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Two roads run parallel through the Bow Valley from Banff to Lake Louise (58km): the faster Hwy 1 (the Trans-Canada); and the quieter Bow Valley Parkway , on the other (north) side of the river, opened in 1989 as a special scenic route. After Banff, there's only one link between the two roads, at Castle Junction, 30km from Lake Louise. Both routes are staggeringly beautiful, as the mountains start to creep closer to the road. For the entire run, the mighty Bow River, broad and emerald green, crashes through rocks and forest. Despite the tarmac and heavy summer traffic, the surroundings are pristine and suggest the immensity of the wilderness to come. Sightings of elk and deer are common, particularly around dawn and sundown, and occasionally you'll spot moose. Both roads offer some good trails : if you want to tackle one of the most highly rated day-walks in Banff National Park, make for the Bourgeau Lake Trail off Hwy 1 ; for a shorter walk, make for the Johnston Canyon on the Parkway. Note, however, that between 6pm and 9am daily from March 1 to June 25, the 17km of the Bow Valley Parkway between Johnston Canyon and the east entrance off the Trans-Canada (that is, the entrance closest to Banff), is closed to allow the grazing of animals forced by late snow to lower altitudes for food. Access at this time to Johnston Canyon trails and campsite is from Hwy 1.
Your Tip for Highway 1 and the Bow Valley Parkway
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