Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy. 1A)

Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy. 1A) is 5 km (3 mi.) w. of the town of Banff off Hwy. 1. The parkway, the original road between the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise, runs along the Bow River parallel to the Trans-Canada Hwy. The parkway's speed limit of 60 kph (37 mph) provides a slower, more scenic alternative to Hwy. 1. Each curve in the road brings postcardlike images of snow-capped mountains.

There are frequent pull-offs with viewpoints, interpretive panels, picnic sites and trailheads. Wildlife such as bears, bighorn sheep, elk and deer frequent the area. If wildlife is present, slow down and stay in your vehicle. Consider not stopping and moving on quickly to give the animals some space.

Note: In order to help protect wildlife, there is a seasonal travel restriction on driving a 17-kilometre (10.5 mi.) section of the parkway between Banff and Johnston Canyon daily 8 p.m.-8 a.m., Mar. 1-June 25. Use Hwy. 1 instead.