Why Travel 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.
Here is the itinerary for the 180 km along Highway #1 between Lake Louise and Calgary:
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.
Banff is Canada’s first national park, it has expanded from 10 square miles around the hot springs to now cover 6640 square kilomtres (2564 sq miles). Between Banff and Lake Louise, travellers will see several overhead Animal Bridges (shown) as well as several under-the-highway ones. These, along with the fences, keep animals safe in the National Park. 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 Rd across the TCH from Banff, or hike up Tunnel Mountain. At several locations around the park, visitors will notice sandstone “hoodoos”, tall conical towers left behind by erosion.
East 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.
East of Canmore, you pass Lac Des Arc where the highway bends around the lake which has a large cement factory on the northern shore. Along the eastern edge of the Rockies you can observe the height of glacial scour from the last Ice Age. The highway passes through a flat area (a Stoney Indian Reserve at Morley) where you can see tear-drop shaped drumlins on both sides of the highway, which are gravel deposits left behind by receding glaciers. East of the Rockies are the foothills, with high rolling hills, typically covered with white spruce and trembling aspen.
After a steep climb up and down Scott Lake Hill, the highway enters the grasslands of the side open prairie. This area lies 1000 metres (3400ft) above sea level, and is 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.
Calgary is now a city of over 1.2 million people, and has tripled in size since the 1970s. Visitors will see vast recently-built suburbs on the western and eastern approaches, and lots of home construction continuing in all directions. Very quickly you become aware of the 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. The city has Canada’s largest network of recreational trails, with great (and relatively level) running/ biking/blading trails running for miles alongside the Bow River.
Spring/Fall 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 Route).This detour is 250km and takes 3 hours.
History of the Trans-Canada Highway: Lake Louise to Calgary
Trans-Canada Itinerary Segment Map
Use mouse to drag/move map. Click on “+” or “–” to zoom in or out. “Satellite” combines map & photo.
Note:
Itinerary Details
| KM | (metres) | 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 |
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| 1 | Moncton Rd NE (athletic fields, accommodation) (Calgary) | 1076.6 |
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| 2 | Edmonton Trail NE (access to downtown, and N to accommodation) (Calgary) | 1079 |
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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 |
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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 |
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| 3.9 | 10th St NW intersection (S) to Kensington shopping district & downtown (Calgary) | 1087.8 |
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| 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 |
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SAIT Polytechnic, post-secondary trades educational institution | ||||
| 4.6 | 14th Street NW interchange and underpass (N to downtown) (Calgary) | 1087.5 |
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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 |
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North Hill Centre, mid-sized mall with food court, to S of highway.. | ||||
| 4.9 | Pedestrian overpass (Calgary) | 1090.6 |
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| 5.1 | 17th Street NW (N) North Hill Mall (S) intersection (Calgary) | 1090.6 |
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| 5.4 | 19th Street NW intersection (shopping, restaurants), and Light Rail Transit (LRT) underpass (Calgary) | 1090.3 |
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| 5.8 | Banff Trail NW intersection, with pedestrian overpass (Calgary) | 1096.4 |
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Access to Banff Trail station on the Northwest LRT line.. | ||||
| 6 | Motel Village (N) intersection (Calgary) | 1097.3 |
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Many hotels & motels directly to N of highway… | ||||
| 6.2 | Crowchild Trail NW overpass (Calgary) | 1091.8 |
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| 6.4 | University Drive NW interchange (Calgary) | 1082.6 |
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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 |
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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 |
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| Foothills Hospital, to south of highway, Calgary’s largest hospital | ||||
| 7.2 | Shaganappi Trail NW intersection (WB exit) (Calgary) | 1060.4 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Photos of Bow River.. | ||||
| 11.2 | Railway overpass (Calgary) | 1069.5 |
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| 11.7 | Sarcee Trail Interchange to SW Calgary and downtown (Calgary) | 1078.4 |
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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 |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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| 36 | Crossing Jumping Pound Creek | 1224.4 |
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Jumping Pound and area photos | ||||
| 37 | Ridge Rd Access | 1249.1 |
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| 42 | Hermitage Rd access | 1282.9 |
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| 47 | Sibbald Creek exit Hwy 68 (also called Old Morley Trail) | 1328.9 |
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| 50 | Top of Scott Lake Hill/ East boundary of Stoney Indian Reserve | 1407.9 |
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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 |
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| 59 | Morley Rd Exit and underpass (Morley) | 1251.8 |
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| 66 | Overpass & exit for Stoney Reserve access (Seebe) | 1259.4 |
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Seebe and area photos | ||||
| 73 | Kananaskis Trail (Hwy #40) (Seebe) | 1293.6 |
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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 |
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Stoney Indian Reserve, member of Stoney First Nation. Watch for pedestrians on highway! Morely and area photos | ||||
| 74 | bridge across Kananaskis River | 1289.3 |
