Photo: Paul Kolman
Kananaskis Country is a pretty incredible place. Only 40 minutes or so from the major city of Calgary, it is picturesque, dramatic and has outdoor recreation opportunities to satisfy all walks of outdoor people.
This is by no means an exhaustive list and there are many more listed within the Paddling Maps website. The site is driven by the paddling community.
AQ Outdoors Calgary Kayak & SUP Courses
Where to Kayak/Paddleboard/Canoe in Kananaskis
WHERE TO PADDLE IN KANANASKIS COUNTRY
(THE CALGARY SIDE - HIGHWAY 40)
Barrier Dam
This location features amazing mountain scenery and is generally quiet midweek or when weather isn't super hot. Beware of summer weekends and hot days -- the launch can be a bit of a zoo.
In the summer months, Kananaskis Outfitters provide rentals on site at the boat launch.
If you want tranquility on the water while surrounded by mountains, but don't want to drive too far, this place is a top choice!
Kananaskis Village is only a short drive away, a great apres option with plenty of trendy restaurants to grab a post-paddling bite.
Timeline: A couple of hours to a full day
Suggested Kayak: Recreational Kayak, Inflatable Kayak, Inflatable SUP Board, Fishing Kayak or Canoe
[Barrier Dam on Paddling Maps]
Wedge Pond
A very small, protected lake that gets surprisingly warm in the summer months. Wedge Pond boasts great views and an amazing picnic location.
An excellent paddling destination for those with younger kids.
Timeline: A couple of hours
Suggested kayak: Recreational Kayak, Inflatable Kayak or Inflatable SUP Board
Sibbald Lake
A very small mountain lake with a nearby campground that is good for a short paddle.
Popular for fishing and another great place to paddle with kids.
Timeline: A couple of hours
Suggested kayak: Recreational Kayak, Inflatable Kayak or Inflatable SUP Board
[Sibbald Lake on Paddling Maps]
Kananaskis River
The Kananaskis River below barrier dam provides Class II to III sections of whitewater. These are suitable for experienced whitewater kayakers, canoeists and SUP paddlers only. It is dam controlled and has relatively consistent flow rates year round...just be sure to check the dam release schedule to make sure it'll be flowing when you go!
[Find the Kananaskis River Flow Times (use the Barrier column)]
The Upper Class III section contains several features that will challenge the intermediate paddler, but all are easily walkable. The most famous local surf wave, Mountain Wave, is near the bottom 3rd of this run and a great place to hangout on the patio during summer.
Just downstream of the wave is the slalom race course, which is used for national competitions. Several dynamic eddies litter this section of the river and, when carving in and out of the slalom gates, provide an excellent location to practice technique for all intermediate and above paddlers.
The Lower Class II section is a great intro to some slightly more challenging whitewater for the aspiring kayaker who isn't quite ready for Class III, or anyone who wants a longer float on a raft.
This river is a great post-work run from Calgary as well, and one of the more popular rivers in the area.
Check out [AQ Outdoors Paddling Lessons] for an idea of how to start exploring whitewater if you want to get out on these kinds of rivers.
Timeline: A couple of hours to a full day
Suggested kayak: Whitewater, Crossover Kayaks, River SUPs or River Canoes
[Kananaskis River CLASS II Trip on Paddling Maps]
[Kananaskis River CLASS III Trip on Paddling Maps]
[Find the Kananaskis River Flow Times (use the Barrier column)]
WHERE TO PADDLE IN KANANASKIS COUNTRY
(THE CANMORE SIDE - SMITH DORRIEN TRAIL)
Spray Lakes Reservoir
This is a long, narrow alpine reservoir with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. This is a windy area so check the weather and plan your visits for calm days.
Timeline: A few hours to a full day
Suggested Kayak: Recreational Kayak, Inflatable SUP Board, Fishing Kayak or Canoe
[Spray Lakes Reservoir on Paddling Maps]
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. When you are there you will likely be the only one on the water of this gorgeous (though small) alpine lake. Bring your fishing license and fishing rod for this one!
Timeline: A Full Day
Suggested Kayak: Inflatable Kayak or Inflatable SUP Board ONLY!
[Chester Lake on Paddling Maps]
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.
The shelter from the wind means it's often a safer option than its more exposed little brother, Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Timeline: A Full Day
Suggested Kayak: Recreational Kayak, Inflatable SUP Board, Fishing Kayak or Canoe
[Lower Kananaskis Lake on Paddling Maps]
Upper Kananaskis Lake
Upper Kananaskis Lake is a gorgeous mountain lake created by a dam on the Kananaskis River.
This section is more exposed to wind and elements than its big brother Lower Kananaskis Lake. Any paddlers adventuring onto this lake need to be ready for sudden weather changes and strong winds.
There are also options for camping and overnight excursions surrounded by the towering and scenic Rocky Mountains in the area.
Timeline: A Full Day or Overnight
Suggested Kayak: Recreational Kayak, Inflatable SUP Board, Fishing Kayak or Canoe
[Upper Kananaskis Lake on Paddling Maps]
Transport Canada Boating Guidelines
And if you want to meet Transport Canada's boating guidelines (50 ft. of floating rope, bailing device, signaling device) in a compact, easy-to-use combo, be sure to check out the North Water 4 Bailer -- a throwbag, rope, whistle, and bailer all in one!
North Water 4 Bailer Throwbag
$53.95
North Water 4 Bailer Review The North Water 4 Bailer Throwbag is one of AQOutdoors' best selling safety accessories. The North Water 4 Bailer Throwbag contains a buoyant heaving line, a sounding device, a hi vis reflector, and lastly a… Read More
This is just a small sampling of the amazing paddling opportunities in and around Kananaskis Country. For more options and details simply go to [Paddling Maps] and browse the region. We hope this will provide loads of paddling based inspiration for this season and beyond.
If you are looking to get more experience on the water our Calgary location (and Edmonton) offer a full range of kayak and SUP instructional programs. We also offer rental kayaks, SUPs and gear to help get you out on the water in and around Calgary.
Feel free to contact us at either our Calgary or Edmonton locations for more information on product, rentals, courses or paddling information.
Other Paddling Guides
[Where to Paddle in and Around Calgary]
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
