Bow Valley Parkway for Wildlife

Drive the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) in the morning, early morning. This is one of the best wildlife viewing stretches in the park. We have spotted elk, bighorn sheep, and more on this road. Go slow, keep your eyes on the tree lines, and pull over safely when something appears.

While you are on the Bow Valley Parkway, Johnston Canyon is a must. A paved walkway follows the canyon wall through a narrow gorge to a series of waterfalls, the lower falls are a shorter walk and stunning on their own, but push through to the upper falls if you have the time. It gets busy later in the day, so hitting it early in the morning while you are already out on the parkway for wildlife is the perfect combination.

Keep your distance from all wildlife. Do not approach, do not feed, do not get closer for a photo. This is their home. Give them space.