Bow River Pathway North hike

Start the Bow River Trail hike just beside the Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, following a trail that heads north out of the parking lot. Note that the parking lot can fill up on weekends, so it’s best to get there early.

Following the paved Bow River Pathway, there is an immediate viewpoint overlooking the Bow River Valley. The trail continues north, surrounded by tall grass and wispy trees that burst with colour during the fall and are lush with greenery during the summer months.

About 1804ft down the path, you’ll find the Bow River Park Vista Point on the left-hand side with pretty views over the scenic Bow River that snakes along most of the trail, creating quite the picturesque setting. During the warmer months, you might spot paddlers gliding by in their canoes or rowers pushing past in their kayaks.

Continue following the paved Bow River Pathway and soon you come to a relatively new stormwater pond in Dale Hodges Park. This pond was built as a remarkable collaboration between parks, water resources and public art. This is an interesting place to explore, and the path makes a detour to examine them on the way back.

After these ponds, continue along the paved path, or you can follow a narrow dirt track that heads off to your left that follows the Bow River, which is a fun alternative to going out and back on the same path. This track is not suitable for strollers and you may share it with mountain bikers, so keep your head up. Each year the path erodes a bit, so be aware of local conditions, and if the pathway has worn away, turn around.

You’ll notice a coulee opening to your right as the Bow River turns away on your left. You’re in Silverthorn Park, and this is a fun area to explore. There is a small hill to climb, a boardwalk, and a set of stairs. There are also great views over the Bow River Valley and in the distance, the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

After summiting the little hill, curve around and climb back to the Bow River Pathway on the ridge. Once you rejoin the pathway, you can go left and continue to Bowmont Park and even cross the river to Bowness Park, both worthy objectives.

On our map we return to the car by going right and following the path until back on Bow River Pathway, where you’re in the home stretch! Walk further down the path past the Bow River Park Vista Point once more and then you’ll have arrived back at the entrance point by the church.