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AB Highway Itinerary: Lake Louise to Calgary via #1

What to See & Do Between Lake Louise and Calgary?

This segment connects Alberta’s prairies and rolling foothills with the Rocky Mountains. The tourist towns of Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise are jumping off points for the many recreations and attractions offered in the mountains.

Alberta Itinerary - Lake Louise to Calgary

Here is the itinerary for the 180 km along Highway #1 between Lake Louise and Calgary:

Castle Mountain, with cloud. just east of Lake Louise
Banff & the Bow Valley

Moving east from Lake Louise (and more dramatically, when driving west from Banff), the most stunning feature is Castle Mountain, which rises on the east side of the valley like a tall reddish layer cake. Those wishing to get a real sense of the splendour of the Rockies, without pricing at faster highway speeds, should drive the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) from Banff to Lake Louise.

Castle Mountain, with cloud. just east of Lake Louise
Banff is Canada’s first national park, it has expanded from 10 square miles around the hot springs to now cover 6640 square kilometres (2564 sq miles). Between Lake Louise and Banff (plus one more single-span bridge west of Lake Louise), travellers will notice several overhead Animal Bridges (shown) as well as several under-the-highway ones. These, along with the fences, keep animals safe inside the National Park, by dramatically reducing vehicle-animal collissions.

The town of Banff is “action central” of the mountain parks. While other communities are quite leisurely and relaxed, Banff has lots of restaurants, nightlife and world-class shopping. For a scenic overview of the area, take a ride up the Sulfur Mountain Gondola, or for free you can drive up the Mountain Norquay Road across the Trans-Canada from Banff (with great views of the town), or hike up Tunnel Mountain (for great views up the Bow Valley). You can also walk or bike along Vermilllion Lakes, just west of the town’s Rec Cente on Mount Norquay Road, for great camera shots of Sulphur Mountain (Pro Tip: go early in the day for mirror-smooth water for stunning mountain reflections).

At several locations along the highway throughout the park, visitors will notice sandstone “hoodoos”, tall conical towers left behind by erosion. Themost noticeable are just east of the Banff town, just past the TransAlta station (on the north side of the highway, which generates power from the 110 metre drop in the Cascade River draining from Lake Minnewanka) you will see prominent hoodoos on both sides of the highway for about a kilometre.

Lake Louise-TCH-View of Bow River and Castle Mountain-sliver
Lake Louise-TCH-View of Bow River and Castle Mountain-sliver

Canmore-Kananaskis

Canmore Coal Cars at railway corssing, reflecting the town's mining heritageEast of Banff is Canmore, lying just east of the park gates. Canmore began as a coal mine for the railroad in the 1800s, but the last mine was shut down in 1980. Long the cheapest gas for highway travellers, Canmore also has more hotels and condos than Banff, and tons of recreational opportunities. Canmore was home to the cross-country and biathlon events during the 1988 Winter Olympics, and is the backdoor gateway to the rugged Kananaskis Provincial Park.

Lac Des Arc: LafFrge cement factory

East of Canmore, you pass Lac Des Arc where the highway bends around the lake which has a large LaFarge Cement factory (with a glass dome) on the northern shore. There are three rest stops with viewpoint on the Westbound side of the Highway (If you are eastbound, take the Lac Des Arc exit, cross over the highway, and head back west for picture taking… there are no rest stops on the eastbound side here) Along the eastern edge of the Rockies you can observe the height of glacial scour from the last Ice Age, denoted by where the trees can take root in the finely ground rock.

As you pass Exshaw, you pass through Bow River Provincial Park and will pass under the new Stoney -Nakoda Animal Bridge along a wildlife corridor outside the National Park. This new bridge has very wide spans and is expected to be completed in 2024.

Alberta – Scott Lake Hill view from TCH -sliver
Alberta – Scott Lake Hill view from TCH -sliver

The Foothills

Westbound view Descending Scott Lake Hill with view to Foothills & RockiesEast of Lac Des Arc you drive through Alberta’s Foothills, a short expanse of maybe 50 kilometres before you hit the wide open prairie around Calgary. The foothills technically begin east of the Kananaskis Mountains (and Heart Mountain to the south of the Highway, and Mount Yamnuska (with the sheer cliff-face so loved by rock climbers) to the north of the Highway. The foothills are recognized by their high rolling hills, typically covered with white spruce and trembling aspen.

Much of the foothills area along the Trans-Canada are in the Stoney First Nations Reserve east of the Kananaskis River (there is a community just off the highway at Mini T’nii, formerly Morley). The highway roughly follows the Bow River valley and you also see tear-drop shaped drumlins on both sides of the highway, which are gravel deposits left behind by receding glaciers.

After a steep climb up and down Scott Lake Hill, the highway enters the grasslands of the side open prairie. There is a rest-stop  on Scott Lake Hill only on the westbound side of the highway, with a short trail to the lake for which the hill is named.

The Rolling Hills of the Prairies

Rolled hay bales, near Jumping Pound Creek, West Of CalgaryThe Prairies around Calgary lie 1000 metres (3400ft) above sea level, and are characterized by high winds and low rainfall. This area is characterized today by the raising of cattle and growing of cereal crops. While the bison that dominated the grasslands are gone (they are now protected in Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Alberta), many indigenous species can still be seen: Richardson’s ground squirrel (gopher), and magpies.

This area is best known for Alberta’s Chinook wind, a warm and dry wind from the west which can raise winter temperatures by 30 degrees C (60 degrees F) is a few hours. It is evidenced by a “Chinook arch” as the clouds are lifted in the west and the arch follows the earth’s curvature. The Chinook winds quickly clear winter snows enabling year-round grazing for game and livestock. The town of Cochrane, about 30 km northwest of Calgary started as a ranching community, and has since the 1980s become a bedroom community and almost a suburb of Calgary, complete with all stores and services.

