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Lac Des Arcs Alberta Canada , Bow Valley along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1)

182 views · Published 19 June 2018 · 2:01 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: Mike Martins · 2018 · Travel & Events

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Lac des Arcs is a small hamlet in Alberta, Canada, located in the Bow Valley along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). It is about 85 kilometers west of Calgary and 20 kilometers east of the town of Canmore.

Lac des Arcs is known for its stunning natural surroundings, including its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The hamlet lies on the shores of a lake of the same name—Lac des Arcs—which is popular for activities such as fishing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. The lake is also notable for its changing colors due to mineral deposits from surrounding rock formations.

Lac des Arcs is a quiet, scenic place, offering great views of the mountains and access to outdoor recreational opportunities.

Lac des Arcs has an interesting history that ties into both the natural landscape and human activity in the area. The name "Lac des Arcs" is believed to have been given by early French voyageurs, meaning "Lake of the Bows." This refers to the shape of the lake, which resembles an archer's bow, and it is also linked to the Bow River, a key waterway in the area.

Historically, the region was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, particularly the Nakoda (Stoney) First Nation, who used the area for hunting and gathering. The Bow Valley, where Lac des Arcs is located, was an important corridor for Indigenous peoples and later European settlers and explorers.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region around Lac des Arcs began to see industrial development, largely because of its rich natural resources. The Bow Valley corridor became part of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) route, which brought settlers and industries to the area.

One of the most notable developments in Lac des Arcs' modern history was the establishment of a cement plant by Lafarge, a major building materials company. This plant, built in the mid-20th century, is still operational today and plays an important role in the local economy. Its presence, however, has sparked environmental discussions due to its proximity to the scenic landscape.

Today, Lac des Arcs remains a quiet residential and recreational area, with a small population enjoying the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts traveling through the Bow Valley to places like Canmore, Banff, and Kananaskis.

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