Where to Whitewater Kayak in Canmore

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Region Details

Looking for the best places to Whitewater Kayak in and around Canmore? Below are some great routes, trips and resources to help you Whitewater 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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Whitewater Kayak Trips or Routes around Canmore

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Widowmaker to 40 Boat Eddy

Kananaskis River - This is a natural river with a number of man made features and rapids. The run itself is only a few kilometers long but packs in a bunch of fun paddling and playboating. The rapids of note on the run are (in order of appearance): Widowmaker (III); Hollywood Hole (a fun Class II+ play feature); Thunder Bunny (Class II play wave); Point Break (Class III rapid with a trashy surf wave / hole at the bottom); Santa Claws (Class III wave that is the best 'big' surf wave on the run); Surfers Wave (Class III, big glassy wave that you can surf forever in longer boats); Racecourse (Class III, it is pretty long and continuous and is a national slalom course. Definitely the most challenging part of the run) and Chubbies (Class II+ play hole just above the takeout. This is a great little play hole that is fantastcis for pros and beginner freestyle paddlers alike). The Kan (as it is referred to locally), can be run in playboats, creekboats on SUP's and in rafts. There are loads of challenging moves and fun rapids along the way. Freestyle paddlers have a range of options including waves and holes to get their playboat on in.

Canoe Meadows to Seebe Dam

Kananaskis River - A great beginner river run. Lots of large eddies and enough action to scare a novice boater. Be aware of sweepers in the river. There are a few places where the river makes some tight corners against rock cliff walls causing wave trains to form against the cliff. These can be either avoided or run at your discretion. Keep in mind beginners may not be able to avoid these wave trains as this is where the current pushes you. S-Bends is perhaps the most difficult rapid and occurs near the end, a low class II. The river makes a few sharp turns causing some constriction and therefore waves. Follow the main current and you will be fine. There are some nice places to picnic along the shore on your way down to Seebee. Great fun in a canoe too.

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.

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.

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