Paddling Guide
Where to Kayak, Canoe, & SUP in Calgary
Author: AQ Staff
With over 20 years in Calgary's paddling community, we've decided it's time to put together a practical list of the best spots for kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and stand up paddleboarding in and around the city. In collaboration with our community-driven website, Paddling Maps, we present this comprehensive guide! As you explore the list, follow the links to Paddling Maps for driving directions, location details, river information, and more.
This is by no means an exhaustive list—there are many more locations on the Paddling Maps website. In this article, we've focused on paddling spots within a 45-minute drive of Calgary, with a few slightly over an hour away.
Follow the links below to check out whitewater or recreational lakes and river sections.
Where to Paddle Recreationally | Where to Paddle on Whitewater
RECREATIONAL PADDLING AROUND CALGARY
- Where to Paddle in the City of Calgary
- Where to Paddle East of Calgary
- Where to Paddle West of Calgary
- Where to Paddle South of Calgary
- Transport Canada Boating Guidelines
Do you have some fantastic paddling spots not listed on Paddling Maps? We'd love for you to add them to our collection!
WHERE TO PADDLE IN THE CITY OF CALGARY
GLENMORE RESERVOIR
This medium-sized lake, located just outside the inner city, is a popular destination for recreational paddling and kayak fishing. Please note that stand up paddleboards and inflatable kayaks are not permitted on the reservoir.
Grade: Flatwater
Timeline: A couple of hours
Suggested Craft: Canoe, Whitewater Kayak, Recreational Kayak, Crossover Kayak
[Glenmore Reservoir on Paddling Maps]
BOW RIVER | FLOAT SECTIONS
This incredible stretch of water within the city limits offers numerous access and egress points, allowing you to customize your trip length. Rafting is especially popular in the summer, making it a perfect activity for a hot day.
Remember to bring the appropriate safety gear, and avoid tying your rafts together. The ropes can wrap around bridge pillars, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Float separately for a safe and enjoyable experience!
BAKER PARK TO PEARCE ESTATE PARK
Grade: I - Float Trip
Timeline: Half Day or Less
Suggested Craft: Canoe, SUP, Raft, Whitewater Kayak, Recreational Kayak, Crossover Kayak
[Bow River | BAKER PARK TO PEARCE ESTATE PARK on Paddling Maps]
BOWNESS PARK TO BOW RIVER PATHWAY BRIDGE ON MEMORIAL DRIVE
Grade: I+ (II) - River Running / Float Trip
Timeline: Half Day or Less
Suggested Craft: Canoe, SUP, Raft, Whitewater Kayak, Recreational Kayak, Crossover Kayak
[Bow River | BOWNESS PARK TO BOW RIVER PATHWAY on Paddling Maps]
ELBOW RIVER | SANDY BEACH TO MCDONALD BRIDGE
Enjoy a popular summer float on inner tubes and rented rafts, or paddle in a kayak or canoe during spring and early summer. Put in at Sandy McNabb beach with several take-out options along the way, or float all the way to the Bow River!
For a relaxing end to your float, consider taking out in the Mission area, where you'll find plenty of patio options nearby. The bridge at 4 St SW is the ideal spot to exit, just a short walk from some of Calgary's best spots.
Grade: Class I - Float Trip
Timeline: 2 - 4 hours
Suggested Craft: Canoe, SUP, Raft, Whitewater Kayak, Rec Kayak, Crossover Kayak
[Calgary Elbow River on Paddling Maps]
WHERE TO PADDLE EAST OF CALGARY
LAKE CHESTERMERE
Located approximately 30 minutes east of the city, this good-sized lake offers multiple recreational opportunities. The northern section of the lake, above the bridge, maintains a quiet atmosphere with a motorized boat speed limit of 12 km/hr.
A pleasant surprise is its warmth during the summer months, relatively speaking for Alberta lakes.
Grade: Flatwater
Timeline: Half Day or Less
Suggested Craft: Canoe, SUP, Whitewater Kayak, Recreational Kayak, Crossover Kayak, Touring Kayak, Inflatable Kayak, Inflatable SUP
[Lake Chestermere on Paddling Maps]
WHERE TO PADDLE WEST OF CALGARY
GHOST RESERVOIR
This expansive multi-use lake often experiences windy conditions. However, on calm days, paddling up the north arm to the mouth of the Ghost River is a spectacular and highly rewarding trip.
