Bow Valley Provincial Park

Trip Date: July 2017

In mid July we made plans for a camping trip. This would be Cooper's first time camping and we were really looking forward to it. We settled on Bow Valley Provincial Park for its proximity to the city (less than 100km west of Calgary) in case we had to go home early. We reserved a site in the Bow Valley Campground, which would mark the second time we'd stayed there. The first time was over 10 years ago and I'd forgotten just how nice the campground is. Its riverside location and mix of big mature trees with quiet private sites make it an ideal spot. It honestly feels like you're a lot deeper in the mountains instead of just on the outskirts.

Bow Valley Provincial Park is the gateway to the mountains

We would be sharing Christine's parent's trailer as tenting wasn't a practical option with a two-month old. The Verdant Creek Wildfire was also burning out of control on the Banff and Kootenay National Park's border so there was a complete fire ban across the entire Bow Valley and raining ash was a constant issue throughout our trip. It did make for some awful beautiful sunsets though!

Family camping trip...the first of many!

Wildfire smoke as viewed from our campsite

Unfortunately a Grizzly Bear was struck on the highway and scampered off into the forest. This resulted in all of the trails in the park being closed while Conservation Officers monitored the bear's health. No word yet on the condition of the bear. Due to these unfortunate circumstances we explored the trails in the campground and along the river instead, which offer some fantastic views of the nearby peaks.

The Bow River Trails runs parallel to the river

The Bow River with Mount Yamnuska in the background

Wildflowers blooming along the river's edge

With Grandparents along Christine and I were able to get out for a couple of paddleboard sessions on nearby lakes. Our first paddle of the season was on Lac des Arcs. I'd always wanted to paddle over to the small island so we finally made that happen. It'll likely be the first and last time we paddle on that lake as we were both covered in small leeches afterwards!

This small island was our destination

Christine and Rome with Heart Mountain in the background

Island Selfie

Island Sunset

My GoPro paddlecam was back in action!

A smokey sunset over Lac des Arcs

As luck would have it Christine and I were able to sneak away for another afternoon paddle, but this time we went to Two Jack Lake along the Minnewanka Road in Banff National Park. We'd heard good reviews about paddling there and the scenery is incredible, even with all the smoke in the air. If you're looking for a great place to paddle with water that is warmer than other mountain lakes you'll definitely want to keep Two Jack in mind.

Paddling Two Jack Lake

Smile for the paddlecam!

Enjoying the mountain scenery

Sharing this end of the lake with a Loon

A few of the locals stopped by to say hi as we were leaving

To cap off the trip Christine and I took part in a Minnewanka Lake Cruise that's offered by Brewster Travel Canada. The one-hour tour guides visitors down the length of the lake and provides insight into the legendary lake's colourful history. It also offers guests the chance to get a new perspective on an old favourite, while also giving them an opportunity to spot elusive wildlife along the shoreline. To read the full recap of our boat cruise experience please visit my Minnewanka Lake Cruise post or read The Mighty Minnewanka.

I really enjoyed this camping trip and we will be returning to Bow Valley Provincial Park in the future. It's a wonderful spot for families and you can't beat the location. Until next time...