Name: Bow View Lodge
Address: 228 Bow Avenue, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1A5
Price range: US$67+
Rating: 7.2

Key details

About the Hotel

228 Bow Avenue, Banff, T1L 1A5

Steps from the Bow River

Very good

7.8

8.1

/10

3.8

3.4

Loved by Bow View Lodge guests

Friendly staff

Comfortable bed

Great location

River view

Ample parking

Bow View Lodge - A 3-star riverside hotel with mountain views and easy access to downtown Banff

Bow View Lodge offers 58 modern rooms, many with views of the Bow River or surrounding mountains. Each room includes a private bathroom with full bath, coffeemaker, fridge, and flat-screen TV. Select accommodations feature air-conditioning, rain showerheads, and river-facing balconies. Guests have complimentary access to the pool, hot tub, steam room, and gym at sister property Banff Park Lodge. The lodge sits beside the Bow River, just 2.5 blocks from downtown Banff's shops and restaurants. Nearby activities include the Banff Canoe Club, which rents equipment directly beside Bow View Lodge, and the Lake Louise Tea House hike, located a 45-minute drive away. Family rooms with adjoining bedrooms and microwaves are available, along with pet-friendly 1st-floor options.

Pros

Direct access to the Bow River Trail and Canoe Club rentals

Complimentary Wi-Fi and outdoor parking (one vehicle per room)

Family-friendly accommodations with adjoining rooms and microwaves

20-time recipient of Alberta's Housekeeping Award

Located 5 minutes from downtown Banff's dining and shopping

Cons

Limited parking availability (first-come basis)

Microwaves only available in family suites and communal areas

Select your room type

Bow View Lodge offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double Room Two Double Beds
2 persons
230 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Balcony
Bathtub
room details
Room Selected at Check
2 persons
250 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
King Room Mountain View
2 persons
250 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Balcony
Bathtub
room details

Show all rooms

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Facilities

Bow View Lodge offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.6/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Ski storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
Barber shop
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Canoeing
Skiing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Bowling
Golf course

Services

Paid shuttle service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Ski pass vendor
Tours/Ticket assistance
Happy hour

Dining

Picnic area/ Tables

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Bow View Lodge Location

228 Bow Avenue, Banff, T1L 1A5

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

1.6 mi

Museum

Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

3700 ft

Museum

Banff Park Museum National Historic Site

4200 ft

Landmark

Tunnel Mountain Trail

1.0 mi

Landmark

Lake Minnewanka

2800 ft

Landmark

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

1.1 mi

Landmark

Vermilion Lakes

1.3 mi

Public Building

Parks Administration Building

2800 ft

Landmark

Walter Phillips Gallery

4100 ft

Landmark

Surprise Corner

3700 ft

Garden

Cascade of Time Garden

3400 ft

Waterfall

Bow Falls

1.2 mi

Park

Central Park

2300 ft

Landmark

Fairmont Banff Springs

1.4 mi

Nearby

Museum

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

1700 ft

Gallery

Canada House Art Gallery

1300 ft

Little Beehive

1200 ft

Banff Avenue

1800 ft

305 Squirrel Street Corner of Lynx & Squirrel Street

Saint Mary's Parish Banff

600 ft

Gallery

Willock & Sax Gallery

800 ft

317 Banff Ave

Canadian Ski Museum West

1100 ft

Church

St. Paul's Presbyterian Church

1300 ft

Gallery

All In The Wild Gallery

1600 ft

Museum

The Historic Luxton Home Museum

1600 ft

Gallery

About Canada

1600 ft

Johnson Lake Road

Johnson Lake

1800 ft

Bourgeau Lake

1800 ft

Bow River Trail

1800 ft

Shopping Area

Cascade Shops

1200 ft

National Park

Banff National Park- Visitor Center

1800 ft

Restaurants

Evelyn's Too

1900 ft

229 Bear Street

Evelyn's Coffee Bar

1600 ft

215 Banff Ave P.O Box 238

BeaverTails

1600 ft

120 Banff Avenue

Banff Shawarma

1000 ft

317 Banff Ave cb1 At The Cascade Shops food court

Ramen Arashi

1400 ft

215 Banff Avenue 2nd Floor

Banff Edo

1700 ft

317 Banff Ave

Rocky Mountain Flatbread

1100 ft

317 Banff Avenue Cascade Shops Food Court

Dairy Queen Brazier Restaurant

1000 ft

317 Banff Avenue C1A

Explore Banff

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

30 minutes' walk

Historic hot springs site showcasing Banff's origins and wildlife. Guided tours available.

Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

14 minutes' walk

Museum celebrating Indigenous culture with artifacts and exhibits. Family-friendly experiences.

Banff Park Museum National Historic Site

16 minutes' walk

One of Canada's oldest natural history museums, highlighting local flora and fauna features.

Lake Minnewanka

11 minutes' walk

Stunning lake ideal for picnicking and boat tours. Scenic views year-round.

Hiking at Tunnel Mountain

20 minutes' walk

Short hike with panoramic views of Banff. Accessible spring through fall, suitable for all levels.

Spa Day at The Spa at the Fairmont

30 minutes' walk

Relaxing spa offering massages and rejuvenating treatments. Reservations recommended.

Banff Ballooning

5-minute drive

Hot air balloon rides for breathtaking views of the Rockies. Seasonal activity with booking required.

Evelyn's Coffee Bar

6 minutes' walk

Cozy café offering artisan coffee and baked goods. Great for breakfast or a light lunch.

BeaverTails

6 minutes' walk

Casual eatery specializing in Canadian pastries. Unique flavors and perfect for a sweet treat.

Ramen Arashi

5 minutes' walk

Delicious ramen with a modern twist. Popular for its cozy atmosphere and vegetarian options.

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

20 minutes' walk

Cultural hub featuring art, theater, and live performances. Family-friendly events throughout the year.

The Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon

7 minutes' walk

Vibrant nightlife spot with live music and dancing. Offers a casual atmosphere for all ages.

Getting around

City Centre
Banff 4 min · 1000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

Spanish

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Bow View Lodge from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Bow View Lodge enjoys a superb location right by the Bow River, granting many guests beautiful river views; some rooms are also appreciated for their spaciousness. Its proximity allows easy access to the river walkway and a short walk to town, restaurants, and attractions, enhancing the overall experience. Guests can also use the pool, hot tub, and steam room at the Banff Park Lodge next door. Some guests have noted that the hotel's decor feels a bit dated, however the location is great for exploring Vermilion Lake and enjoying Banff's surroundings.

Review score

Based on 5 verified reviews

7.2 /10

Very good

100%

Recommend

Location

9.3/10

Staff

8.9/10

Value for money

7.5/10

Facilities

7.6/10

Pros

King size bed

Good view

Close to downtown

Cons

Payment issues

Room door open

Dated interior

Gary from United Kingdom

Single

Queen Room River View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 30, 2026

6/10

adequate lodge

great location balcony access high price car park

the location was great, and it allowed walking everywhere. our room had balcony access, a plus. the bed felt comfortable.

i thought it was overpriced. we looked out over a car park. i hear noise.

0 Helpful

John from United States

Single

Queen Room River View

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 25, 2025

6/10

squeaking door tight terrace

The location was good close to the bow river the staff helped with town details.

The hotel condition was subpar for the price paid each night the terrace was tight i could hear squeaking from the bathroom door this disturbed other guests the room size differed from the pictures online.

0 Helpful

William from Canada

Single

Queen Room River View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 17, 2025

9/10

Wonderful riverside hotel stay

river view convenient access local transportation fantastic location

the river view FROM the room was beautiful, really good. i particularly enjoyed the convenient access to the nearby walkway for morning strolls. the staff provided excellent directions to local transportation options and shuttle services. the location was fantastic, with my favorite restaurant just a short walk AWAY.

the hotel IS a bit older, but everything was clean and functional.

Location

10/10

This hotel offers a prime spot near the scenic river and is just a short walk from the main downtown area. Getting to the hotel from the highway is very easy, made arrival straightforward.

0 Helpful

Karen from Canada

Single

Premium King Room River View

5 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: September 04, 2025

9/10

comfy bed river view free parking

i had a premium king room river view. it included a super comfy bed. the balcony had a nice river view. free parking was provided in the centre of town.

the hotel is old and the rooms feel old too

0 Helpful

André from Canada

Single

queen room river view

4 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: August 16, 2025

6/10

just ok accommodation with some issues

no air conditioning chipped paint

the location was central , made getting around easy

the lack of air conditioning was a real problem the room was hot and stuffy even with the fan provided i also noticed chipped paint on the walls and some general wear and tear throughout the room it seemed like the place needed some updating

0 Helpful

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