Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College is a public, board-governed institution in Calgary, Alberta, operating under Alberta’s Post-Secondary Learning Act. Established in 1965 as the Alberta Vocational Centre, it transitioned to an autonomous college in 1998, adopting its current name to reflect the Bow Valley region. The college has branch campuses in Airdrie, Banff, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Strathmore. Located in downtown Calgary since 1972, Bow Valley College has expanded its presence between the city's core and East Village. It is a member of the Alberta Rural Development Network and Colleges and Institutes Canada. Over the years, it has significantly grown its international student population, increasing from 532 students in 2013-14 to 3,048 in 2023-24. In 2013, it opened the Iniikokaan (Buffalo Lodge) Centre, providing Elder advising, cultural resources, and ceremonial smudging. Most recently, in 2024, Bow Valley College introduced an esports arena for students, further diversifying its educational offerings. The college remains a key institution in Alberta, focusing on vocational training, international education, and community engagement.