Castle Mountain is located on the gorgeous Bow Valley Parkway drive — it’s massive and has fortress-like peaks that dominates the skyline and looks exactly like, well… a castle. With its layered cliffs, it’s one of the most recognizable mountains in the Rockies, and it’s just as fascinating up close as it is from a distance.

While you can’t drive to the summit, Castle Mountain Viewpoint is an easy stop along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), and it gives you a picture-perfect view of the mountain rising above the forest and Bow River. There’s a parking area, interpretive signs, and plenty of room to wander and take photos. If you're looking to do some hiking, head to Castle Junction, where you’ll find access to trails like the Rockbound Lake hike — a challenging 17.5 km round trip that takes you through alpine meadows to a pristine lake beneath the cliffs of Castle Mountain. It’s a full-day hike, but the views are absolutely worth the effort.

There’s also a lesser-known Castle Lookout trail, a shorter but still steep hike (7.4 km round trip) that leads to an old fire lookout site with panoramic views of the Bow Valley. It’s a great alternative if you want the mountain experience without committing to a full day.

There are no facilities at the viewpoints or trailheads beyond basic toilets and parking, so bring water, snacks, and bear spray. This area is rich in history too — the mountain was once named "Mount Eisenhower" in honor of the U.S. general, and you can still see the commemorative plaque near the base.