7/2/2024

Hiking to Bow Glacier Falls: Glacial Views and Alpine Beauty

One of the highlights of our time in the Canadian Rockies was our day hike to Bow Glacier Falls. Nestled in a scenic valley with views of Bow Lake and a glacier-fed waterfall at the end, this trail was the perfect mix of alpine beauty and moderate hiking. If you’re looking for a trail with a bit of everything—turquoise lakes, rugged rock landscapes, and a showstopping waterfall—this one’s for you!

Distance: 5.5 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: ~800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

The hike begins by skirting the shores of Bow Lake, with easy, flat sections that gave us plenty of time to enjoy the incredible turquoise water. Bow Lake is fed by Bow Glacier, and the views of the glacier hanging above were a pretty epic way to start the hike.

After crossing the delta, the trail starts to climb and gets a bit rockier. Here, we were surrounded by rugged mountains and the bright blue of Bow Lake below. The higher we went, the more we could feel the power of the landscape around us.

Finally, we reached Bow Glacier Falls, cascading down from the glacier above. The sound of the water rushing down the rocks was intense and incredibly refreshing after the climb. Standing so close to the falls, with mist spraying all around, made us feel like we were in a hidden part of the Rockies that not everyone gets to see.

If you’re up for a moderate hike with fantastic glacier views and an impressive waterfall at the end, Bow Glacier Falls is a must-do. This trail really captures the essence of the Rockies!