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A car driving down a scenic stretch of the Bow Valley Parkway with Castle Mountain in the background
Drive the Bow Valley Parkway in Winter
Scenic Drives

Drive the Bow Valley Parkway

Until 30 years ago, the Bow Valley Parkway was the original road connecting the communities of Banff and Lake Louise. The dedication and creativity of those who built the route long ago can still be felt in the curves of the road, rising and falling gently with the contours of the mountainside. The south-facing slopes above the parkway are home to lush foliage along with elk, mule deer and even the occasional wolf.

Good To Know

Difficulty
Easy
Duration
1-3 hrs
When
Year Round

Location

Distance from Banff:
26km
Distance from Lake Louise:
1km

When to go

Operating Dates

MonthOperating Status
JanOpen
FebOpen
MarOpen
AprOpen
MayOpen
JunOpen
JulOpen
AugOpen
SepOpen
OctOpen
NovOpen
DecOpen

Local Tips

  • Animal Watch: Set out early morning or early evening when our wild neighbours are most active.

  • Try This: Corral Creek is a beautiful picnic area away from the energy and bustle of Lake Louise.

  • Picture Perfect: Morant’s Curve is a classic Banff viewpoint and, if you’re lucky, you might catch the train passing through.

Useful Links

  • Parks Canada

  • Road Conditions

  • Weather Forecast

  • Speak to a local expert