Glenmore Reservoir kayaking is a top choice if you want to get out for a paddle in Calgary! It is easy to get to -- centrally located and near many of the major roadways through town. This makes it a great choice if you're keen to get out before work, or want to go for an evening paddle without having to drive out of town.
AQ Outdoors kayaking ambassador Bryan Hume gives you the full scoop in the article below, including scenic places to check out, where to launch, some specific bylaws, and great perspective from someone who's paddled this body of water many times.
So, if you want to try kayaking on the Glenmore Reservoir, check out the article below, and feel free to contact us or visit us in store if you have any further questions (or need gear!).
AQ Outdoors Recreational Kayak Collection
[Glenmore Reservoir on Paddling Maps]
Glenmore Reservoir Kayaking Experience
First things first -- Glenmore Reservoir does have an opening day: May 1. It typically closes on October 31. Of course, this is all weather permitting. Kayaking Glenmore Reservoir on opening day is my tradition each year. This place is my “go-to urban paddling location” for Calgary.
This article is a blend of my opening day a few years ago, along with key pointers for when you're kayaking the Glenmore Reservoir.
It was easy to tell it was opening day because people were just itchin’ to get on the water. There were several kayaks, canoes, fishermen and rowers from the Calgary Canoe Club organizing gear so they could get an early start out on the water. The shoreline was well populated with fishermen of all kinds. Boaters beware; set a course well off the shoreline and away from folks casting in a line. Hooks are sharp!
Key Point: Glenmore Reservoir does not permit the use of paddle boards or inflatable water craft. Please refer to the bylaws on the City of Calgary webpage for more information: [Glenmore Reservoir]
Glenmore Reservoir Kayaking Launches
There are two primary launches for the Glenmore Reservoir: the north/east launch at [Heritage Park], and the south/west launch near [South Glenmore Park].
Glenmore has some unique areas for paddlers to explore. The north leg of the reservoir is often a more sheltered section, great to paddle on a windy day. It’s also the dry dock home for Heritage Park’s S.S. Moyie. Built in 1965, it’s a half size replica of the original paddle wheeler and has taken park guests on tours of the reservoir for many years.
The west and main sides of the reservoir lead to the Weaselhead Flats Natural Area where paddlers and hikers alike come across a rich variety of wildlife that makes it hard to believe this little slice of wilderness is in the centre of the city.
The Weaselhead is a favorite urban area to paddle when I need to get a mid-week fix of nature. I often stop off at Glenmore for an early morning sunrise paddle on my way into work. What a great way to start off the day.
The Weaselhead is tucked in between the Land of the Tsuu T’ina Nation and the City of Calgary. While the origin of how this area was named is not clear, it was most likely named after Chief Weaselhead who was a leader of the Tsuu T’ina Nation. The Elbow River (formerly known as Swift River) now flows into the Weaselhead and Glenmore Reservoir, eventually joining the Bow River near the city centre.
The area we currently know as the Glenmore Reservoir area was named by an earlier pioneer Sam Livingstone. “Glenmore” is a Gaelic word to describe a “Big Valley”. The dam was completed in 1933, creating a great local paddling spot with approximately 20-25 km of shoreline and channels to paddle.
Glenmore Reservoir kayaking in spring is always rich with opportunity to watch nesting birds from a distance and then see their young swimming around in tow. There is a resident eagle that can often be spotted hunting or just hanging out in the area.
With the opening of Glenmore I can again incorporate mindful, regulatory paddling into my work day while I watch the transformation from spring to summer take hold at my favorite urban paddling location.
Loving my #Glenmorepreworkpaddle
Oh yeah…. I could be talked into a #Glenmorepostworkpaddle too!
We're lucky to have this paddling resource in the heart of the City. Choose one of the launches that works best for you, jump in with your kayak, and have fun.
Keen to check out other paddling spots around Calgary too? We've got you covered. This article has all the best places to go paddling: [Where to Kayak, Canoe, SUP in Calgary]
And for the best gear advice from fellow paddlers feel free to contact us or visit us in store. To check out our collection of quality kayaks that will provide years of enjoyment out on the Glenmore Reservoir, click the link below. See you on the water, and have fun!
AQ Outdoors Recereational Kayak Collection
Related Articles
Beginners Guide to Recreational Kayaking Gear
Essential Recreational Kayaking Gear
Recreational vs Touring Kayak Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Kayak for Lakes
Cheers,
“create your own momentum”
Bryan Hume
https://www.facebook.com/bryan.hume.5/
https://www.instagram.com/brhume.yyc/
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
