BOW RIVER PATHWAY

About This Project

ISL brought the Town of Canmore’s vision to life by transforming a narrow, gravel pathway into a modern, accessible trail designed to meet the needs of a growing community and its visitors.

This $3.1 million project included upgrades and realignment of a 2 km shared-use pathway, along with the installation of two new bridges: the 35 m clear-span West Canmore Park Bridge, a pre-engineered steel truss structure, and the 8 m Homestead Stormwater Outfall Bridge.  ISL’s services spanned conceptual design, detailed design, tendering, and construction administration.

The original pathway’s narrow width, suboptimal alignment, and outdated bridges struggled to handle the increasing volumes of local commuters and recreational visitors. With a significant rise in visitor numbers over recent years and major developments anticipated in the Three Sisters area, improving the pathway became a top priority.

ISL’s goal was to deliver the greatest possible enhancements within the available budget. This included realigning and surfacing the entire problematic section from the Bow River Bridge to Van Horne, while replacing the bridges to create a safer, more accessible route. Though some compromises were necessary, the ultimate vision of a seamless and functional connection between Three Sisters Mountain Village and downtown Canmore was achieved.

The new West Bow River Pathway offers more than just connectivity—it provides an unparalleled way to experience the natural beauty of the Bow Valley. Visitors can enjoy improved sightlines, wider pathways, and enhanced accessibility, making it suitable for all, whether for a quick stroll or an adventurous day outdoors.

Beyond recreation, the pathway supports active transportation, connecting residents from the south side of the Bow River to downtown Canmore. Its hard surfacing ensures year-round use, providing safe and reliable access even during winter months.

The pathway’s completion has also spurred economic benefits by encouraging tourism, increasing foot traffic, and supporting local businesses. By creating a picturesque and functional trail that meets the needs of locals and visitors alike, ISL has contributed to the growth of the community and enhanced a beautiful destination in the Canadian Rockies.