Alberta Highway 1A - Bow Valley Parkway

The Lake Louise to Banff section of the Banff National Park 1A route is also known as the Bow Valley Parkway. It begins at Highway 1 at Lake Louise, generally paralleling it until it meets Highway 1 again approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) west of Banff. It provides more immediate access to attractions in Banff National Park such as Castle Mountain and Johnston Canyon. This spur has a reduced speed limit of 60 km/h (37 mph), and provides opportunity to view wildlife at various times of the year.

Parks Canada introduced planned and marked pullovers along the route to enhance and educate visitors about the region. The Bow Valley Parkway is one of only two parkways between Lake Louise and Banff, and the only one that allows views of the mountain scenery, waterfalls, and various view points of the nearby rivers and creeks. It was the original highway that connected the valley and holds heritage appeal to many locals.

A former section of Highway 1A precedes the Bow Valley Parkway. Known as Lake Louise Drive, the former route begins at Highway 1 in British Columbia, 2.9 km (1.8 mi) into Yoho National Park. It meanders eastward to Lake Louise, generally paralleling the main Highway 1 and CPR rail line to the south.