Bow River Trail

Calgary Parks, Trails and Places

Alberta Canada Parks & Trails

Bow River is a popular waterway for recreational activities and adventures in the community of Calgary, Alberta in the Southern Alberta region of Canada.

The naming of the Bow River derives from the earliest people of the region - the First Nation people. Legend says the reeds located along the banks of the river were collected and used by the First Nation people for building bows for their arrows.

The Bow River is a major river in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is a glacial river beginning from the Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield on the Continental Divide in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In total the river measures over 620 kilometres.

The section of the Bow River which travels through the community of Calgary attracts many recreational activities... especially water sports.

During the summer months the Bow is a destination for such activities as tubing, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, birdwatching and fishing. On almost any given day in the summer there are people floating down the Bow through Calgary.

Bowness Park is the most popular access point on the Bow. Take out points are best at Prince's Island Park. All who float or paddle down the Bow River must be wearing a PFD - personal floatation device (it is the law).

Following the banks of the river is the Bow River Pathway. A massive network of, mostly, paved trails connecting to many parks, playgrounds, picnic day use areas and attractions.

The pathway following the Bow River is popular for walking, jogging, biking and roller blading. It is a very wheelchair and baby stroller friendly route.

Other Alberta communities which are located on the banks of the Bow River include Cochrane, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise.

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