Bow Peak


Bow Peak is a mountain summit located in the Bow River valley of Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada. Its nearest higher peak is Crowfoot Mountain, to the east. Bow Peak is situated north of Hector Lake, southeast of Bow Lake, and can be seen from the Icefields Parkway. Although not of remarkable elevation, the mountain is a conspicuous landmark and visible from as far away as the Lake Louise area. Its position in the Waputik Mountains provides magnificent views from the summit.

History

Bow Peak was named in 1922 for its proximity to the headwaters of the Bow River which was known by the Cree as "The place from which bows are taken." The mountain's name became official in 1924 by the Geographical Names Board of Canada.

Geology

Like other mountains in Banff Park, Bow Peak is composed of sedimentary rock laid down during the Precambrian to Jurassic periods. Formed in shallow seas, this sedimentary rock was pushed east and over the top of younger rock during the Laramide orogeny.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Bow Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with cold, snowy winters, and mild summers. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. Precipitation runoff from Bow Peak drains into the Bow River which is a tributary of the Saskatchewan River.