After Cochrane, you will pass Springbank Airport, which is Canada’s 10th busiest airport (based on landings & take-offs of small airpcraft). Then you will pass by Calaway Park, a seasonal amusement park  on the south side of the highway that kids will enjoy, at the Springbank Road exit.

Entering Calgary

Peace Bridge across Bow River and Downtown Skyscrapers
Calgary is now a city of 1.4 million people, and has tripled in size since hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics. Visitors will see vast recently-built suburbs on the western and eastern approaches, and lots of home construction continuing in all directions. After passing the Stoney Trail (Calgary Bypass) junction, you will pass Canada Olympic Park on the south side.  As you move closer in, you become aware of the many office towers that comprise the city’s downtown core. The buildings are tightly clustered between the Bow River and the railway tracks, and house the headquarters of most of Canada’s oil & gas companies. There is excellent shopping (you only pay the 5% GST in Alberta) in the downtown, in several inner-city shopping districts, and at major malls in each of the city’s quadrants. Calgary also has Canada’s largest network of recreational trails, with great (and relatively level) running/ biking/blading trails running for miles alongside the Bow River.

Alberta TCH - fields with rolled hay bales
Alberta TCH - fields with rolled hay bales

Spring/Fall Construction Detour via Radium

During the Spring & Fall “shoulder season” of 2021 and  2022  this detour affects the main route across Canada, to accommodate construction of a wider, faster, and safer route through the Kicking Horse Valley. From the east, this detour is approached mid-way between Banff & Lake Louise, at Castle Junction to take Highway 93 south/west to Radium. From Radium you can drive north on Highway 97 (or stop there and take in the lake resort towns of Invermere and Windermere, or continue south to Kimberley and Cranbrook to connect with the #3 Crowsnest Highway).This detour is 250km and takes 3 hours.

Golden-Radium-Castle Detour

History of the Trans Canada Highway: Lake Louise to Calgary

Search Listings along this Itinerary

Rockies-Banff National Park-Peyto Lake lookout-sliver

Alberta Rockies

Visit the Calgary Stampede

Calgary

Elevation Chart: Lake Louise to Calgary

Trans-Canada Itinerary Segment Map from Lake Louise to Calgary

Use mouse to drag/move map. Click on “+” or “” to zoom in or out. “Satellite” combines map & photo.
Note:

Itinerary Details

KM 
Highway Point & Features
Elev.
(metres)
 
Map
Add
Info
 
0 Deerfoot Trail (Hwy #2) double diamond interchange (Calgary)  1040.6

 

Highway 2, The Deerfoot Trail in Calgary, goes north to Red Deer & Edmonton, south to Lethbridge and the US border..


Edmonton, 300 km to N.


Calgary International Airport, 12 km N of highway, via Airport Trail…


east access to Calgary Zoo, via Memorial Drive, 2.5 km S of highway…


Access to Calgary’s downtown, via Memorial Drive, with over 20 hotels..

0.2 Railway and Nose Creek underpass (Calgary)  1046.4

 

1 Moncton Rd NE (athletic fields, accommodation) (Calgary)  1076.6

 

2 Edmonton Trail NE (access to downtown, and N to accommodation) (Calgary)  1079

 

East access to over 20 downtown hotels.


Fort Calgary, historical site..


Calgary Zoo & Prehistoric Park, via Memorial Drive..


access to Calgary Stampede Park, via MacLeod Trail S..


Access to Bridgeland “Little Italy” shopping & restaurant district, 1 km S and down the hill.


Peter’s Drive-In is an iconic Calgary diner, to the SW of this intersection. Best from the eastbound lanes of 16th Avenue…


Calgary Stampede photos (lots & lots!)..

2.4 Centre Street (access to downtown & Chinatown) (Calgary 1077.5

 

Calgary Tower Panorama during Stampede Week, 360 degree panorama image


Bow River View across from Princes Island, view of downtown in 360 degree panorama image


more downtown Calgary 360 panorama images


access to over 20 downtown hotels,..


Calgary Tower on Centre Street, 2.5 km S of highway. Great views of city, skyline, and mountains…


Calgary downtown photos..


Calgary’s Chinatown, is at the bottom of the Centre Street Bridge in downtown Calgary, 1.8 km S of highway…


Glenbow Museum, across from Calgary Tower. Exhibits of prairie life, railway history, and oil & gas industry…


Calgary Tower photos (of tower, and from tower)..

3 4th Street NW intersection (secondary street) (Calgary)  1082.3

 

3.9 10th St NW intersection (S) to Kensington shopping district & downtown (Calgary)  1087.8

 

Starbucks & Earl’s restaurants on NW corner of Intersection..


Access to Kensington shopping district, with lots of restaurants & Safeway grocery store, 1 km S of highway..


10th Street NW provides access to the west end of downtown via the Louise Bridge..


over 20 hotels in the downtown area..


access to Telus Calgary Science Centre, just west of downtown core on S bank of Bow River..


Kensington Riverside Inn, 1.5 km S of highway, on Memorial Drive..


Kensington Shopping district photos..

4.3 12 St NW (N) and SAIT Polytechnic (S) intersection (Calgary)  1090

 

SAIT Polytechnic, post-secondary trades educational institution

4.6 14th Street NW interchange and underpass (N to downtown) (Calgary)  1087.5

 

Nosehill Park, large hill on north side of city, this wild prairie grassland has excellent city views. 4 km N of highway…


Access to Jubilee Auditorium Southern Alberta, just S of highway..

4.8 North Hill Mall (Sears) intersection (Calgary)  1090.6

 

North Hill Centre, mid-sized mall with food court, to S of highway..

