Castle Junction: Bow River, Highway 93 South and Hiking Destinations
Accommodation in Castle Junction
Castle Junction is the starting point for the Bow River canoe section to Banff and the endpoint of another section from Lake Louise. The town is also a useful reference point for navigating Highway 93 South: the route to Kootenay National Park is accessed here via Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway. There are also several hiking destinations nearby. For trip planning, the paddling route, road route, and nearby trails can be considered separately.
Canoe Sections on the Bow River
The Bow River canoe section from Castle Junction to Banff is 32 kilometres long, takes five to six hours, and is rated moderate. The launch site is at the parking lot downstream of the Bow River bridge. Allow five to six hours for this activity as part of your day’s plans.
The route includes numerous riffles and Class 1 rapids, as well as a Class 3 rapid at Redearth Creek. The moderate rating describes the section overall; the individual Class 3 rapid is a specific feature along the route. River conditions can change. Check for hazards and conditions before paddling.
The other canoe section runs from Lake Louise to Castle Junction. It ends at the bridge in Castle Junction; the take-out is at the parking lot directly downstream. Depending on the route, the town is therefore either the starting point, with a launch site for the trip to Banff, or the endpoint, with a take-out for the trip from Lake Louise.
Emergency telephones for paddlers are located in Castle Mountain Village in Castle Junction. Before setting out, confirm whether this facility is available for your plans.
Highway 93 South and the Cycling Route
In Castle Junction, Highway 93 South to Kootenay National Park is accessed via Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway. The junction of Highway 93 South and Highway 1 also serves as the starting point for the distance markers along Highway 93 South. If you want to follow the route’s scenic highlights, you can reset your odometer to zero here. Road conditions and closures can change; check the latest conditions before setting out.
The cycling route on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) follows a different path: it runs through the Bow Valley to Castle Junction and continues from there to Lake Louise. This makes it possible to consider navigation on Highway 93 South and the cycling route separately.
Nearby Hiking Destinations
Castle Lookout nearby still offers sweeping views of the middle Bow Valley. The former fire lookout tower has been removed.
The parking lot at the Rockbound Lake trailhead is 200 metres southeast of Castle Junction. The hike leads to Tower Lake and Rockbound Lake beneath Castle Mountain. Parking conditions can change, so check them before your visit.
Johnston Canyon is also near Castle Junction. A maintained trail there leads over suspended catwalks to the Lower and Upper Falls; the canyon is accessible year-round. The hiking destinations offer different experiences: the Rockbound Lake trail leads to two lakes beneath Castle Mountain, while the trail in Johnston Canyon leads to the waterfalls. Check current trail conditions and access before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Sunwapta, Dead Man's Flats, Canmore, Kananaskis, Morley, Lake Louise, Jasper, Crowsnest Pass.
View the broader travel overview: Division No. 15.
