Bow Valley Provincial Park
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Bow Valley Provincial Park, at the north end of Kananaskis Country, sits at the confluence of the Kananaskis and Bow Rivers and extends as far south as Barrier Lake. The entrance to the park is four kilometers (2.5 miles) west of Highway 40 (the main access into Kananaskis Country).
To the casual motorist driving along the TransCanada Highway, Bow Valley Provincial Park seems fairly small, but more than 300 species of plants have been recorded, and 60 species of birds are known to nest within its boundaries. The abundance of wildflowers, birds, and smaller mammals can be enjoyed along four short interpretive trails.
Other popular activities in the park include fishing for a variety of trout and whitefish in the Bow River, bicycling along the paved trail system, and attending interpretive programs presented by park staff.
Practicalities
Facilities at the two park campgrounds, Willow Rock and Bow Valley, are excellent. They both have showers, flush toilets, and kitchen shelters. Willow Rock also has powered sites and a coin laundry and is open for winter camping. Unserviced sites are $25, powered sites $30. Reservations can be made online for both campgrounds at www.bowvalleycampgrounds.com.
A visitor information center (403/673-2163, Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–8 p.m. in summer, Mon.–Fri. 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m. the rest of the year) is at the park entrance on Highway 1X.
© Andrew Hempstead, from Moon Western Canada, 3rd Edition
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