304-304 Travel Guide

Bow River Falls sits on the Bow River by Banff town—a wide, low river waterfall. Though the drop is modest, the broad Bow River surges and churns here, splashing layered white waves with considerable force, set against the snow peaks of Mount Rundle and the forests on both banks—a quite spectacular scene. Easily reached on foot along the Bow River Trail or by a short drive from Banff town, with a viewpoint and trail by the river for a close look at the rushing falls. This was also a filming location for the Marilyn Monroe movie "River of No Return". As a convenient natural spot by Banff town, Bow River Falls pairs well with Sulphur Mountain and the Banff Springs Hotel area for an easy visit.

Opened by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, the Banff Springs Hotel is called the 'Castle in the Rockies' and is the original of the CPR's Castle Hotels. Its Scottish Baronial stone architecture climbs the hillside with towers, arched windows and a gilded lobby that keeps its historic aura through many expansions. It overlooks the Bow River valley and peaks, and is a perfect launch point for the Banff Upper Hot Springs and surrounding trails.