Bow Summit
Above the startling turquoise Peyto Lake, Bow Summit offers some of the most spectacular views in Banff National Park. You can hike here from the very popular Peyto Lake Viewpoint or drive along a paved road in summer. The walking trail is easy, so if you have the time it’s worth venturing away from the crowds that flock to the lower viewpoint.
The basics
Peyto Lake is an essential stop on the Icefields Parkway road trip, and Bow Summit offers some of the best views. From Peyto Lake parking lot, Peyto Lake Viewpoint is about a half-hour walk. Continue up to Bow Summit—a 3.6-mile (5.8-kilometer) return walk from the parking lot—for higher views, some exercise, and to get away from the biggest crowds.
Many guided tours of Banff National Park include a stop here in season (June–September), along with other area highlights like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Things to know before you go
- Bow Summit is at 6,965 feet (2,115 meters), significantly higher than Banff town, so bring warm clothes, even in summer.
- Look out for wildlife along the way like pikas, marmots, and ptarmigan birds.
- Tourist buses use the upper parking lot at Bow Summit but everyone else parks at the lower lot and climbs a steep incline to the summit.
How to get there
Peyto Lake is about 62 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Banff town, beside the Icefields Parkway. It’s one of the most popular sightseeing stops along the parkway so you can’t miss it when self-driving. The access road to Bow Summit is likely to be blocked by snow from October to May.
When to get there
If you’re planning to drive (or take a tour) to Bow Summit, you’ll need to visit between June and September, when the road should be free of snow. At either end of the winter, depending on the conditions, you may be able to drive up to Peyto Lake Viewpoint and hike to Bow Summit, but be prepared for snow. In summer, the lookout is typically busy.
Other stops on the Icefields Parkway
A one or multi-day road trip on the Icefields Parkway is an essential Alberta experience. As well as Bow Summit and Peyto Lake, some other must-visit stops in the Banff National Park section of the road include Lake Louise, Bow Lake, the Saskatchewan River Crossing, the Weeping Wall, and the Columbia Icefield. The parkway extends into Jasper National Park.
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