Bow Lake (Alberta) Facts for Kids

This article is about Bow Lake (disambiguation). For other uses, see Bow Lake (Alberta) (disambiguation).

Quick facts for kids Bow Lake
Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, et al
Bow Lake Location in Alberta
Location	Banff National Park, Alberta
Coordinates	51°39′52″N 116°26′55″W / 51.66444°N 116.44861°W / 51.66444; -116.44861
Lake type	Glacial Lake
Primary inflows	Bow River
Primary outflows	Bow River
Basin countries	Canada

Max. length	3.2 km (2.0 mi)
Max. width	1.2 km (0.75 mi)
Surface area	3.21 km² (1.24 sq mi)
Surface elevation	1,920 m (6,300 ft)

Bow Lake is a beautiful small lake found in western Alberta, Canada. It is part of the famous Bow River and sits high up in the Canadian Rockies, about 1920 meters (6,300 feet) above sea level. This stunning lake is known for its bright turquoise color.

Where is Bow Lake Located?
Exploring the Icefields Parkway
What Makes Bow Lake Special?
Image gallery
See also

Where is Bow Lake Located?

Bow Lake is nestled in a scenic area surrounded by mountains. It is south of a place called Bow Summit. To its east, you can see the Waputik Range. This range includes amazing sights like the Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, Bow Peak, Mount Thompson, Crowfoot Glacier, and Crowfoot Mountain. To the west, you will find Dolomite Pass, Dolomite Peak, and Cirque Peak.

Exploring the Icefields Parkway

Bow Lake is one of several beautiful lakes you can see along the Icefields Parkway. This famous road winds through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. Other lakes along this route include Hector Lake, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Lake, Waterfowl Lakes, Chephren Lake, and Sunwapta Lake. The Icefields Parkway is a popular route for tourists.

What Makes Bow Lake Special?

Bow Lake is very close to where the Bow River begins. It covers an area of about 3.21 square kilometers (1.24 square miles). The water in the lake comes from the melting ice of the Bow Glacier. The lake's amazing turquoise color comes from tiny rock particles called glacial till. These particles are carried into the lake by the melting glacier ice.

A historic place called Simpson's Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is located right on the shores of Bow Lake. It sits at the base of Mount Jimmy Simpson, offering great views.