
Bow Pass is the highest road in Canada’s national parks
Canada, north-america
75.8 km
2,088 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, road trip lovers, let's talk about Bow Pass! Nestled high in Alberta, Canada, within the stunning Banff National Park, this beauty tops out at a cool 2,088m (6,850ft). We're talking serious Canadian high-road status!
Built back in 1940, this completely paved stretch of Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 north to those in the know) is the highest road you'll find in Canada's national parks. Keep an eye out for the side road just west of the pass that takes you up to Bow Summit and the breathtaking Peyto Lake.
Clocking in at 75.8 km (47.09 miles), it winds its way from Lake Louise to Saskatchewan River Crossing in a south-north direction.
Perched in the Waputik Range of the Canadian Rockies, Bow Pass is the highest point on this incredible drive. While usually open year-round, don't be surprised by snow any time of year. Winter brings extreme weather, so be prepared!
Trust me; the scenery is unreal. Words and pictures don't do it justice. This drive is a masterpiece of road engineering, with the views just getting better and better as you climb. Weekends and holidays get busy, and July and August are peak times with up to 100,000 vehicles hitting the parkway each month.
Where is it?
Bow Pass is the highest road in Canada’s national parks is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 61.8034, -106.8406
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,088 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 61.8034, -106.8406
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