Flowing Water Interpretive Trail, located in Bow Valley Provincial Park, has boardwalks, stairs, a marsh with beaver dam, and river all packed into a 2.4 km loop. Go in summer for the wildflowers and camp at nearby Willow Rock campground or Bow Valley Campground! Thereβs great rafting on the Kananaskis River too! For more hikes in the area, please see our story: Bow Valley Provincial Park Camping and Recreation Guide.
The moisture makes for lush vegetation! 
Ladiesβ Slippers Orchids 
Boardwalk 
Watch for cow parsnip (white flowers) β it stings!
Flowing Water Interpretive Trail At a Glance
- Distance:Β 2.4Β km loop (official hike is 1.4 km, access to trailhead is 1 km return)
- Elevation Gain:Β n/a
- Time:Β Allow 1 hour
- Nearest washrooms: Willow Rock Campground
- Stroller friendly? No (narrow trail with stairs)
- Trailhead: Near shower building. The sign says 0.5 km to Flowing Water Trail
Directions
Directions:Β Head west on the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy 1), until you get to the Exshaw / Bow Valley Provincial Park exit. From Hwy 1x, take your first right into the Willow Rock Campground. The hike is only 78 kilometres (just under an hour) from Calgary!
Parking:Β Park at Willow Rock Campground (near the showers)
Flowing Water Trail 
Lookout over the Kananaskis River 
Heading down to the river 
Rafting the Kananaskis River
Bring extra clothes and towels if you want to play by the river! There is no official river access, but if youβre feeling adventurous, you can climb down to the waterβs edge (just past the interpretive sign about rusty water). Since this is a short hike, I highly recommend going for a picnic at Middle Lake after the hike!
More Stories You Might Like
- Family Fun in Bow Valley Provincial ParkΒ
- Camping in Bow Valley Provincial Park
- The Best Short Hikes Near Calgary