Rivers, Lakes & Water Adventures
Kananaskis Country, Canmore & surrounding area
Being on the water is one of the best ways to experience Kananaskis and surrounding areas. Learn the facts and features of rivers near Kananaskis and Canmore through to Banff and Golden.
Our local rivers have some of the finest whitewater rafting around, are popular with kayakers and river surfers, and also have calmer sections for family floats, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). There are some beautiful nearby lakes for those who want to start and finish in the same place.
Popular Rivers & Lakes in the Area
To help you plan the perfect day, we’ve compared the local rivers and lakes in a simple reference guide: available activities, river grades, skill levels and useful info like driving distances, operation dates, washrooms on site, bonus info and what each river is best known for. Whether you’re seeking thrills and spills or prefer to stay dry, nature has just the right river for you!
| River or Lake |
Activities | River Difficulty |
Season | Adventure Level |
Known For | Bonus! | Distances | Washrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kananaskis River | Rafting Surfing SUP |
Class 1 - 3 | May - Oct | Mild to Moderate | Scenery | Swimming | Calgary, 85km Canmore, 40km Banff, 65km |
At tour base |
| Canoe Meadows | Canoeing Kayaking Rafting Surfing |
Class 2 - 3 (occasionally 4) | May - Oct | Mild to Wild | Whitewater facility: hanging slalom gates | Campground on site. Controlled flow, check river schedule. | Calgary, 85km Canmore, 40km Banff, 65km |
Yes |
| Horseshoe Canyon (Bow River) | Rafting Canoeing Kayaking |
Class 3 - 4 | May - Oct | Moderate to Wild | Big waves Movie set scenery |
Cliff jumping | Calgary, 70km Canmore, 30km Banff, 55km |
At tour base |
| Kicking Horse River | Rafting Kayaking |
Class 2 - 4 | May – Sep | Moderate to Wild | Canyon scenery Big rapids |
4km stretch of Class 4 water (lower canyon) | Golden, 25km Calgary, 240km Canmore, 140km Banff, 115km |
At tour base |
| Elbow River | Rafting Surfing Kayaking Canoeing |
Class 1 - 3 | June | Mild to Moderate | Alpine scenery | Exclusive limited access | Calgary area Canmore, 100km Banff, 125km |
At tour base |
| Bow River (Banff area) | Floats Canoeing Kayaking SUP |
Class 1 - 2 | May – Oct | Mild | Gentle water, mountain scenery | Canoe and kayak rentals | In Banff. Calgary, 125km Canmore, 25km |
Yes |
| Red Deer River | Rafting Kayaking |
Class 1 - 4 | June - August | Mild to Wild | Foothills scenery | Wilderness feel | Approx 2 hours from Edmonton, Calgary, Canmore, and Banff |
At tour base |
| Vermilion Lakes | Kayaking Canoeing SUP |
n/a | Spring - Fall | Mild | Scenic photography | Wildlife viewing | In Banff. Calgary, 125km Canmore, 25km |
Yes |
| Lake Minnewanka | Lake Cruises Kayaking Canoeing SUP |
n/a | Spring - Fall | Mild to Moderate | Lake Cruises | Scenery | In Banff. Calgary, 125km Canmore, 25km |
Yes |
| Canmore Reservoir (near Nordic Centre) | SUP Canoeing Kayaking |
n/a | Spring - Fall | Mild to Moderate | SUP | Vehicle accessible | In Canmore. Banff, 25k Calgary, 100km |
No |
| Quarry Lake | SUP Float Swimming |
n/a | Spring - Fall | Mild | Family friendly No dogs allowed |
Next to off leash dog park NOT vehicle accessible |
In Canmore. Banff, 25k Calgary, 100km |
Yes |
| Barrier Lake | Canoeing Kayaking SUP |
n/a | Spring - Fall | Mild to Wild. Rapid wind increases common. Be prepared. |
Blue water Strong winds |
Vehicle accessible | In Kananaskis. Calgary, 85km Canmore 40km Banff, 65km |
Yes |
| Spray Lakes Reservoir | Kite Surfing Canoeing Kayaking SUP Fishing |
n/a | Year-round | Mild to Wild. Rough conditions can occur quickly. Be prepared. |
Strong winds Ice fishing |
Vehicle accessible | In Kananaskis. Calgary, 130km Canmore, 30km Banff, 55km |
Yes (Driftwood) |
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in many rivers and lakes in the area. Check with local fishing outfitters for season dates and licenses. Most rivers are catch and release, while many of the lakes allow you to keep your catch
Local Rafting And Water Sports Companies
Local whitewater rafting companies offer exhilarating guided experiences for all skill levels on the Kananaskis River, Horseshoe Canyon on the Bow River, Elbow River, Red Deer River and Kicking Horse River.
Many rafting tours have options for lunch, cliff jumping, swimming and photos of your trip. Or try a self-guided canoe and kayak exploration on the Bow River or Barrier Lake. Relax with a gentle paddle on Vermillion Lakes, with picture postcard views of Mt Rundle.
Canoeing on the Bow River is the quintessential Canadian activity; a peaceful way to explore Banff National Park. Rent a canoe or kayak from the Banff Canoe Club, located 5 minutes from downtown Banff. Paddlers can explore a gentle leg of the Bow River or follow forty mile creek into Vermillion Lakes. Both routes offer stunning views and opportunities for spotting wildlife. Rentals include paddles, life jackets, bailing bucket, information tablet about the river and basic dry land instruction. We even do offsite canoe, kayak & stand up paddle board rentals!
Banff Canoe Docks – corner of Wolf Street and Bow Ave, Banff, Banff
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The Kicking Horse River is famous for whitewater rafting, packed with mighty rapids and plenty of thrills. Hydra River Guides has been introducing guests to the “kicks” of whitewater rafting since 1986! With 4 distinctive trips on offer, from our Mild and Classic trips to our thrilling Ultimate and Fast Blast adventures, the Kicking Horse River has something for everyone. Tours include river gear, BBQ lunch and optional transportation.
211 Bear St, Banff, Alberta
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Experience the biggest whitewater in the Rockies! Wild Water Adventures offers 'Mild To Wild' whitewater rafting options on the famous Kicking Horse River. Choose between playful and splashy waves on the Gentle (a perfect introduction to whitewater rafting); BIG waves on the Whitewater Exciter; or, the full-length Tradition for 2-trips-in-1, plus gourmet BBQ lunch afterwards! All trips depart from our River Base (2750 Beaverfoot Road, near Golden BC). Minimum age and weight criteria for all trips. 2024 SEASON KICKS OFF ON SATURDAY, MAY 18TH!
RiverBase: 2750 Beaverfoot Road, near Golden, BC
Sales Desk: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise AB
Lake Louise, Alberta
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Sports Equipment Rentals
Sport equipment rentals in Kananaskis, Canmore and Banff.
Fishing Guides & Services
Local companies offering guided fishing and fly fishing tours.
Whitewater Rafting & Water Activities
Recommended companies offering rafting adventures near Canmore & Kananaskis, Banff and Kicking Horse River.
Disclaimer:
The information that we give on any activities is for informational purposes only and not intended to give specific advice. The writer and/or publisher of this website is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, rescues, inconvenience, or loss of life by anyone attempting any of the activities described on this website. It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment to safely enjoy any outdoor activities.
Activities in the backcountry can be dangerous and have many potential hazards. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity.
Recommended companies offering rafting adventures near Canmore & Kananaskis, Banff and Kicking Horse River.