4.9 Pedestrian overpass (Calgary)  1090.6

 

5.1 17th Street NW (N) North Hill Mall (S) intersection (Calgary)  1090.6

 

5.4 19th Street NW intersection (shopping, restaurants), and Light Rail Transit (LRT) underpass (Calgary)  1090.3

 

5.8 Banff Trail NW intersection, with pedestrian overpass (Calgary)  1096.4

 

Access to Banff Trail station on the Northwest LRT line..

6 Motel Village (N) intersection (Calgary)  1097.3

 

Many hotels & motels directly to N of highway…

6.2 Crowchild Trail NW overpass (Calgary)  1091.8

 

6.4 University Drive NW interchange (Calgary)  1082.6

 

Access to University of Calgary, 1 km to N of highway..


access to McMahon Stadium, home to Calgary Stampeders football club..


Access Southbound to Crowchild Trail, via University Drive…


Marda Loop Shopping District (along 33 Ave SW), across Bow River via Crowchild Trail, 5.2 km S of highway…


Glenmore Park North, alongside Glenmore Reservoir, views of mountains,downtown. 9.5 km S of highway, via Crowchild Trail…


Heritage Park Historical Village, showing Alberta prior to 1914, with a new Gasoline Alley exhibit. 12 km S of highway..


Heritage Park photos..


Glenmore Reservoir photos..

6.7 access to Calgary Children’s Hospital (Calgary)  1087.8

 

Alberta Children’s Hospital, 1.3 km to N of highway..

6.8 Intersection 29th Street NW (S) and Uxbridge Rd NW (N) access to shopping & Foothills hospital (Calgary)  1093.3

 

Foothills Hospital, to south of highway, Calgary’s largest hospital
7.2 Shaganappi Trail NW intersection (WB exit) (Calgary)  1060.4

 

westbound access to Market Mall in NW Calgary, up the Shaganappi Trail hill…

8.4 Bowness Rd Exit to Memorial Drive to downtown (Calgary 1060.1

 

Fastest way into downtown Calgary for eastbound traffic, along Bowness Rd & Memorial Drive NW (cross Bow River at 10th Street bridge)..


eastbound access to large Market Mall in NW Calgary, via Shaganappi Trail… left at first lights, then up the hill. About 2.6 km N of highway…

9 43rd Street NW intersection (Calgary)  1056.7

 

Holiday Motel on N side of street..


Red Carpet Motor Hotel on S side of street..


Traveller’s Inn on S side of street..


BudgetLodge Inn on N side of street..

9.9 Home Rd intersection, shopping, gas, accommodation, parks (Calgary)  1061

 

Shouldice Park, outdoor sports fields, indoor swimming pool, Bow Rver recreational pathways, just to S of highway.


Olympia Motel, N side of intersection.


Westbound gas stations: Esso, Petro-Canada. Eastbound gas station: Shell, Husky.

10.9 Bow River bridge (Calgary)  1060.4

 

Photos of Bow River..

11.2 Railway overpass (Calgary)  1069.5

 

11.7 Sarcee Trail Interchange to SW Calgary and downtown (Calgary)  1078.4

 

Photos along Sarcee Trail (climbing hill toward the south).

13.3 Bowfort Rd (N) to accommodation, gas and Bowness, (S) to Canada Olympic Park (Calgary)  1120.1

 

Canada Olympic Park – “COP” ski hill, ski jumps, bosled, luge track.


Canada Olympic Park – Olympic Hall of Fame & Museum, just to south of highway.


Four Points by Sheraton, just to N of highway.


Gas stations N of highway include Shell, Petro-Canada, Esso, SuperStop..


Restaurants to N of highway include Denny’s, McDonalds, Tim Hortons..


Sandman Hotel..


Photos of Canada Olympic Park..

15 Stoney Trail Interchange(N) to airport, and Highway 2 to Edmonton(Calgary)  1122.9

 

Stoney Trail, access to Calgary NW, Calgary International Airport, and to Highway 2 N to Edmonton
17 Valley Ridge Blvd (N) West Valley Rd SW (S) (Calgary 1147.6

 

Valley Ridge Neighbourhood to N of highway..


Valley Ridge Golf Course, 1.5 km to N of highway..


Gas Store to N of highway..


small shopping plaza to N of highway..


KOA – Calgary West campground, to south of highway..

19 Range Rd 31, access to Old Banff Coach Rd(S) 1171.7

 

Springbank Links Golf Course, 3 km to N of highway.


Old Banff Coach Road, S of highway, access to Calgary’s western acreage suburbs…

21 Range Rd 33 (N) access to Springbank Airport to N, access to Calaway Park, RV dealerships, restaurants, and Springbank Community Centre Rd (S) 1192.7

 

Springbank Airport, to north of highway (can see small planes taking off & landing)


Rockyview and area photos


Calaway Park amusement park, just to south of highway..


Calaway Park RV Park, just to south of highway..


Wild Wild West Event Centre..

30 Highway 22 (also Range Rd 42) Junction, Cattle herds to east 1227.7

 

web cam with 3 angles on overpass


Town of Cochrane, 13 km to N of highway..


Hamlet of Bragg Creek, 18 km to SW of highway..


Cochrane town photos..


Bragg Creek photos around town & area..

31 Gas station WB: Weigh Station EB & WB 1224.4

 

Petro-Canada station on N side (westbound-only access)..


weigh scales on both sides of highway..

