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Bow Valley facts for kids

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For the community in the United States, see Bow Valley, Nebraska.
1 morants curve 2019
A view from Morant's Curve in Banff National Park.
Bow River Valley Alberta
A view from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1914.

The Bow Valley is a beautiful valley in Alberta, Canada. It follows the upper part of the Bow River. This river flows through some of Canada's most famous mountain areas.

The name "Bow" comes from the reeds that grew along the riverbanks. Local First Nations people used these reeds to make bows for hunting. The Blackfoot name for the river is Makhabn. This means "river where bow weeds grow."

Communities in Bow Valley

Many towns and small communities are found in the Bow Valley. These include:

Smaller villages, called hamlets, are also part of the valley. These are:

People from many different cultures live in the Bow Valley. More and more people have moved here since the early 2000s.

Parks and Recreation Areas

The Bow Valley is home to several important parks. These parks offer many chances for outdoor fun.

Bow Valley Provincial Park

The-Three-Sisters-Szmurlo
The Three Sisters ridge stands tall above the Bow Valley.

Bow Valley Provincial Park is located east of the Canadian Rockies. It is part of the larger Kananaskis Country park system. This park protects the natural beauty of the valley's arch.

Banff National Park

The upper part of the Bow River flows through Banff National Park. This is one of Canada's oldest and most famous national parks. It is known for its stunning mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.

Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park

The Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is between Banff National Park and Canmore. This park was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics. It is now a popular spot for cross-country skiing and mountain biking.

Other Recreation Spots

Many other areas in the valley are set aside for recreation. These include:

These spots are great for hiking, climbing, fishing, and enjoying nature.

Lakes of Bow Valley

The Bow Valley has many beautiful lakes. Some were formed by glaciers long ago. Others are artificial, meaning they were made by people.

Here are some of the lakes you can find:

These lakes are popular for boating, fishing, and photography.

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Bow Valley Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.