The Onion July 12, 2025

The Onion (Bow Lake)    20.8 km     840m gain 

We wanted to do this trail last year but left it too late for weather, this year (2025) had a lot of rain early so we finally picked a July day with sun forecast.  As you can see from the pictures this was a lie.  It was cold and very windy when we arrived at the trailhead.

Bow Lake is always beautiful.  The wind is not really discouraging the mosquitoes, they are everywhere. The trail goes around the lake (gorgeous) and up steps to the boulder we cross over a river gorge.  *Checks notes - this is a chockstone.

There’s currently a closed area around Bow Glacier Falls after a rockfall, we are on the left side of that.  It’s a beautiful climb up beside the Bow River.

We always stop when we hear Pikas. This little fluffer is very busy acquiring foliage. 

The Columbine is beautiful today. 

Coming out from the tree line is stunning, a wonderland of moraine, waterfalls and glacial scenery opens up everywhere. After a river crossing (accompanied by more mosquitoes) we spot Bow Hut way up above - I don’t seem to have a photo of that. 

It’s a switchback climb to the Hut next to a waterfall, this is lovely. 

Bow Hut is in a beautiful area, perched above the valley we came through.  This Marmot agrees entirely. 

If only gets better as we climb towards the Icefield.  The rocks are orange which is stunning next to the glacier. 

There’s no path so we climb as close to the ice as we can as it’s absolutely fascinating.  

Hello Icefields! 

At this point it’s not very warm, there have been some glimpses of sun but we’re keeping an eye on the more prevalent grey clouds. 

It’s an easy scramble to the top of The Onion and the view is outstanding.  Iceberg Lake is below us leading to Bow Lake in the distance. 

I wish it was warmer!  Clearly shorts were not an optimal choice. 

We avoid any rain apart from a few light sprinkles but that wind at the top is no joke. Always pack a jacket.

It’s an easy descent to a chaotic parking area.  I’d love to do this again on a sunny day.  

The route is below on the left, with Peyto and the Caldron Peak trail we did in August to the right.