35 Jumping Pound Rd (gas plant visible in valley to north) 1239.9

 

36 Crossing Jumping Pound Creek 1224.4

 

Jumping Pound and area photos

37 Ridge Rd Access 1249.1

 

42 Hermitage Rd access 1282.9

 

47 Sibbald Creek exit Hwy 68 (also called Old Morley Trail) 1328.9

 

50 Top of Scott Lake Hill/ East boundary of Stoney Indian Reserve 1407.9

 

Stoney Indian Reserve, member of Stoney First Nation. Watch for pedestrians on highway!


stunning views at top of hill: mountains westbound, prairies eastbound (see photos)

55 Bear Hill Rd exit & underpass (stunning view of Rockies EB) 1297.2

 

59 Mini Thni Rd Exit and underpass (Morley 1251.8

 

66 Overpass & exit for Stoney Reserve access (Seebe)  1259.4

 

Seebe and area photos

73 Kananaskis Trail (Hwy #40) (Seebe)  1293.6

 

Canoe Meadows Group Camp


Porcupine Group Camp, 16 km S on Hwy 40


Kananaskis Country: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park


Stoney Nakoda Resort, south of highway


Stoney Nakoda Casino


Stoney Nakoda Resort, just south of highway


Helicopter tours of foothills, at Stoney Nakoda Resort

74 West boundary of Stoney Indian Reserve 1286.3

 

Stoney Indian Reserve, member of Stoney First Nation. Watch for pedestrians on highway!


Morely and area photos

74 bridge across Kananaskis River 1289.3

 

76 Highway 1X to Bow Valley Provincial Park, South Ranch Rd to Rafter Six Ranch 1307

 

Bow Valley Provincial Park


Bow Valley Park Campgrounds, to north of highway


Rafter Six Ranch, to south of highway..

85 Lac des Arcs exit 1307

 

Lac Des Arc Campground, north of highway

88 Lac des Arcs, west end, view of Lafarge cement pant on north shore 1302.1

 

Lac Des Arc Morning Panorama, 360 degree panorama


Lac Des Arc photos

93 Deadman’s Flats Exit/Pigeon Mountain: gas & accommodation (Deadman’s Flats)  1315.8

 

webcam (3 angles) on Overpass


Three Sisters Provincial Recreation Area, camping


several gas stations, including Husky on N (westbound) side of highway..


several motels at this location..


Photos of Lake Chestermere..

97 Three Sisters Village (Canmore 1314

 

Stewart Creek Golf Club, just to south of highway

101 Exit: Canmore East: Bow Valley Rd east to Exshaw, Ghost Lake, and Cochrane (Canmore)  1317

 

Bow Valley Park Campground, in Bow Valley Rd, Bow Valley Provincial Park


Pine Grove Camping, 16 km S on Hwy 68


Willow Rock campsites, 1 km N of highway

102 Exit: Benchlands Trail: Canmore town center (S), SilverTip (N) (Canmore 1314.9

 

Canmore Three Sisters Mountain – from SilverTip Ridge (about 1.6 km N of highway) 360 degree panorama


Town of Canmore, to southwest of highway


Main Street of Canmore, shopping area, south of highway


Silvertip Golf Course, 2.5 km to northwest of highway


Canmore General Hospital, to northeast of highway


Over 50 hotels & motels along Canmore’s Bow Valley Trail (“Motel Alley”), 0.3 km SW of highway..

104 Exit: Canmore West: gasoline alley (Canmore)  1315.8

 

All major gasoline companies here (cheaper gas than in the national parks!)


Over 40 hotels & motels along Canmore’s Bow Valley Trail (“Motel Alley”), 0.3 km SW of highway

107 Harvie Heights Rd Exits (Canmore)  1326.2

 

108 Banff National Park East Gates 1329.8

 

Banff National Park


about National Park Fees


about the Mountains.

115 Exit for U Turns 1349

 

118 Minnewanka Electrical Generating Station (Banff)  1375.6

 

118 Morant’s Curve (for train photos) 1370.4

 

121 Banff Ave, East town entrance & Lake Minnewanka (Banff 1393.9

 

Banff – Lake Minnewanka Panorama (about 8 km from highway) 360 degree panorama


Banff National Park – Two Jack Lake Main Campground, 7 km NE of highway


Over 60 hotels, motels, and B&Bs many along Banff Avenues Hotel Strip, about 3 km SW of highway


Banff National Park – Tunnel Mountain Campground, about 4 km SW of highway via Banff Avenue & Tunnel Mountain Rd


Banff National Park – Tunnel Mountain Village Campground, about 4 km SW of highway via Banff Avenue & Tunnel Mountain Rd


NOTE: RVs may not park in the town centre! There is a designated parking spot on Banff Avenue, east of the hotel strip, with a shuttle bus service


NOTE: RVs may not park in the town centre! There is a designated parking spot on Banff Avenue, east of the hotel strip, with a shuttle bus service


Lake Minnewanka photos

122 Whiskey Creek crossing (Banff)  1400.6

 

122 Compound Rd (for Park Maintenance) (Banff)  1402.1

 

125 Banff Town off-ramp (Banff)  1382.3

 

Over 60 hotels, motels, and B&Bs

125 Overpass: Mount Norquay Rd (Banff)  1386.8

 

Banff – Mount Norquay Lookout Panorama (about 5 N of highway)


Banff – Banff Avenue Panorama (about 1.5 km S of highway) 360 degree panorama image


Banff – Bow Falls, off Spray Avenue (about 3.5 km south of highway) 360 degree panorama image


Access to Banff Mount Norquay Ski hill


Photos of Banff and area


Banff Avenue shopping district, 1.5 km S/W of highway (turn left at Shell station)


Banff Springs Hotel, about 4.5 km S of highway, via Banff Avenue, and across Bow River Bridge


Banff Mount Norquay Ski hill, 5 km N of highway up hill (cyclists note: 1000 ft/300 m climb


Timberline Lodge, overlooking highway on N side (can ski-out from Mount Norquay resort to hotel)


Sulphur Mountain Gondola, to top of Sulphur Mountain, via Banff Ave and Mountain Ave, about 7 km from highway


