Bow Lake

In July, we paddled Bow Lake, up the Icefields parkway from Lake Louise. We parked at the north end of the lake by the Lodge. This has pit toilets and about a 300-foot carry to the water. Parking was gonzo on the Sunday we were there. I'll point out a better access option below.

An easy gravel beach entry and then we went right into the western basin.

The view the whole trip were just incredible. The pictures don't do it justice.

As the western edge of the basin there is a delta where a stream from the Bow glacier dumps out. Lots of people were out hiking here and there is a path along the north side of the lake.

The wind started to come up a bit so we paddled across the lake to the eastern edge. The picture below shows the Bow Lake Viewpoint on the Icefields Parkway. You can park here and lower your boats down the steep bank. 

From here, you can also take a road down to the water where there is a day-use area with tables, pit toilets, and great beach access (see image below). If we went back, I would launch from here.

We worked our way down the lake until our arms got tired and then turned around. We did not get into the second basin on the south end. Maybe next time!

Overall, one of the nicest paddles around Banff and bigger than Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, or Lake Louise. I would definitely go back. Nearby there is also Peyto, Hector, Herbert, and Waterfowl Lakes