Kayaking in Calgary: The Best Spots, Tours, Prices

When it comes to outdoor activities, kayaking in Calgary is an awesome way to get moving and enjoy nature at the same time.

Calgary, with its stunning rivers and lakes, is a fantastic place to paddle, and your fitness level doesn’t matter. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or just starting out, you’ll have a great time – Just like I had!

The city has a variety of spots, and we’ll go through the best places to kayak in Calgary, as well as the rental prices and much more in this guide.

Where to Go Kayaking in Calgary?

Before discussing the best places to kayak around Calgary and all the details, let’s talk about the basics you may not know as a first-timer.

Is Kayaking in Calgary Worth it?

Absolutely! Kayaking in Calgary is definitely worth it. With stunning spots like the Bow River and Glenmore Reservoir, you can enjoy beautiful views and a peaceful paddling experience.

It’s a great way to explore nature, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker. Plus, with easy access to rentals, such as single or double canoes and kayaks, it’s a convenient and fun activity for everyone.

Do You Need a Permit to Kayak in Calgary?

For most areas, you don’t need a permit, but certain reservoirs and parks might have specific regulations. For instance, you must fill a form to kayak inside the Banff National Park.

Where to Rent a kayak in Calgary?

There are several rental shops all around Calgary and the different lakes in town with reasonable prices. We’ll go through all the details below, with the best rental place to kayak in Calgary.

Best Places to Kayak in Calgary

Now that you know the essentials about kayaking in Calgary, let’s discuss the best spots where to rent one and have a fabulous time.

Bow River

The Bow River is one of the most popular spots for kayaking in Calgary. This river flows through the heart of the city, and stretches as far as the Ghost Lake and beyond, so you’re sure to get stunning views on the way.

It’s perfect for beginners, as the river is calm in most areas. You can start from Bowness Park and make your way down to the city centre.

Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful parks and have plenty of spots to take a break. It’s an ideal location for a leisurely day out, surrounded by nature without leaving the city.

You can rent a kayak at West Baker Park Boat Ramp, as they offer affordable rentals, at only $49 for a single kayak or $69 for a double one for 2 to 4 hours.

Glenmore Reservoir

Located in the southwest part of the city, Glenmore Reservoir is a great spot for kayaking in Calgary. The calm waters make it a fantastic place for beginners to practice their skills.

There are rental services available, which is a plus – I recommend Marlin Outdoors Kayaks Rental, with kayaks that only cost $80 per day.

Additionally, the reservoir is part of the larger Glenmore Park, so after a day of paddling, you can enjoy a picnic or a walk on one of the many trails. For instance, Weaselhead trailhead is an amazing place and you can hike it in the summer and wintertime, which is an added bonus.

In short, it’s a great destination to spend an entire day enjoying various outdoor activities!

Ghost Lake

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, Ghost Lake is an exciting option. Located about 45 minutes northwest of Calgary, this lake offers more challenging conditions, especially on windy days.

It’s great for those who have some kayaking experience and are looking for a bit more excitement. The scenery is breathtaking, with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

You can also find spots to fish or just relax by the water after your kayaking session.

There used to be kayak rental stores around Ghost Lake but they’re now closed, so you’ll have to rent one (or bring yours) from Calgary.

Elbow River

Last but not least, the Elbow River is another gem for kayaking in Calgary. Running through several parks, including beautiful Stanley Park, it offers a mix of calm waters and gentle rapids.

This makes it an excellent choice if you’re an intermediate kayaker, but not as a beginner, so keep that in mind. The river is also lined with lovely picnic spots, so you can take a break and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Starting at Sandy Beach Park and paddling your way to the downtown area is a popular route that’s certainly worth trying. Plus, you’ll pass by the Glenmore Reservoir too!

Lake Louise

Alright, Lake Louise is in Banff National Park and not in Calgary – But if you’re planning a holiday in town, then you probably will go to Banff and Jasper.

Kayaking on Lake Louise is a must-do when visiting Banff National Park. The lake’s bright blue water and the mountains around it make for an amazing view.

For the best experience, head out early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the calm, peaceful waters.

I spent 7 days in Banff and rented a canoe at the The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Boathouse, which was pretty expensive but definitely worth it.

The price for a canoe rental is $160 per hour, or $95 per hour if you’re a guest at the Chateau. Also, you’ll find the lake perfect for a relaxing paddle, and that’s a great way to enjoy life after visiting Banff!

Top Tip: in summer Lake Louise and Lake Moraine are so busy that you cannot drive to the lakes or even park. So you’ll still need to pay for an expensive bus ride, so booking a tour is far less stressful.

Prices for Kayaking in Calgary

If you don’t own a kayak, don’t worry, Calgary has several rental services to get you on the water. Rental prices are usually reasonable, with hourly rates starting at around $40 to $60.

If you plan to spend more time on the water, you can often find half-day or full-day rates, which range from $80 to $100.

Bowness Park, Glenmore Reservoir, and Ghost Lake all have rental facilities nearby, making it convenient to get everything you need without bringing your own gear.

Tips For Kayaking in Calgary

Kayaking in Calgary is fun, but a few tips can help make it even better. First, always wear a life jacket for safety, regardless of your skill level – especially when kayaking out of town.

Check the weather forecast before heading out; wind and rain can make kayaking challenging. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid crowds and enjoy the experience.

If you’re a beginner, start with easier spots like Glenmore Reservoir. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Finally, make sure to have a dry bag for your valuables, you don’t want to drop your phone in the water!

Conclusion

This was all you had to know about kayaking in Calgary, the prices, and the best spots. Of course, these places depend on your skills, previous experience, and your budget, since places like Lake Louise are pretty pricey.

Thank you for reading until the end and, in case you have any questions or remark, feel free to comment below and I’ll reply as soon as possible!