Grade: Flatwater
Timeline: Half Day or Less
Suggested Craft: Fishing Kayak, Recreational Kayak, Inflatable SUP Board, Canoe, Crossover Kayak, Touring Kayak
[Ghost Reservoir on Paddling Maps]
BOW RIVER | GHOST DAM TO COCHRANE
Embark on a 20km trip featuring primarily fast-moving water and a few small Class II rapids. This amazing day trip takes you through a stunning prairie river valley. For an extended adventure, consider turning it into an overnight trip by camping on Wildcat Island.
If you're looking to develop your paddling skills close to home yet outside the city, this is your best bet.
Grade: Class I - Float Trip | Class I (II) - River Running
Timeline: Half Day to 2 Days
Suggested Craft: Canoe, SUP, Raft, Whitewater Kayak, Rec Kayak, Crossover Kayak
[Ghost Dam to Gas Plant on Paddling Maps]
[Gas Plant to Cochrane on Paddling Maps]
Note: There's lots more paddling further west. To check out those locations follow the links below.
Where to Paddle in Kananaskis Country >
Where to Kayak in Banff National Park >
WHERE TO PADDLE SOUTH OF CALGARY
FORGETMENOT POND
This tiny mountain lake is highly protected, making it ideal for easy paddling with kids or on a SUP board. While the water stays cold year-round, the area offers numerous recreational options. Enjoy world-class mountain biking, scenic road biking, various river sections, hiking, picnics, and more!
On a warm summer day, it's a perfect spot to cool down after enjoying the outdoors in the surrounding area.
Grade: Flatwater
Timeline: Half Day or Less
Suggested Craft: Kids Kayak, Recreational Kayak, Inflatable Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Crossover Kayak
[Forgetmenot Pond on Paddling Maps]
CHAIN LAKES RESERVOIR
Just 1 to 1.5 hours from Calgary, Chain Lakes Reservoir offers a long, narrow lake teeming with birdlife and wildlife. The area can get windy, so pick a calm day for a peaceful outing unless you're seeking a more adventurous experience!
Grade: Flatwater
Timeline: Half Day or Less
Suggested Craft: Recreational Kayak, Inflatable Kayak, Inflatable SUP Board, Fishing Kayak or Canoe
[Chain Lakes Reservoir on Paddling Maps]
TWIN VALLEY RESERVOIR
This 15km-long, relatively narrow reservoir in prairie country south of Calgary is one of Alberta's newest. You'll find an abundance of birds, fish, and other wildlife, all set against fascinating hoodoo-esque landscapes.
Grade: Flatwater
Timeline: Full Day
Suggested Craft: Recreational Kayak, Inflatable Kayak, Inflatable SUP Board, Fishing Kayak or Canoe
[Twin Valley Reservoir on Paddling Maps]
TRANSPORT CANADA BOATING GUIDELINES
No matter which of these paddling spots you choose (or any other ones in Canada) you'll need to meet Transport Canada's boating guidelines. These guidelines require you to have the following 5 items:
For an all-in-one solution, consider the North Water 4 Bailer, which includes a throwbag, rope, whistle, and bailer all in one! Just add a PFD and paddle and you're ready to hit the water!
[Check out this North Water 4 Bailer video review]
WHITEWATER PADDLING AROUND CALGARY
- Where to Paddle in the City of Calgary
- Where to Paddle West of Calgary
- Where to Paddle South of Calgary
- Transport Canada Boating Guidelines
Do you have some fantastic paddling spots not listed on Paddling Maps? We'd love for you to add them to our collection!
WHERE TO PADDLE IN THE CITY OF CALGARY
HARVIE PASSAGE
Harvie Passage offers fun Class II (Right Side) and challenging Class IV (Left Side) sections.
The Right Channel
Discover this man-made river course in the center of Calgary! The Right Channel features a smooth concrete bottom, great eddy lines, small waves, and a good runout making it a great spot for beginner and early-level intermediate paddlers.
Grade: Class II - River Running
Timeline: 1-2 hours
Suggested Craft: River SUP, Whitewater Kayak, Canoe, Pack Raft, River Surfboard
[Harvie Passage | Right Channel on Paddling Maps]
The Left Channel
The Left Channel features class IV whitewater features and should only be paddled by advanced paddlers. If you want some exciting kayaking in Calgary, this is the place to be!
Safety Tips:
- Approaching from Upstream: Exit beside the railway bridge and assess the rapids before proceeding.
- Rafting Caution: The river naturally directs you towards the challenging left channel. If in a raft, consider either walking around the section or carrying your raft downstream to launch into the right channel.
