Bow Valley Parkway

Highway 1A is the road for people who would rather see Banff National Park than race through it. The Bow Valley Parkway runs for about 48 kilometres between the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise, on the north side of the Bow River, and it follows the route of an earlier road dating from the 1920s. The Trans-Canada Highway lies across the valley, fenced and fast, while the Parkway is slower, narrower and lined with spruce, pine and aspen, with the Canadian Rockies rising on both sides, the Rockies at their most unhurried. The posted limit is 60 km/h, and the pace is part of the point.

Wildlife is the great draw. Elk graze on roadside meadows, bighorn sheep appear on the slopes, and black bears feed on berries in late summer. Grizzlies, wolves and coyotes also live in the valley, and drivers who pull over to watch an animal should stay inside their vehicle and keep clear of the road. Seasonal wildlife measures apply, including evening and night closures along the eastern section in spring and early summer, and cycling-focused periods, so check the current restrictions with Parks Canada before driving.

Many stops reward a short walk. Johnston Canyon, about halfway along, is the most popular, with a catwalk trail suspended above a limestone gorge leading to waterfalls. Castle Mountain, a huge block of banded rock, dominates the middle of the road and gives its name to a junction and a small cluster of cabins. Pullouts for Muleshoe, Storm Mountain and the Silverton Falls trailhead provide further views and walks. The Sawback Range across the valley changes colour through the day, and morning and late afternoon light is best for photographs.

Visitors can also cycle the route. In parts of the year, vehicle access to the eastern section is restricted at certain hours so that riders can enjoy a quieter road. Bikes can be rented in Banff, and the grade is gentle enough for casual cyclists, though the full distance is a long outing.

Lake Louise and Chateau Lake Louise lie at the western end, while Banff and Bow Falls are near the eastern end, so the road makes a scenic link between the two. Plan for two to three hours with stops, or longer for hikes. The Parkway is a public road, free to travel, but a valid park pass is required for stopping in the national park. Winter conditions can change, and sections may close for snow or avalanche control.