Bow Falls Viewpoint
Bow Falls is a beautiful waterfall just outside the Town of Banff. Bow Falls is one wide waterfall that spans the Bow River. Dropping just 9 meters down, it’s not a huge waterfall in Alberta by any means, but it is still one of the best sights to see near the townsite. Surrounded by natural scenery and rocky cliffs, Bow Falls is also one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies.
Several classic Hollywood films of the 1950s depicted famous movie stars being swept over Bow Falls, including Marilyn Monroe, Robert Mitchum – even the Son of Lassie.
General Trail Information
Some quick guidance on trail etiquette and safety includes:
Trip planning: make sure someone knows where you are going, when you will be back and what to do if you do not return on time.
Be prepared: Whether you are going out for an hour or a few days, you should always be ready for the unexpected. Some basic things you should always have with you in case you or someone in your group becomes lost or injured includes:
Map or guidebook
Water
Food
Bear spray
First aid kit
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Headlamp
Extra waterproof and warm clothing
Cellphone or satellite communication device (note: cellular service is not available in many areas of the park).
Be Bear Aware: the bears are awake from early spring to late fall so make sure you carry. and know how to use bear spray should you encounter one on the trails.
Leave no trace: Make sure you always pack out what you pack in, whether on a day hike or backcountry trip. You should also make sure you stick to the designated trails to protect valued plants and habitats. If you see an interesting stack of rocks, that’s called a cairn and is used to help people navigate, so make sure you leave in it in its place to help the next person travel safely through.
Be kind out there: In the park there are some trails that allow for mixed uses such as hiking, horseback riding and cycling. Cyclists and hikers yield to horses and cyclists yield to hikers on most trails. Please also remember that dogs must always be on-leash and in control in the national park.
Drones are also not permitted without a permit.
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