The sparkling, translucent waters of Bow Lake are among the most beautiful that can be seen from the Icefields Parkway. The lake was created when moraines, left behind by retreating glaciers, dammed subsequent meltwater. On still days, the water reflects the snowy peaks, their sheer cliffs, and the scree slopes that run into the lake. You don’t need to take a photography class to take good pictures here!

At the southeast end of the lake is a day-use area with waterfront picnic tables. At the upper end of the lake is Num-Ti-Jah Lodge and the trailhead for a walk to Bow Glacier Falls.

The road leaves Bow Lake and climbs to Bow Summit. Looking back, the true color of Bow Lake becomes apparent, and the Crowfoot Glacier reveals its unique shape. At an elevation of 2,069 meters (6,790 feet), this pass is one of the highest points crossed by a public road in Canada. It is also the beginning of the Bow River—the one you camped beside at Lake Louise, photographed flowing through the town of Banff, and strolled along in downtown Calgary.