Bow River
- The Bow River in Calgary is a fantastic float trip that gives you some unique views of this cool city. For the most part it is a lazy Class I float with hazards mainly being bridge pillars, the odd wood snag, cold water and high spring runoff flows. Check out the map for the different access and egress points on this stretch. It really is a great way to explore Calgary.
There are great beginner eddies at Bowness Park. This can be great 'park and play' beginner paddling.
Bow River
- We have broken this up into right channel and left channel posts. The river right channel is the Class II beginner channel. A smooth concrete bottom, great eddy lines, small waves and a good runout make this a great spot for beginner and early level intermediate paddlers. There will also be a slalom section set up in this channel
Glenmore Reservoir
- Great paddling location with dock close to Calgary. Popular for after work and Weaselhead has great bird life and is a unique trip.
Bow River
- Neat spot in town to practice eddy turns, ferry glides and attainments behind bridge pillars. Can be paddled at a variety of flows, as long as the river is not frozen over.
Elbow River
- An incredibly popular float in the summer for Calgarians. It can be bumper to bumper with recreational tube and rafters on hot summer days. In the spring and early summer there is enough water to make a trip in a kayak, canoe etc worthwhile.
Bearspaw Reservoir
- Bearspaw reservoir is a little known gem for a great flat water paddle if you’re willing to navigate a little tougher put in. The reservoir is a long narrow stretch of water that offers flat water paddlers an opportunity paddle 20 to 25 km’s of shoreline.
Elbow River
- Grade 2 water run approximately 13k, 4 hours.
Plenty of room for portage or avoiding faster moving water.
Recommended skill level beginner/average kayaking.
Occasional wood obstacles both under surface and above. Room to avoid both.
Bow River
- Wide open river and dependent on weather conditions, relatively fast flowing. Very easy to float along with little effort required. Lots of eddies and flat water to egress along islands/river banks.
Inner City paddle with occasional wildlife sightings.
Carburn Park Lakes
- Carburn park has 2 small lakes within the city of Calgary. The park is very pretty and they are both nice for a short paddle without a long commute. They are also the only (not private) lakes that you can use a SUP on in the City of Calgary