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Looking for the best places to Rec Kayak in and around Canmore? Below are some great routes, trips and resources to help you Rec Kayak in and around Canmore.

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Diverse is how we would best describe the paddling in this mountain/prairie province. In the west of the province runs are characterized by beautiful backdrops, continuous rivers and cold water. Everything from mellow multi day floats in national parks to hairy class V creeking is available in the west. As you move further east the gradient drops but there are still plentiful paddling options for those looking to float mellow rivers in really unique surroundings. It is a huge province so don't neglect to look north and south too. A very worthwhile paddling destination in it's own right.

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Local Paddling Clubs

Paddle Junkies

whitewater kayaking club focused on bridging the gap for adult beginner, novice and intermediate kayaking in Calgary and surrounding area

Rec Kayak Trips or Routes around Canmore

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Canmore to Highway 1 Bridge
Bow River - The run to the Highway Bridge is an easy class 1 section suitable for beginners. Small eddies on either side of the river are good for learning eddy turns. Spring flows make for a very powerful and swift current.
Boat Launch
Lower Kananaskis Lake - Lower Kananaskis Lake is a beautiful alpine lake created by a dam on the Kananaskis River. It has cold water year round, beautiful views and is largely sheltered from the wind. This often makes it a safer option than its more exposed little brother Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Boat Launch
Upper Kananaskis Lake - Upper Kananaskis Lake is a gorgeous mountain lake created by a dam on the Kananaskis River. More exposed to wind and elements than its big brother Lower Kananaskis Lake, paddlers need to be ready for sudden weather changes and strong winds. Absolutely gorgeous surroundings in the Rocky Mountains, and there are options for camping and overnight excursions.
Multiple launches
Spray Lakes Reservoir - The lake lies in the recreational area of Kananaskis Country, and defines the eastern edge of Spray Valley Provincial Park. An assortment of recreational areas are established on both shores. • Spray Lakes West Provincial Recreation Area • Sparrowhawk Provincial Recreation Area • Buller Mountain Provincial Recreation Area • Mount Shark Trailhead Provincial Recreation Area The western shore is paralleled by hiking trails, and picnic sites and campgrounds are set up on both sides of the lake.
Beach
Quarry Lake - A small lake in just up the hill from Canmore. A very popular summertime hang out. The water is super warm and it is protected from the wind. Great for kids to have some paddling freedom on.
Canmore Reservoir Boat Launch
Canmore Reservoir - Easily accessible from the town of Canmore. Beautiful water colour and amazing mountain views of the surrounding peaks.
Chester Lake
Chester Lake - Energetic Adventure seekers with an INFLATABLE SUP or KAYAK ONLY need apply for this one. It is a 5km hike to get to the lake on a well groomed trail. For those who make the effort, you will be treated to a spectacular little lake to paddle with only jealous hikers as company! The fishing up here is really quite outstanding. Definitely a social media profile pic worthy location
Above the Dam
Goat Pond - A small pond close to the town of Canmore. It doesnt look like much from the road but when you get to the back of the lake it is quite lovely. Abundant bird and wildlife.
Canmore Canal
Bow River - Fantastic float trip through Canmore. A great way to spend a summer afternoon for those new to river paddling, or those who like chill floating.
Canmore to Seebe Dam
Bow River - The upper section after Trans-Canada Overpass has possible log jams and sweepers in the first section which had a decent flow and made for an exhilarating start to the trip. Bends are tight. Scout around bends to ensure that are clear of log jams as a couple of the log jams had to be portaged. The lower section of this reach was slow and windy near Exshaw.
Boat Launch
Seebe Dam - Seebe Dam is really a part of the Bow River System. Characterized by gorgeous blue water and some great views of the front range mountains. It does tend to get pretty windy and there is often road noise from the 2 neighbouring highways. In spite of that on a nice day it is an easily accesible spot to get out for a paddle
Parking Lot
Lac Des Arcs - Lac Des Arcs is well worth the paddle, the common talking point being the small island with a picnic table on it nearer the west end of the lake. It is a very popular pull off on the highway, so although you will likely be on the water alone, you will not be in th eparking lot.

Resources around Canmore

Bow Valley Kayak Club

Committed to promoting a safe, fun environment for our community to paddle and explore our wonderful outdoors! Welcome to the Bow Valley Kayak Club! Thanks for visiting us today. We are a community non-profit sports club based in the utterly gorgeous Bow Valley of Alberta, Canada. We aim to provide our lovely community with access to safe learning and participation in the world of kayaking. We believe recreation and learning in the outdoors is a vital part of life and will always endeavor to make this accessible to everyone in our community. As well as a place for all paddlers to meet our local community of enthusiasts, we pride ourselves on being able to offer professionally instructed training courses, guided river trips, and accessible education on how to enjoy our sport and waterways safely. We are able to offer something for every ability and all ages. Please also visit our website at www.bowvalleykayak.com As you peruse our website please take a look at our programs and our club activities pages as well as our calendar of events! We are very active throughout the non-snowy time of year and during the winter we stay warm on the water by having weekly pool sessions that are open to literally everyone; not just our members! If you would like to join our club check out our membership page. For all courses, pricing, sign ups and dates have a look at our sign up program here! Lastly, if you do not find what you are looking for or have any questions at all, do not hesitate to contact us. [email protected] 587-585-8711 Thanks for visiting us and we hope to see you on the water soon!
587-585-8711

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