Bow River – Canmore

The Bow River originates in the Canadian Rockies, with its headwaters at Bow Lake in Banff National Park. It flows 587 km (365 mi) south through Banff and east through Canmore and the foothills.

The river offers world-class trout fishing, paddling and rafting opportunities, plus it’s a magnet for people to cool off on a hot summer day. The river is often dotted with rafts and canoes bobbing along on the current. That current can be tricky in places, and life jackets are mandatory.

The Bow River also provides the opportunity for scenic walking trails along its banks in Canmore, such as the Bow River Loop Trail—a pleasant and accessible stroll with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Three Sisters and the Rundle Mountain Range.

Bow River eventually joins the Oldman River to form the South Saskatchewan River, which ultimately empties into Hudson’s Bay.