Upper Hot Springs, via Banff Ave and Mountain Ave, about 7 km from highway


Cave & Basin (Lower) Hot Springs, via Banff Ave and Cave Ave, about 3.5 km from highway


NOTE: RVs may not park in the town centre! There is a designated parking spot on Banff Avenue, east of the hotel strip, with a shuttle bus service


Banff – Mineral Springs Hospital

125 Banff town off-ramp WB (Banff)  1389.6

 

128 Bow Valley Parkway (1A) Exit WB 1399.3

 

128 Creek Crossing 1402.1

 

128 Car Pull-out, WB only 1407.9

 

128 Vermillion Lake view to West 1388.4

 

128 Vermillion Lakes Viewpoint EB 1385.3

 

Banff – Vermillion Lakes Springtime Panorama, 360 degree panorama


Photos of & from Vermillion Lakes

129 bridge across Bow River 1381.7

 

129 Cross CPR (underpass 1382.9

 

129 Viewpoint overlooking Bow River WB only 1385.9

 

130 Sunshine Village turnoff, overhead bridge 1408.2

 

Banff – Sunshine Village Ski Resort Panorama, wintertime 360 panorama on ski hill


Banff – Sunshine Village – Great Divide Panorama, wintertime 360 panorama on ski hill


Banff – Sunshine Village – Wawa Panorama , wintertime 360 panorama on ski hill


Sunshine Village ski resort, with summer hiking


Sunshine Village photos


Banff & Area photos

130 Sunshine Village WB off-ramp 1401.2

 

135 Overhead Animal Bridge 1727.9

 

137 Exit to Bourgeau Lake, Hiking Trails 1414.9

 

144 Overhead Animal Bridge 1428

 

Animal Bridge (see photos, including one under construction)

154 View north to Castle Mountain 1432.9

 

155 Highway 93 Castle Junction (W) to Radium Hot Springs, Exit E to Bow Valley Parkway (#1A) (Castle Junction)  1441.1

 

Radium Hot Springs, about 100 km to SW of highway


Golden-Radium Detour


Access to Kootenay National Park (in BC), about 10 km


Access to Banff National Park – Johnston Canyon Campground, about 9 km east via 1A


Banff National Park – Castle Mountain Campground, about 5 km east of highway via 1A


Johnston Canyon Resort, 1 km E of highway on 1A


“Castle Junction,” used to be called “Eisenhower Junction”, for the the former US president and commanding general of D-Day…

174 Turnout on WB side 1515.2

 

174 Turnout on WB side 1464.9

 

176 Scenic Viewpoint (WB only) overlooking Bow River 1512.4

 

Scenic Viewpoint along Bow River (Bow River Photos)

177 Bridge across Bow River (Lake Louise)  1524.6

 

177 Cross CPR Railway tracks (Lake Louise)  1524.6

 

178 Louise Overflow Campground (Lake Louise)  1534.1

 

Banff National Park – Lake Louise Campground & Trailer Park, 1 km S of town

179.9 WB Exit ramp for Lake Louise (Lake Louise 1536.8

 

180 Bow Valley pkwy (E) to Skiing Louise and 1A Bow Valley Pkwy, and Lake Louise Rd (W) to the town and lake (Lake Louise)  1546.9

 

Access to Village of Lake Louise, about 0.3 km to W of highway


Lake Louise, the lake, with hiking trail, canoeing, and tea house. About 4 km W of highway (for cyclists, a climb of 660 ft)


Lake Louise Ski Resort


Lake Louise Gondola (in summertime)


Chateau Lake Louise, 4 km from highway


Deer Lodge, 4 km from highway


Lake Louise Inn, 0.3 km from highway


Moraine Lake Lodge, 15 km SE of highway


Post Hotel, .3 km from highway


Baker Creek Chalets, .5 km from highway


Icefields Parkway Visitors Centre, 0.3 km W of highway, in town. Serving Jasper National Park, Banff National Park and Yoho National Park visitors


Rockies Ski Reports (weekly in winter, from November to May)


Banff National Park – Lake Louise Campground & Trailer Park, 1 km S of town

KM 
Highway Point & Features
Elev.
(metres)
 
Map
Add
Info
 

KM 
Highway Point & Features
Elev.
(metres)
Map
Add
Info
0 Bow Valley pkwy (E) to Skiing Louise and 1A Bow Valley Pkwy, and Lake Louise Rd (W) to the town and lake (Lake Louise)  1546.9

 

Access to Village of Lake Louise, about 0.3 km to W of highway


Lake Louise, the lake, with hiking trail, canoeing, and tea house. About 4 km W of highway (for cyclists, a climb of 660 ft)


Lake Louise Ski Resort


Lake Louise Gondola (in summertime)


Chateau Lake Louise, 4 km from highway


Deer Lodge, 4 km from highway


Lake Louise Inn, 0.3 km from highway


Moraine Lake Lodge, 15 km SE of highway


Post Hotel, .3 km from highway


Baker Creek Chalets, .5 km from highway


Icefields Parkway Visitors Centre, 0.3 km W of highway, in town. Serving Jasper National Park, Banff National Park and Yoho National Park visitors


Rockies Ski Reports (weekly in winter, from November to May)


Banff National Park – Lake Louise Campground & Trailer Park, 1 km S of town

0.1 WB Exit ramp for Lake Louise (Lake Louise)  1536.8

 

2 Louise Overflow Campground (Lake Louise)  1534.1

 

Banff National Park – Lake Louise Campground & Trailer Park, 1 km S of town

3 Bridge across Bow River (Lake Louise)  1524.6

 

3 Cross CPR Railway tracks (Lake Louise)  1524.6

 

4 Scenic Viewpoint (WB only) overlooking Bow River 1512.4

 

Scenic Viewpoint along Bow River (Bow River Photos)

