Going on a river float is one of the signs that summer has arrived in Calgary and, lucky for us, there are plenty of places near the city to do just that.
Whether you’re looking to stay in the city or venture into the mountains, there are some great spots to put a floaty in the water and chill under the sun (with a cold drink too of course.).
Here are the six best places to float in and around Calgary.
Bow River
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Let’s start with the classic one first. The Bow River has a lot of different spots where you can launch:
- West Baker Park
- Shouldice Park
- Edworthy Park
- 10th Street Wave
- Eau Claire — 8th Street SW
- Sunny Side
- Inglewood
- Harvie Passage
- Glenmore Trail — Graves Bridge
- Carburn Park
- Ivor Strong Bridge
- Douglasdale North
- Douglasdale South
- Fish Creek Park
- Policeman’s Flats
Times can vary from one hour to six hours, making it the perfect place to go for a float whether you’re looking to spend an afternoon or an entire day on the river.
Elbow River
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A float that gives you a great mix of nature and Calgary city views, the Elbow River is another excellent option. It’s also a great alternative to the Bow River if you’re looking for something a little more serene. You can launch from Sandy Beach or the gorgeous Stanley Park and enjoy a float for a couple of hours.
Canmore
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If hiking isn’t your thing but you still want to enjoy the mountains, why not float by them? There are tours available to help take you on a scenic tour or one that may be a bit more challenging.
Little Red Deer River
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You can also float north of Calgary at the Little Red Deer River. While you’re at it, you might also want to try Red Deer’s alpine coaster for an adrenaline rush.
Fish Creek Park
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Fish Creek Park is another tried and true option in the city. You might need to walk a bit before finding the perfect spot that isn’t too shallow or rocky or you could stop at Sikome for a guaranteed perfect float!
Banff
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What can’t you do in Banff? The rivers in the mountains can be a little more daunting than what you’d find inner city so you might want to book a tour tour to maximize your time out on the water.