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| 76 | Highway 1X to Bow Valley Provincial Park, South Ranch Rd to Rafter Six Ranch | 1307 |
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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 |
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Lac Des Arc Campground, north of highway | ||||
| 88 | Lac des Arcs, west end, view of Lafarge cement pant on north shore | 1302.1 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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| 108 | Banff National Park East Gates | 1329.8 |
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Banff National Park about National Park Fees about the Mountains. | ||||
| 115 | Exit for U Turns | 1349 |
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| 118 | Minnewanka Electrical Generating Station (Banff) | 1375.6 |
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| 118 | Morant’s Curve (for train photos) | 1370.4 |
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| 121 | Banff Ave, East town entrance & Lake Minnewanka (Banff) | 1393.9 |
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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 |
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| 122 | Compound Rd (for Park Maintenance) (Banff) | 1402.1 |
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| 125 | Banff Town off-ramp (Banff) | 1382.3 |
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Over 60 hotels, motels, and B&Bs | ||||
| 125 | Overpass: Mount Norquay Rd (Banff) | 1386.8 |
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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 |
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| 128 | Bow Valley Parkway (1A) Exit WB | 1399.3 |
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| 128 | Creek Crossing | 1402.1 |
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| 128 | Car Pull-out, WB only | 1407.9 |
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| 128 | Vermillion Lake view to West | 1388.4 |
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| 128 | Vermillion Lakes Viewpoint EB | 1385.3 |
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Banff – Vermillion Lakes Springtime Panorama, 360 degree panorama Photos of & from Vermillion Lakes | ||||
| 129 | bridge across Bow River | 1381.7 |
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| 129 | Cross CPR (underpass | 1382.9 |
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| 129 | Viewpoint overlooking Bow River WB only | 1385.9 |
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| 130 | Sunshine Village turnoff, overhead bridge | 1408.2 |
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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 |
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| 135 | Overhead Animal Bridge | 1727.9 |
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| 137 | Exit to Bourgeau Lake, Hiking Trails | 1414.9 |
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| 144 | Overhead Animal Bridge | 1428 |
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Animal Bridge (see photos, including one under construction) | ||||
| 154 | View north to Castle Mountain | 1432.9 |
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| 155 | Highway 93 Castle Junction (W) to Radium Hot Springs, Exit E to Bow Valley Parkway (#1A) (Castle Junction) | 1441.1 |
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Radium Hot Springs, about 100 km to SW of highway Detour (Spring/Fall): 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 |
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| 174 | Turnout on WB side | 1464.9 |
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| 176 | Scenic Viewpoint (WB only) overlooking Bow River | 1512.4 |
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Scenic Viewpoint along Bow River (Bow River Photos) | ||||
| 177 | Bridge across Bow River (Lake Louise) | 1524.6 |
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| 177 | Cross CPR Railway tracks (Lake Louise) | 1524.6 |
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| 178 | Louise Overflow Campground (Lake Louise) | 1534.1 |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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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 | (metres) | Info |
| KM | (metres) | 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 |
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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 |
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| 2 | Louise Overflow Campground (Lake Louise) | 1534.1 |
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Banff National Park – Lake Louise Campground & Trailer Park, 1 km S of town | ||||
| 3 | Bridge across Bow River (Lake Louise) | 1524.6 |
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| 3 | Cross CPR Railway tracks (Lake Louise) | 1524.6 |
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| 4 | Scenic Viewpoint (WB only) overlooking Bow River | 1512.4 |
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Scenic Viewpoint along Bow River (Bow River Photos) | ||||
| 6 | Turnout on WB side | 1515.2 |
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| 6 | Turnout on WB side | 1464.9 |
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| 25 | Highway 93 Castle Junction (W) to Radium Hot Springs, Exit E to Bow Valley Parkway (#1A) (Castle Junction) | 1441.1 |
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Radium Hot Springs, about 100 km to SW of highway Detour (Spring/Fall): 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 |
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| 36 | Overhead Animal Bridge | 1428 |
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Animal Bridge (see photos, including one under construction) | ||||
| 43 | Exit to Bourgeau Lake, Hiking Trails | 1414.9 |
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| 45 | Overhead Animal Bridge | 1727.9 |
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| 50 | Sunshine Village turnoff, overhead bridge | 1408.2 |
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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 |
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| 51 | bridge across Bow River | 1381.7 |
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| 51 | Cross CPR (underpass | 1382.9 |
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| 51 | Viewpoint overlooking Bow River WB only | 1385.9 |
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| 52 | Bow Valley Parkway (1A) Exit WB | 1399.3 |
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| 52 | Creek Crossing | 1402.1 |
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| 52 | Car Pull-out, WB only | 1407.9 |
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| 52 | Vermillion Lake view to West | 1388.4 |
