Bow Lake, Icefields Parkway

Note: Parks Canada has closed paddling on Bow Lake for 2026.

In late-September, we stopped at Bow Lake on the way back from the Okanagan. We put in at the day-use area that is just south of the highway lookout . The carry from the parking lot was about 20m and there were pit toilets and picnic tables here.

The air temperature was between -1 and 1 as we approached the parking lot. The paddling permit box was crusted in ice and I had to chip my way in. 

After layering up, we launched off the gravel beach, crossed to the western shore and turned south (mostly because we haven't been to this end of the lake before).

It is hard to convey how spectacular this paddle is. The water is insanely blue. The mountains are enormous and right there. We had blue skies and no wind.

The clarity of the water is amazing. There was only one other kayak out and there are no rentals so the lake is rarely crowded.

We paddled south into the first little basin.

We then turned east and paddled through shallow spot into a second, deeper southern basin.

Eventually, we decided to turn around (being mindful go the long drive home). If we come back in the spring with higher water, I'd be keen to run the creek at the very south end into the southern-most basin.

Overall, a lovely paddle (despite the cold) and a nice way to end our fall trip into the Okanagan.