Scenic Views · Fishing · Alberta
A small parking area beside the Bow River at Castle Junction in Banff National Park, with short paths to river and bridge views under Castle Mountain. Handy for stretching your legs, though some find it underwhelming.
Castle Mountain Viewpoint sits near the junction where Highway 93 South heads toward Radium and Invermere, next to the Bow River and an old bridge. Castle Mountain's long cliffs rise above the valley. Visitors mention the sound of rushing water and the colour of the river on a sunny day.
It's a short stop. A few connected paths lead to views of the river, the bridge and the mountains, and one reviewer suggested 10 to 15 minutes is plenty. Dogs on leash are fine. There are no washrooms here, and the car park is small, so it fills on busy days.
The Bow River is open to angling year-round in this part of Banff, but only with a national park fishing permit and on a catch-and-release basis, since whirling disease has been found in the river. Felt-soled boots aren't allowed in any Banff water.
Not everyone is sold. One visitor felt there's no real viewpoint, just a parking lot in the trees by the river, and that the whole area is scenic enough that this particular stop isn't essential. Another found it closed when there was snow. Treat it as a leg-stretch on the drive rather than a destination.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 165 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
