Bow Valley Provincial Park

Top Attractions in Bow Valley Provincial Park

Bow Valley Provincial Park Essentials

Bow Valley Provincial Park serves as a natural corridor between the Alberta foothills and the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. This collection highlights key sites along the Bow River and Highway 40, including the man-made Barrier Lake and the trout-stocked Mount Lorette Ponds. Visitors can explore montane ecosystems at Middle Lake, access roadside cascades like O'Shaughnessy Falls, or utilize the extensive trail networks starting from the Barrier Dam. The area is a significant habitat for elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.

Bow Valley Provincial Park Essentials — Map

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A

Barrier Dam Day Use Area

Primary access point for Barrier Lake, featuring a boat launch and trailheads for the Prairie View and Jewell Pass hiking routes.

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B

Bow River

The Bow River is a river in Alberta, Canada. It begins within the Canadian Rocky Mountains and winds through the Alberta foothills onto the…

C

O'Shaughnessy Falls

A roadside waterfall located along Highway 40, featuring a short boardwalk and viewing area accessible directly from the parking lot.

D

Middle Lake

A shallow montane lake featuring an interpretive loop trail that explains the area's post-glacial landscape and local plant life.

E

Viewing Platform

Elevated lookout point providing panoramic views of the Bow Valley, the surrounding mountain peaks, and the winding Bow River.

F

Mount Lorette Ponds

A series of trout-stocked ponds featuring paved, wheelchair-accessible pathways and numerous picnic sites with mountain views.

G

Chilver Lake

A small, forested lake accessible via a short hiking trail, offering a quiet environment away from the park’s larger bodies of water.

H

Exshaw Beach

A rocky shoreline on Lac des Arcs known for its consistent wind conditions, making it a frequent spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

I

Bow Valley Campground

Situated near the confluence of the Bow and Kananaskis Rivers, this facility offers over 200 campsites with access to paved cycling paths.

J

Park HQ

The administrative and information hub for the park, providing maps, permits, and seasonal updates on trail conditions and wildlife activity.