Bow Falls

Bow Falls is not a tall waterfall, but it is a wide one, and it sits within a few minutes of Banff's main street. The Bow River tumbles over a broad ledge of rock just before it meets the Spray River, a short distance below the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, and the roar is easy to hear from the viewing areas on either side. The drop is only a few metres, yet the sheer volume of water gives the falls a power that surprises first-time visitors, particularly in late spring and early summer when snowmelt swells the river.

The falls have a place in film history. Parts of the 1954 Hollywood western River of No Return were shot here, and the scenes with Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum riding the rapids made the falls familiar to cinema audiences. Staff at local hotels still tell the story, and the site appears in many old promotional photographs of Banff National Park.

The walk to the falls is easy and attractive. The Bow Falls Trail begins at the Bow River bridge at the foot of Banff Avenue and runs along the south bank of the river for about 1.2 kilometres, with gentle gradients and benches along the way. Cyclists have a separate path in places, and the whole route takes about 20 to 25 minutes on foot. The trail rises gradually toward the falls, with views upstream of the river as it curves between forested slopes, and the Bow Falls Viewpoint gives a clear look at the cascade itself. Nearby, Surprise Corner offers a classic view of the Banff Springs Hotel framed by the river and the mountains.

Bears and other wildlife live in the valley, and encounters are possible between early spring and late autumn, so stay alert, keep your distance, and carry bear spray if you plan to wander beyond the main paths. Cell reception is patchy in places. Leave No Trace principles apply here as elsewhere in the park, so carry out all rubbish and stay on marked paths. The clifftop section is closed in winter.

Hikers, families and photographers all enjoy the falls, and the walk makes a good short outing before or after the Banff Gondola or Banff Upper Hot Springs. Check current trail conditions before setting out.