6 Turnout on WB side 1515.2

 

6 Turnout on WB side 1464.9

 

25 Highway 93 Castle Junction (W) to Radium Hot Springs, Exit E to Bow Valley Parkway (#1A) (Castle Junction)  1441.1

 

Radium Hot Springs, about 100 km to SW of highway


Golden-Radium Detour


Access to Kootenay National Park (in BC), about 10 km


Access to Banff National Park – Johnston Canyon Campground, about 9 km east via 1A


Banff National Park – Castle Mountain Campground, about 5 km east of highway via 1A


Johnston Canyon Resort, 1 km E of highway on 1A


“Castle Junction,” used to be called “Eisenhower Junction”, for the the former US president and commanding general of D-Day…

26 View north to Castle Mountain 1432.9

 

36 Overhead Animal Bridge 1428

 

Animal Bridge (see photos, including one under construction)

43 Exit to Bourgeau Lake, Hiking Trails 1414.9

 

45 Overhead Animal Bridge 1727.9

 

50 Sunshine Village turnoff, overhead bridge 1408.2

 

Banff – Sunshine Village Ski Resort Panorama, wintertime 360 panorama on skihill


Banff – Sunshine Village – Great Divide Panorama, wintertime 360 panorama on ski hill


Banff – Sunshine Village – Wawa Panorama , wintertime 360 panorama on ski hill


Sunshine Village ski resort, with summer hiking


Sunshine Village photos


Banff & Area photos

50 Sunshine Village WB off-ramp 1401.2

 

51 bridge across Bow River 1381.7

 

51 Cross CPR (underpass 1382.9

 

51 Viewpoint overlooking Bow River WB only 1385.9

 

52 Bow Valley Parkway (1A) Exit WB 1399.3

 

52 Creek Crossing 1402.1

 

52 Car Pull-out, WB only 1407.9

 

52 Vermillion Lake view to West 1388.4

 

52 Vermillion Lakes Viewpoint EB 1385.3

 

Banff – Vermillion Lakes Springtime Panorama, 360 degree panorama


Photos of & from Vermillion Lakes

55 Banff Town off-ramp (Banff)  1382.3

 

Over 60 hotels, motels, and B&Bs

55 Overpass: Mount Norquay Rd (Banff)  1386.8

 

Banff – Mount Norquay Lookout Panorama (about 5 N of highway)


Banff – Banff Avenue Panorama (about 1.5 km S of highway) 360 degree panorama image


Banff – Bow Falls, off Spray Avenue (about 3.5 km south of highway) 360 degree panorama image


Access to Banff Mount Norquay Ski hill


Photos of Banff and area


Banff Avenue shopping district, 1.5 km S/W of highway (turn left at Shell station)


Banff Springs Hotel, about 4.5 km S of highway, via Banff Avenue, and across Bow River Bridge


Banff Mount Norquay Ski hill, 5 km N of highway up hill (cyclists note: 1000 ft/300 m climb


Timberline Lodge, overlooking highway on N side (can ski-out from Mount Norquay resort to hotel)


Sulphur Mountain Gondola, to top of Sulphur Mountain, via Banff Ave and Mountain Ave, about 7 km from highway


Upper Hot Springs, via Banff Ave and Mountain Ave, about 7 km from highway


Cave & Basin (Lower) Hot Springs, via Banff Ave and Cave Ave, about 3.5 km from highway


NOTE: RVs may not park in the town centre! There is a designated parking spot on Banff Avenue, east of the hotel strip, with a shuttle bus service


Banff – Mineral Springs Hospital

55 Banff town off-ramp WB (Banff)  1389.6

 

58 Whiskey Creek crossing (Banff)  1400.6

 

58 Compound Rd (for Park Maintenance) (Banff)  1402.1

 

59 Banff Ave, East town entrance & Lake Minnewanka (Banff)  1393.9

 

Banff – Lake Minnewanka Panorama (about 8 km from highway) 360 degree panorama


Banff National Park – Two Jack Lake Main Campground, 7 km NE of highway


Over 60 hotels, motels, and B&Bs many along Banff Avenues Hotel Strip, about 3 km SW of highway


Banff National Park – Tunnel Mountain Campground, about 4 km SW of highway via Banff Avenue & Tunnel Mountain Rd


Banff National Park – Tunnel Mountain Village Campground, about 4 km SW of highway via Banff Avenue & Tunnel Mountain Rd


NOTE: RVs may not park in the town centre! There is a designated parking spot on Banff Avenue, east of the hotel strip, with a shuttle bus service


NOTE: RVs may not park in the town centre! There is a designated parking spot on Banff Avenue, east of the hotel strip, with a shuttle bus service


Lake Minewanka photos

62 Minnewanka Electrical Generating Station (Banff)  1375.6

 

62 Morant’s Curve (for train photos) 1370.4

 

65 Exit for U Turns 1349

 

72 Banff National Park East Gates 1329.8

 

Banff National Park


about National Park Fees


about the Mountains..

73 Harvie Heights Rd Exits (Canmore)  1326.2

 

76 Exit: Canmore West: gasoline alley (Canmore)  1315.8

 

All major gasoline companies here (cheaper gas than in the national parks!)


Over 40 hotels & motels along Canmores Bow Valley Trail ("Motel Alley"), 0.3 km SW of highway

78 Exit: Benchlands Trail: Canmore town center (S), SilverTip (N) (Canmore)  1314.9

 

Canmore Three Sisters Mountain – from SilverTip Ridge (about 1.6 km N of highway) 360 degree panorama


Town of Canmore, to southwest of highway


Main Street of Canmore, shopping area, south of highway


Silvertip Golf Course, 2.5 km to northwest of highway


Canmore General Hospital, to northeast of highway


Over 50 hotels & motels along Canmore’s Bow Valley Trail (“Motel Alley”), 0.3 km SW of highway..