Grade: Class IV - River Running / Freestyle
Timeline: Half Day or Less
Suggested Craft: Whitewater Kayak
[CLASS IV Left Channel on Paddling Maps]
WHERE TO PADDLE WEST OF CALGARY
BOW RIVER | GHOST DAM TO COCHRANE
Embark on a 20km trip featuring primarily fast-moving water and a few small Class II rapids. This amazing day trip takes you through a stunning prairie river valley. For an extended adventure, consider turning it into an overnight trip by camping on Wildcat Island.
If you're looking to develop your paddling skills close to home yet outside the city, this is your best bet.
Grade: Class I - Float Trip | Class I (II) - River Running
Timeline: Half Day to 2 Days
Suggested Craft: Canoe, SUP, Raft, Whitewater Kayak, Rec Kayak, Crossover Kayak
[Ghost Dam to Gas Plant on Paddling Maps]
[Gas Plant to Cochrane on Paddling Maps]
Note: There's lots more paddling further west. To check out those locations follow the links below.
Where to Paddle in Kananaskis Country >
Where to Kayak in Banff National Park >
WHERE TO PADDLE SOUTH OF CALGARY
ELBOW RIVER
Upstream of Bragg Creek, you'll find numerous sections of whitewater ranging from Class II to V. These runs require river paddling experience and safety knowledge. This section of the Elbow River is incredibly beautiful, with many picnic areas and hiking trails nearby.
The Class IV section demands advanced skills and features:
- Elbow Falls: A small waterfall.
- The Notch: A technical bedrock channel with an undercut at low flows.
- The Slide: A two-stage extended slide over exposed bedrock.
All these drops can be walked or seal-launched around, with easier Class III water in between.
Grade: Class II (III) | Class IV - Creeking
Timeline: Half Day to Full Day
Suggested Craft: Whitewater Kayaks, River Canoes
[Elbow River Class II Information on Paddling Maps]
[Elbow River Class III - IV Information on Paddling Maps]
SHEEP RIVER
The Sheep River is one of Alberta's most scenic waterways, carving through the front country of the Rocky Mountains. This river offers whitewater ranging from Class I to Class V, abundant wildlife, especially in the canyon sections, and is just a short distance from Calgary. The area also features fantastic sightseeing, picnic spots, hiking trails, and more.
The Class IV section boasts some of the best and most varied whitewater around, with several unique and challenging IV-V+ drops that can all be walked around. One of the most popular drops is Sheep Falls, a tourist hotspot featuring a straightforward 10-foot waterfall.
For many Calgary local kayakers, Sheep Falls is their first waterfall. The approach is straightforward with several lines and relatively little consequence (as far as waterfalls go). There is a big pool to land in and quick access to take out and walk back up to do it again. This makes Sheep Falls an ideal spot to session and perfect your boof timing.
The Class II section offers a straightforward paddle through a scenic canyon, perfect for those seeking a more relaxed experience.
Grade: Class II+ (III) - River Running | Class IV (V) - Creeking
Timeline: Half Day to Full Day
Suggested Craft: Whitewater Kayaks, Crossover Kayaks or River Canoes
[Sheep River Class II Information on Paddling Maps]
[Sheep River Class III - IV Information on Paddling Maps]
HIGHWOOD RIVER
This river is also often renowned for its world-class whitewater and breathtaking scenery. As it winds through the foothills toward the Bow River and onto the prairies, it offers stunning views and various paddling sections listed on Paddling Maps. Here are a couple of the more popular sections:
The class III/IV section features several big water-esque elements that are technical at low water and big, bouncy fun at high water. It's perfect for practicing dynamic river moves, technical ferrying, and scouting bigger rapids. If you're looking to break through progression plateaus, this is the section to tackle.
Further downstream, the Highwood River offers several Class II sections ideal for honing basic paddling skills. Plus, the fishing is excellent!
Grade: Class II (III) - River Running | Class III (IV) - River Running
Timeline: Half Day to Full Day
Suggested Craft: Whitewater Kayaks, Crossover Kayaks or River Canoes
[Highwood River Class II Information on Paddling Maps]
[Highwood River Class III - IV Information on Paddling Maps]
Paddling Maps
This is just a small sampling of the incredible paddling spots in and around Calgary. For more options and details, simply visit Paddling Maps and browse the region. We hope this will provide loads of paddling inspiration for this season and beyond!
If you're interested in upgrading your skills or gaining more experience on the water, we offer a full range of paddling instructional programs.
Browse All Paddling Courses Here >
And don't forget to check out Paddling Maps to plan your next adventure!
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