Paddling on the Spray River

Spray River - This run is comparable to a much shorter, fair bit easier Boundary Creek. Awesome boof after boof! Hike about 6km hike from the Mt. Shark trailhead parking lot until you get to the first bridge to cross a significant river, then continue 100 - 200 metres further and take a left on a pretty major trail (this goes to Spray/Palliser Pass). Follow the trail about 1.5kms and make your way to the river. The canyon starts with a 15 drop that gently rolls into a decent pool with about the only decent eddie on the river. From there is a 6ft pourover to a nasty awkward looking 12-15ft drop, choose your line carefully. A couple more pourovers lead you into the final section of river which is either boulder gardens or a freight train depending on level. The run ends where you started back at the bridge. This run is one of the most scenic around, plus the fact that it almost never gets done makes it a very good wilderness river. It is not much longer that 1.5km but still a great section of river that would be a true classic if it didn't take so much work to get to it.

Spray River - This is a great beginner trip that is only good for 1-2 weeks of the year when the Spray comes up enough. Park at Bow Falls and walk up 5km along a very easy trail with occasional glances of the river. There is a big meadow where you can start. Close to a bridge across the river and the Spray backcountry campground. The first 200m is a swift channel. Beginners may prefer to walk it and start after the channel. Carry on to Bow Falls or all the way to Canmore. Good to go when flow is above 4cms. If you are really solid, carry on upstream to where Goat Creek and Spray River come together. This section will be burly grade 3 creeking though.