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| 52 | Vermillion Lakes Viewpoint EB | 1385.3 |
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Banff – Vermillion Lakes Springtime Panorama, 360 degree panorama Photos of & from Vermillion Lakes | ||||
| 55 | Banff Town off-ramp (Banff) | 1382.3 |
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Over 60 hotels, motels, and B&Bs | ||||
| 55 | Overpass: Mount Norquay Rd (Banff) | 1386.8 |
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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 |
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| 58 | Whiskey Creek crossing (Banff) | 1400.6 |
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| 58 | Compound Rd (for Park Maintenance) (Banff) | 1402.1 |
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| 59 | Banff Ave, East town entrance & Lake Minnewanka (Banff) | 1393.9 |
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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 |
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| 62 | Morant’s Curve (for train photos) | 1370.4 |
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| 65 | Exit for U Turns | 1349 |
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| 72 | Banff National Park East Gates | 1329.8 |
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Banff National Park about National Park Fees about the Mountains.. | ||||
| 73 | Harvie Heights Rd Exits (Canmore) | 1326.2 |
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| 76 | Exit: Canmore West: gasoline alley (Canmore) | 1315.8 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Stewart Creek Golf Club, just to south of highway | ||||
| 87 | Deadman’s Flats Exit/Pigeon Mountain: gas & accommodation (Deadman’s Flats) | 1315.8 |
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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 |
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Lac Des Arc Morning Panorama, 360 degree panorama Lac Des Arc photos | ||||
| 95 | Lac des Arcs exit | 1307 |
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Lac Des Arc Campground, north of highway | ||||
| 104 | Highway 1X to Bow Valley Provincial Park, South Ranch Rd to Rafter Six Ranch | 1307 |
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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 |
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Stoney Indian Reserve, member of Stoney First Nation. Watch for pedestrians on highway! Morely and area photos | ||||
| 106 | bridge across Kananaskis River | 1289.3 |
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| 107 | Kananaskis Trail (Hwy #40) (Seebe) | 1293.6 |
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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 |
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Seebe and area photos | ||||
| 121 | Morley Rd Exit and underpass (Morley) | 1251.8 |
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| 125 | Bear Hill Rd exit & underpass (stunning view of Rockies EB) | 1297.2 |
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| 130 | Top of Scott Lake Hill/ East boundary of Stoney Indian Reserve | 1407.9 |
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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 |
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| 138 | Hermitage Rd access | 1282.9 |
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| 143 | Ridge Rd Access | 1249.1 |
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| 144 | Crossing Jumping Pound Creek | 1224.4 |
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Jumping Pound and area photos | ||||
| 145 | Jumping Pound Rd (gas plant visible in valley to north) | 1239.9 |
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| 149 | Gas station WB: Weigh Station EB & WB | 1224.4 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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Photos along Sarcee Trail (vlimbing hill toward the south).. | ||||
| 168.8 | Railway overpass (Calgary) | 1069.5 |
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| 169.1 | Bow River bridge (Calgary) | 1060.4 |
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Photos of Bow River.. | ||||
| 170.1 | Home Rd intersection, shopping, gas, accommodation, parks (Calgary) | 1061 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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| Foothills Hospital, to south of highway, Calgarys largest hospital | ||||
| 173.3 | access to Calgary Children’s Hospital (Calgary) | 1087.8 |
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Alberta Children’s Hospital, 1.3 km to N of highway.. | ||||
| 173.6 | University Drive NW interchange (Calgary) | 1082.6 |
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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 |
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| 174 | Motel Village (N) intersection (Calgary) | 1097.3 |
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Many hotels & motels directly to N of highway… | ||||
| 174.2 | Banff Trail NW intersection, with pedestrian overpass (Calgary) | 1096.4 |
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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 |
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| 174.9 | 17th Street NW (N) North Hill Mall (S) intersection (Calgary) | 1090.6 |
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| 175.1 | Pedestrian overpass (Calgary) | 1090.6 |
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| 175.2 | North Hill Mall (Sears) intersection (Calgary) | 1090.6 |
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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 |
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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 |
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SAIT Polytechnic, post-secondary trades educational institution | ||||
| 176.1 | 10th St NW intersection (S) to Kensington shopping district & downtown (Calgary) | 1087.8 |
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| 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 |
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| 177.6 | Centre Street (access to downtown & Chinatown) (Calgary) | 1077.5 |
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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 |
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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 |
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| 179.8 | Railway and Nose Creek underpass (Calgary) | 1046.4 |
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| 180 | Deerfoot Trail (Hwy #2) double diamond interchange (Calgary) | 1040.6 |
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| 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.. | ||||
| KM | (metres) | Info |
