The Bow River means many things to many people. It begins its 507-kilometre trek in the Rocky Mountains, and winds its way through the peaks of Banff National Park before heading across the foothills and prairies of southern Alberta. It is a source of power for the city of Calgary, it provides drinking and irrigation water to many communities along its length. But it is also a prime recreation river, offering superb fly fishing and white water rafting and paddling. The Bow River was named for the Cree Indians who made bows from Douglas firs that grew along its banks.