in the lake itself.
- Barrier Lake – Further along the lake, there is the Barrier Lake Day Use Area. There is picnic tables and a boat launch for canoes available here.
- Canoe Meadows – Canoe Meadows is another popular spot to launch small boats from. There is also backcountry hiking through this day use area.
- Gap Lake – Gap Lake is a beautiful lake located just off of Highway 1A between Exshaw and Canmore. There is decent water access including a boat launch for small boats. This is a good spot for train spotting too as they travel on the other side of the small lake.
- Grotto Mountain – Not far from Gap lake is the Grotto Mountain trailhead which will take hikers into a pretty cool canyon. There is a waterfall hidden about 2km up the trail, and the observant viewer can see Hopi pictographs painted on the rock walls about 500-1000 years ago.
- Lac Des Arcs – The Lac Des Arcs day use area is connected to the village of Lac Des Arcs on the lake. Many people know this lake because the Trans-Canada curves around it near Exshaw (it is the one with the island with flags). This day use area is one of the best places to access the lake and there is a small boat launch available.
- Middle Lake – The middle lake in day use area provides access to the middle lake interpretive trail which an easy 2.5km hike in Kananaskis. Middle lake is a very small lake and there isn’t much for water activities – but the hike is gorgeous!
- Mt. Lorette Ponds – The Mt. Lorette Ponds provide wheelchair accessible fishing in Kananaskis in ponds that are stocked 3x per year. Unlike many other day use areas, open liquor is permitted here. There is also nearly 1km of paved trails (although no snow clearing) that are designed for wheelchair accessibility.
- Old Camp – Washrooms are available here – not much more
- Whitefish – Whitefish is located right on the Bow River. This is a good picnic and fishing spot.
- Widow Maker – Widow Maker is a day use area right downstream from Barrier Lake on the Kananaskis River. It is a popular spot for fishing, both backcountry and front country hiking, and canoeing/kayaking.
Visitor Centers in Bow Valley Provincial Park
There are two visitor centers available in the Bow Valley Provincial Park. One of them is located close to the Trans-Canada Highway near Seebe, Alberta and the other one is located just northeast of Barrier Lake along Highway 40.
Distances to Alberta Cities
Distance to Calgary: 103km
Distance to Edmonton: 390km
Distance to Red Deer: 240km
Distance to Lethbridge: 308km
Distance to Grande Prairie: 754km
Coordinates: 51°04’57.7″N 115°05’16.7″W
Conclusion
Bow Valley Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a diverse range of recreational activities, breathtaking scenic views, and interesting cultural and historical sites. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a peaceful fishing trip, or simply a scenic drive through the Canadian Rockies, Bow Valley Provincial Park has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore one of Alberta’s most beautiful parks.