79 Exit: Canmore East: Bow Valley Rd east to Exshaw, Ghost Lake, and Cochrane (Canmore)  1317

 

Bow Valley Park Campground, in Bow Valley Rd, Bow Valley Provincial Park


Pine Grove Camping, 16 km S on Hwy 68


Willow Rock campsites, 1 km N of highway

83 Three Sisters Village (Canmore)  1314

 

Stewart Creek Golf Club, just to south of highway

87 Deadman’s Flats Exit/Pigeon Mountain: gas & accommodation (Deadman’s Flats)  1315.8

 

webcam (3 angles) on Overpass


Three Sisters Provincial Recreation Area, camping


several gas stations, including Husky on N (westbound) side of highway..


several motels at this location..


Photos of Lake Chestermere..

92 Lac des Arcs, west end, view of Lafarge cement pant on north shore 1302.1

 

Lac Des Arc Morning Panorama, 360 degree panorama


Lac Des Arc photos

95 Lac des Arcs exit 1307

 

Lac Des Arc Campground, north of highway

104 Highway 1X to Bow Valley Provincial Park, South Ranch Rd to Rafter Six Ranch 1307

 

Bow Valley Provincial Park


Bow Valley Park Campgrounds, to norht of highway


Rafter Six Ranch, to south of highway..

106 West boundary of Stoney Indian Reserve 1286.3

 

Stoney Indian Reserve, member of Stoney First Nation. Watch for pedestrians on highway!


Morley and area photos

106 bridge across Kananaskis River 1289.3

 

107 Kananaskis Trail (Hwy #40) (Seebe)  1293.6

 

Canoe Meadows Group Camp


Porcupine Group Camp, 16 km S on Hwy 40


Kananaskis Country: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park


Stoney Nakoda Resort, south of highway


Stoney Nakoda Casino


Stoney Nakoda Resort, just south of highway


Helicopter tours of foothills, at Stoney Nakoda Reort

114 Overpass & exit for Stoney Reserve access (Seebe)  1259.4

 

Seebe and area photos

121 Mini Thni  Exit and underpass (Morley)  1251.8

 

125 Bear Hill Rd exit & underpass (stunning view of Rockies EB) 1297.2

 

130 Top of Scott Lake Hill/ East boundary of Stoney Indian Reserve 1407.9

 

Stoney Indian Reserve, member of Stoney First Nation. Watch for pedestrians on highway!


stunning views at top of hill: mountains westbound, prairies eastbound (see photos)

133 Sibbald Creek exit Hwy 68 (also called Old Morley Trail) 1328.9

 

138 Hermitage Rd access 1282.9

 

143 Ridge Rd Access 1249.1

 

144 Crossing Jumping Pound Creek 1224.4

 

Jumping Pound and area photos

145 Jumping Pound Rd (gas plant visible in valley to north) 1239.9

 

149 Gas station WB: Weigh Station EB & WB 1224.4

 

Petro-Canada station on N side (westbound-only access)..


weigh scales on both sides of highway..

150 Highway 22 (also Range Rd 42) Junction, Cattle herds to east 1227.7

 

web cam with 3 angles on overpass


Town of Cochrane, 13 km to N of highway..


Hamlet of Bragg Creek, 18 km to SW of highway..


Cochrane town photos..


Bragg Creek photos around town & area..

159 Range Rd 33 (N) access to Springbank Airport to N, access to Calaway Park, RV dealerships, restaurants, and Springbank Community Centre Rd (S) 1192.7

 

Springbank Airport, to north of highway (can see small planes taking off & landing)


Rockyview and area photos


Calaway Park amusement park, just to south of highway..


Calaway Park RV Park, just to south of highway..


Wild Wild West Event Centre..

161 Range Rd 31, access to Old Banff Coach Rd(S) 1171.7

 

Springbank Links Golf Course, 3 km to N of highway..


Old Banff Coach Road, S of highway, access to Calgary’s western acreage suburbs…

163 Valley Ridge Blvd (N) West Valley Rd SW (S) (Calgary)  1147.6

 

Valley Ridge Neighbourhood to N of highway..


Valley Ridge Golf Course, 1.5 km to N of highway..


Gas Store to N of highway..


small shopping plaza to N of highway..


KOA – Calgary West campground, to south of highway..

165 Stoney Trail Interchange(N) to airport, and Highway 2 to Edmonton (Calgary)  1122.9

 

Stoney Trail, access to Calgary NW, Calgary International Airport, and to Highway 3 N to Edmonton…
166.7 Bowfort Rd (N) to accommodation, gas and Bowness, (S) to Canada Olympic Park (Calgary)  1120.1

 

Canada Olympic Park – “COP” ski hill, ski jumps, bosled, luge track..


Canada Olympic Park – Olympic Hall of Fame & Museum, just to south of highway..


Four Points by Sheraton, just to N of highway..


Gas stations N of highway include Shell, Petro-Canada, Esso, SuperStop..


Restaurants to N of highway include Denny’s, McDonalds, Tim Hortons..


Sandman Hotel..


Photos of Canada Olympic Park..

168.3 Sarcee Trail Interchange to SW Calgary and downtown (Calgary)  1078.4

 

Photos along Sarcee Trail (vlimbing hill toward the south)..

168.8 Railway overpass (Calgary)  1069.5

 

169.1 Bow River bridge (Calgary)  1060.4

 

Photos of Bow River..

170.1 Home Rd intersection, shopping, gas, accommodation, parks (Calgary)  1061

 

Shouldice Park, outdoor sports fields, indoor swimming pool, Bow Rver recreational pathways, just to S of highway..


Olympia Motel, N side of intersection..


