GLENMORE RESERVOIR KAYAKING: THE LOCAL WATERING HOLE

Author & Video: Bryan Hume

Keen to get on the water, but finding it tough with work? Glenmore Reservoir is a top choice for paddling in urban Calgary! Centrally located and easily accessible via major roadways, this spot makes it easy to enjoy a paddle without the hassle of a long drive out of town.

AQ Outdoors kayaking ambassador Bryan Hume gives you the full scoop in the article below. Discover scenic places to check out, the best launch points, essential bylaws, and insights from someone who's paddled the reservoir many times.

Bryan Hume - AQ Ambassador

My yearly tradition is to Kayak the Glenmore Reservoir on opening day. This place is my “go-to urban paddling location” for Calgary.

From Opening Day to Paddling Tips

First things first—Glenmore Reservoir opens its doors to paddlers on May 1 and typically closes on October 31, though this is weather-dependent. In this article, I'll share insights from my own opening day experience a few years ago and provide essential tips for making the most of your kayaking adventure on Glenmore Reservoir.

Opening Day

It was easy to tell it was opening day because people were itching to get on the water. There were several kayaks, canoes, fishermen, and rowers from the Calgary Canoe Club organizing their gear for an early start. The shoreline was packed with fishermen of all kinds. Boaters, beware: set a course well off the shoreline and away from those casting their lines—hooks are sharp!

Key Point: Glenmore Reservoir does not permit the use of paddle boards or inflatable water crafts. Please refer to the bylaws on the City of Calgary webpage for more information.

GLENMORE RESERVOIR KAYAKING LAUNCHES

There are two main boat launches at Glenmore Reservoir: the north/east launch at Heritage Park and the south/west launch near South Glenmore Park.

Glenmore Reservoir offers some unique areas for paddlers to explore. The north leg of the reservoir is often more sheltered, making it ideal for windy days. It’s also home to Heritage Park’s S.S. Moyie, a half-size replica of the original paddle wheeler built in 1965. This replica has been giving park guests tours of the reservoir for many years.

Weaselhead Flats

The west and main sides of the reservoir lead to the Weaselhead Flats Natural Area, where paddlers and hikers alike encounter a rich variety of wildlife. It's hard to believe this slice of wilderness is nestled in the heart of the city.

The Weaselhead is a favorite urban escape for me when I need a mid-week dose of nature. I often stop by Glenmore for an early morning sunrise paddle on my way to work—what a great way to start the day.

Tucked between the Land of the Tsúū’tínà Nation and the City of Calgary, the Weaselhead’s name—while its origins are not entirely clear—likely honors Chief Weaselhead, a leader of the Tsúū’tínà Nation. The Elbow River, formerly known as Swift River, flows into both the Weaselhead and Glenmore Reservoir before eventually joining the Bow River near the city center.

Urban Paddling

The area we now know as Glenmore Reservoir was named by early pioneer Sam Livingstone. "Glenmore" is a Gaelic term meaning "Big Valley." Completed in 1933, the dam created a fantastic local paddling spot with approximately 20-25 km of shoreline and channels to explore.

Kayaking Glenmore Reservoir in the spring offers the chance to observe nesting birds from a distance and see their young swimming nearby. A resident eagle is often spotted hunting or simply hanging out in the area.

With Glenmore Reservoir open, I can once again incorporate mindful, regulatory paddling into my workday while enjoying the seasonal transformation from spring to summer at my favorite urban paddling spot.

Loving my #GlenmorePreWorkPaddle

Oh, and I could definitely be convinced to do a #GlenmorePostWorkPaddle too!

We're very fortunate to have this paddling gem in the heart of the city. Choose a launch site that suits you, get in your kayak, and have a great time!

We've Got You Covered

Keen to check out other paddling spots around Calgary? We've got you covered. Check out the article below for all the best places to go paddling in and around Calgary!

[Where to Kayak, Canoe, & SUP in Calgary]

Also check out Paddling Maps, our community-driven website, for paddling locations, driving directions, location details, river information, and more.

For top-notch gear advice from experienced paddlers, feel free to reach out to us or drop by our store. To browse our selection of high-quality kayaks that promise years of enjoyment on Glenmore Reservoir, click the link or browse our recreational kayak collection below. We can’t wait to see you out on the water!