The Bow River Falls are located at the end of the Bow Falls Trail in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. This is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Alberta as well as easiest and shortest hikes in Banff. This is also one of the best waterfall hikes Banff has to offer so close to the town centre.

Read on for directions and tips on how to get from downtown Banff to Bow Falls viewpoint by walking the Bow Falls trail!

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About Bow Falls

Bow Falls are located on the Bow River Banff and the viewpoint is at the end. They are about 30 feet tall so not the most giant falls you’ll ever see.

Getting there is simple by hiking or biking the Bow Fall Trail or catching the bus/driving. The waterfalls and Banff Bow River are overlooked by the stunning Mount Rundle making a beautiful backdrop for relaxing, enjoying nature and taking epic photographs.

Alongside the falls is a walking and biking trail making it very easy to enjoy the scenic waterfall in Banff.

distance: 1.4 km / 0.9 miles.

difficulty: Easy. There are 5 sets of stairs from bridge to get to car park view.

average time of hike: 25 minutes each way.

best time to visit: You can visit all year round; the summer is a pleasant and beautiful walk and the winter may give you a chance to see the frozen falls.

closest accommodation: Banff Springs Hotel

car park address: Bow Falls Ave, Banff, AB, T0L 0C0, Canada

How to Get From Downtown Banff to Bow Falls Directions

Follow these directions for how to get to Bow Falls Banff by starting in Downtown Banff.

1) Starting on the Bow River Bridge (the stone bridge) facing Cascade Gardens, turn left and follow this pathway:

2) Continue on and you’ll see this

3) When you see this fork, keep to the left path.

4) As you continue you’ll see the beginning of the fence next to the falls and you should start hearing the crashing of the water.

5) Then the first and second sets of stairs will come up like this:

6) Keep walking to enjoy the views and a few more sets of stairs

7) You’ll get to one of the best viewpoints of the falls, river and mountain to one side and the Banff Springs Hotel. Stunning!

8) As you continue down the next flight of stairs you’ll reach the car park, bus stop and rocks/sand at the bank of Bow River

9) You made it! 🙂

Alternatively, you can get to the Bow Waterfalls in Banff by driving or taking the bus as there is a bus stop and car park at the end of the Bow Trail.

Once you reach the car park, you’ll be at the best viewpoint of the Banff Falls and mountains near the rocks and sand but you can take a left up the first set of stairs to see the Banff Waterfall from above.

Car Park Postcode: T0L 0C0

Bus Route: 2 towards Fairmont Hotel via Downtown. The stop is called ‘Bow Falls’ and is the third stop after Banff Park Museum.

Filming Location of Waterfalls Banff

The Bow Falls in Alberta was one of the filming locations for River of No Return starring Marilyn Monroe! The actress was actually a regular visitor of Banff National Park and filming this movie could have well been her inspiration to visit the area so much.

The falls have recently been a filming location for The Last of Us, HBO’s new apocalyptic series!

Another The Last of Us Filming Location: Canmore Engine Bridge

Best Place For Viewpoints of Banff Bow Falls

The best shots come from:

  • The top of the steps (coming from either the trail or car park) and overlooking the Banff waterfalls.
  • The bottom of the steps at the start of the car park and to the right with a corner view of the waterfalls near Banff.
  • The other end of the car park looking directly at the falls.
  • The rocks looking at the mountain and Bow River.

Tips For Waterfalls in Banff National Park

  • It can get crowded here as it’s a popular trail and attraction so time your visit well (perhaps the morning or evening)
  • You are in a National Park which is the home of plenty of wildlife so be respectful and mindful
  • Leave no trace!
  • Head into Downtown Banff afterwards for delicious food after your hike
  • Or continue hiking on trails such as Upper Hot Springs Trail and Spray River East Trail
  • Safety information: https://banff.ca/654/Bow-Falls-Trail

Tours Including Bow Falls

You can join one of the following tours that include a visit to Banff National Park Waterfalls:

Read More Canada Posts

Thanks for reading. I hope this guide has helped you find the Bow Falls near Banff Downtown.

Banff Hikes Waterfalls Directions: Pin Me!

Pin image text reads 'how to visit the Bow Waterfalls in Banff Canada' with top image of Bow Falls and bottom image of Bow Falls information board

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