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Bow Valley Provincial Park

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Many SpringsEarly October at Many Springs in Bow Valley Provincial Parks

Early snowfall and Autumn Colors at Many Springs

September 14, 2016

Bow Valley Provincial Park is fantastic area close to Calgary for undemanding couple of hours stroll in very scenic environment. Lakes, aspen forests and Bow River with views to foothills and prairies are some of highlights.  There is also large tent/RV park along the Bow River, often full during high season. Area is also popular with fishermen and photographers.  Despite human presence plenty of wildlife including coyotes, deers and on occasion even bears can be spotted.  Option presented here makes a loop starting from Middle Lake and visits most of the highlights of the park. Many variations are possible; if you are short with time, try to do Many Springs loop at least.  It has interpretive trail and couple of fabulous viewpoints.

Coming from Calgary on Trans-Canada turn into 1A connector couple of minutes past Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40) junction, then left into signed Bow Valley Park.  Follow main part artery, passing park headquarters along the way and park at Middle Lake parking lot.  You can walk directly to Elk Flats trail following trail on right side of the lake, but it is nicer to go left and do a loop around Middle Lake.  Stay on lakeshore trail; signed Middle Loop is forested and not really worth.  After you circle the lake, cross the road and turn left into Elk Flats trail.  Continuing straight is Moraine ridge trail leading to the campground and your return point if you decide to do entire loop.

Elk Flats trail travels through lovely semi-open forest for couple of kilometers and descends to Many Springs parking lot. Turn left and follow interpretive trail looping around the lake counter-clockwise.  Best viewpoints are at west end of the lake, and viewing platform with bench halfway around south side.  After completing the loop and you are short with time, you can return the same way back to Middle Lake via Elk Flats. Otherwise follow signed trail to Whitefish picnic area at Bow River.  This is lovely spot and well-worth a break at one of picnic tables.  Continuing east is Bow River trail traveling just below the campground. This is the least enjoyable part of entire loop because of the congestion and noise, but there are still some fine views across the Bow towards yam area.  The only 'routefinding' problem is to identify Moraine Ridge connector back to Middle Lake. It starts near the amphitheater at section "C" of the campground; it will take ~20 minutes from Whitefish Picnic area.  Leave Bow River trail and walk uphill through the campground to "Hiking" sign by the amphitheater.  From here it is gentle rise for just over a kilometer with more interpretive signs well worth a stop. Finally you are back to Elk Flats junction;  cross the road, turn left and walk back to Middle Lake parking lot.

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Views from south side of Middle Lake