Westbound gas stations: Esso, etro-Canada. Eastbound gas station: Shell, Husky..

171 43rd Street NW intersection (Calgary)  1056.7

 

Holiday Motel on N side of street..


Red Carpet Motor Hotel on S side of street..


Traveller’s Inn on S side of street..


BudgetLodge Inn on N side of street..

171.6 Bowness Rd Exit to Memorial Drive to downtown (Calgary)  1060.1

 

Fastest way into downtown Calgary for eastbound traffic, along Bowness Rd & Memorial Drive NW (cross Bow River at 10th Street bridge)..


eastbound access to large Market Mall in NW Calgary, via Shaganappi Trail… left at first lights, then up the hill. About 2.6 km N of highway…

172.8 Shaganappi Trail NW intersection (WB exit) (Calgary)  1060.4

 

westbound access to Market Mall in NW Calgary, up the Shaganappi Trail hill…

173.2 Intersection 29th Street NW (S) and Uxbridge Rd NW (N) access to shopping & Foothills hospital (Calgary)  1093.3

 

Foothills Hospital, to south of highway, Calgarys largest hospital
173.3 access to Calgary Children’s Hospital (Calgary)  1087.8

 

Alberta Children’s Hospital, 1.3 km to N of highway..

173.6 University Drive NW interchange (Calgary)  1082.6

 

Access to University of Calgary, 1 km to N of highway..


access to McMahon Stadium, home to Calgary Stampeders football club..


Access Southbound to Crowchild Trail, via University Drive…


Marda Loop Shopping District (along 33 Ave SW), across Bow River via Crowchild Trail, 5.2 km S of highway…


Glenmore Park North, alongside Glenmore Reservoir, views of mountains,downtown. 9.5 km S of highway, via Crowchild Trail…


Heritage Park Historical Village, showing Alberta prior to 1914, with a new Gasoline Alley exhibit. 12 km S of highway..


Heritage Park photos..


Glenmore Reservoir photos..

173.8 Crowchild Trail NW overpass (Calgary)  1091.8

 

174 Motel Village (N) intersection (Calgary)  1097.3

 

Many hotels & motels directly to N of highway…

174.2 Banff Trail NW intersection, with pedestrian overpass (Calgary)  1096.4

 

Access to Banff Trail station on the Northwest LRT line..

174.6 19th Street NW intersection (shopping, restaurants), and Light Rail Transit (LRT) underpass (Calgary)  1090.3

 

174.9 17th Street NW (N) North Hill Mall (S) intersection (Calgary)  1090.6

 

175.1 Pedestrian overpass (Calgary)  1090.6

 

175.2 North Hill Mall (Sears) intersection (Calgary)  1090.6

 

North Hill Centre, mid-sized mall with food court, to S of highway..

175.4 14th Street NW interchange and underpass (N to downtown) (Calgary)  1087.5

 

Nosehill Park, large hill on north side of city, this wild prairie grassland has excellent city views. 4 km N of highway…


Access to Jubilee Auditorium Southern Alberta, just S of highway..

175.7 12 St NW (N) and SAIT Polytechnic (S) intersection (Calgary)  1090

 

SAIT Polytechnic, post-secondary trades educational institution

176.1 10th St NW intersection (S) to Kensington shopping district & downtown (Calgary)  1087.8

 

Starbucks & Earl’s restaurants on NW corner of Intersection..


Access to Kensington shopping district, with lots of restaurants & Safeway grocery store, 1 km S of highway..


10th Street NW provides access to the west end of downtown via the Louise Bridge..


over 20 hotels in the downtown area..


access to Telus Calgary Science Centre, just west of downtown core on S bank of Bow River..


Kensington Riverside Inn, 1.5 km S of highway, on Memorial Drive..


Kensington Shopping district photos..

177 4th Street NW intersection (secondary street) (Calgary)  1082.3

 

177.6 Centre Street (access to downtown & Chinatown) (Calgary)  1077.5

 

Calgary Tower Panorama during Stampede Week, 360 degree panorama image


Bow River View across from Princes Island, view of downtown in 360 degree panorama image


more downtown Calgary 360 panorama images


access to over 20 downtown hotels,..


Calgary Tower on Centre Street, 2.5 km S of highway. Great views of city, skyline, and mountains…


Calgary downtown photos..


Calgary’s Chinatown, is at the bottom of the Centre Street Bridge in downtown Calgary, 1.8 km S of highway…


Glenbow Museum, across from Calgary Tower. Exhibits of prairie life, railway history, and oil & gas industry…


Calgary Tower photos (of tower, and from tower)..

178 Edmonton Trail NE (access to downtown, and N to accommodation) (Calgary)  1079

 

East access to over 20 downtown hotels..


Fort Calgary, historical site..


Calgary Zoo & Prehistoric Park, via Memorial Drive..


access to Calgary Stampede Park, via MacLeod Trail S..


Access to Bridgeland “Little Italy” shopping & restaurant district, 1 km S and down the hill..


Peter’s Drive-In is an iconic Calgary diner, to the SW of this intersection. Best from the eastbound lanes of 16th Avenue…


Calgary Stampede photos (lots & lots!)..

179 Moncton Rd NE (athletic fields, accommodation) (Calgary)  1076.6

 

179.8 Railway and Nose Creek underpass (Calgary)  1046.4

 

180 Deerfoot Trail (Hwy #2) double diamond interchange (Calgary)  1040.6

 

Highway 2, The Deerfoot Trail in Calgary, goes north to Red Deer & Edmonton, south to Lethbridge and the US border..


Edmonton, 300 km to N..


Calgary International Airport, 12 km N of highway, via Airport Trail…


east access to Calgary Zoo, via Memorial Drive, 2.5 km S of highway…


Access to Calgary’s downtown, via Memorial Drive, with over 20 hotels..

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