Bow lake - my 2nd entry for the Photochain Photography Contest

Bow lake and the ice field parkway

It's just like the Rocky Mountains not to cooperate with weather. One minute it's glorious sunshine and the next it's all clouded over, moody and grey. However, when Bow lake is still, there's hardly a better place in the park to take pictures. A short drive (45 mins from Lake Louise) takes you along the ice field parkway in the direction of Jasper. There are several tourist stops along the way including Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Abraham Lake if you go far enough. Bow lake is by far my favourite.

It's quite popular with tourists and tour buses, so I'd recommend either coming early in the season, or getting up really early in the morning to start your adventure.

The lake itself is really easy to get to, there's even a seasonal hotel that you can snag a treat if you want. Most people never go much further than the lake edge. But there's more if you want to be a tiny bit adventurous.

Hike to the falls

Not only do you get the lake, and the reflections. A short hike around the lake (5 km) will also take you to a glorious canyon, and a little further on a beautiful waterfall. The hike is relatively flat most of the way, so it's pretty easy. This hike has everything. A walk around a lake, a walk along a river bed, a hike to a pouring waterfall.

Do yourself a favour, next time you're driving through Banff - take the detour and go to Bow Lake. It's worth it.