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Bow Valley Parkway Introduce

Bow Valley Parkway, located in the heart of Banff National Park, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This scenic drive stretches through the picturesque landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the wilderness. Whether you're driving, cycling, or simply stopping to take in the views, Bow Valley Parkway promises an unforgettable experience.

The parkway is known for its serene environment, with towering mountains, lush forests, and the chance to spot local wildlife such as elk, deer, and even bears. One of the highlights along the route is Johnston Canyon, a popular spot for hiking and exploring its stunning waterfalls and limestone cliffs. The parkway is also a haven for cyclists, especially during the car-free periods from May to June and August to September, when the road is reserved exclusively for bicycles, providing a peaceful and safe environment for riders.

Bow Valley Parkway is not just about the journey; it's about the experience. The ever-changing weather adds a unique charm to the drive, with sunny skies one moment and snowflakes the next. While the full length of the road may not always be accessible due to seasonal closures, the sections that are open offer plenty of opportunities for photography, relaxation, and connecting with nature.

Customer feedback highlights the parkway's scenic beauty and the joy of exploring it. Visitors have praised the drive for its tranquility and the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Some have noted the challenges of weather conditions, but even then, the parkway's charm remains undeniable. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Bow Valley Parkway is a destination that should be on your list when visiting Banff National Park.

  • Scenic drive through Banff National Park with breathtaking mountain views.
  • Seasonal car-free periods ideal for cycling and photography.
  • Wildlife sightings including elk, deer, and bears.
  • Johnston Canyon is a must-visit spot for hiking and exploring waterfalls.
  • Unique experience with ever-changing weather conditions.

Location

Customer Reviews

4.0
214 reviews
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Karin H
May 20, 2024

A lovely scenic drive from Lake Louise, but snowy rainy weather obscured the mountains a fair bit. We got as far as Johnston canyon but the remainder of the road was closed for bicycles only until June, sadly. We didn't see any wildlife either. Some of our drive was in sunshine but it started snowing close to Banff. It would have been nice to have driven the full length of the road.

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Sergii Prakhov
Jun 25, 2024

Scenic drive in Banff National Park. the east section of road (Johnston Canyon to Banff) is closed for cars from 1 May to 25 June and from 30 August to 30 September, thus ideal for cycling and photography during the ride.

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junhong cai
Jun 10, 2024

Bow Valley Parkway offers stunning scenery, and cycling is usually shared with vehicles. However, Parks Canada's 3-year pilot program restricts vehicles from May 1st to June 25th and August 30th to September 30th, allowing cyclists to enjoy the route from railway avenue in town to Johnston Canyon. This provides a fantastic opportunity for biking and photography.

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Angelo Garcia
Feb 26, 2024

Although this road is not open year round one can definitely enjoy it via foot or bike during the busy season, I was there in January 2024 and the road is open and it’s very scenic with plenty opportunities to see the surrounding mountain range and wildlife!it is a must see and drive for sure!!!

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Marc Lacrampe
Oct 05, 2020

Wonderful bicycle ride today on the road to the Johnston Canyon closed to motor vehicles traffic. We had the newly paved roadway all to ourselves and our fellow bicycle riders. A quiet ride among the golden colors of fall. Round trip was 36 km, one of the most scenic rides I ever had.