Scenic Views · Fishing · Alberta
A busy westbound pull-off on the Trans-Canada Highway at Lac des Arcs, east of Canmore, with wide views of the lake and the Bow Valley peaks. Alberta plans to close it over merge safety concerns.
This is the first of the Lac des Arcs pull-offs on the westbound Trans-Canada, just past the hamlet, and for many drivers from Calgary it's the first chance to stop and look at the Rockies up close. Visitors describe turquoise water, the Bow River and a ring of mountains, and one called it the start of the Banff trip. The Exshaw cement plant is also in view, which some people mind more than others.
It's quick and easy: pull in, take photos and stretch your legs. Reviewers found plenty of space, and parking is listed as wheelchair accessible. You can hear the highway, but most say the view makes up for it. Wind is common here, so bring a layer.
Lac des Arcs is part of the Bow River and is fished under Alberta's sportfishing regulations. For shore access, a hand launch for canoes and kayaks, picnic spots and camping, use the Lac des Arcs day-use area and campground in Bow Valley Provincial Park rather than the highway stop.
The main caveat is its future. In September 2026 Alberta announced it plans to close this westbound pull-off because of dangerous merges on and off the highway; no date had been set, pending funding. Merging back onto fast traffic is the tricky part now, so take care. Two more viewpoints further west remain options.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 724 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
