Calgary 
Wondering where to go floating with the whole family or on a fun summer trip with friends? Here are 8 places across Alberta — from Whitecourt to Cardston, where you can enjoy a lazy float across the river!
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Always make sure that there are no river/water warnings, and follow all rules in place for your own safety.
North Saskatchewan River – Devon
Credit: River Lifestyle Co
For those who want to go floating on the North Saskatchewan River from Devon near Edmonton, River Lifestyle Company offers tube rentals for both adults and children. So visit the park and enjoy an hour of floating from Voyageur Park to the Devon Lions campground. Details
Pembina River – Entwhistle/Parkland County
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pembina River Valley by taking a leisurely float down the Pembina River. During your float, you’ll be able to admire the 62-meter gorge and different kinds of wildlife while bathing in the sun. Let the staff at Pembina River Tubing enhance your experience by providing you with a tube, a life jacket, secure key storage, and a shuttle back to your vehicle. Details
North Saskatchewan River – Edmonton
Get tube rentals from Edmonton River Float and float down the North Saskatchewan River through downtown Edmonton. Edmonton River Float provides all the equipment, shuttle service and safety gear. Details
Bow & Elbow River – Calgary
If you want to go paddling in Calgary, you can access the water from various locations. You should be aware of the water level and river conditions before you go. Elbow River is better for families as it is shallower and calmer than Bow River. River trips in Calgary are more rafting than tubing. Life jackets are required for a safe trip.
You can access the Elbow River from Sandy Beach or Stanley Park (and even continue to Bragg. Bow River has many access points.
Ways to Enjoy Lazy River Floating Around Calgary This Summer
Elbow River – Bragg Creek.
Have a river R & R by taking a gentle float down the Elbow River in Bragg Creek. The water is relatively shallow, which makes it family-friendly. Let the chilly waters cool you off on a hot day this summer. Also, don’t forget to wear a PFD. You can access the Elbow River from the Balsam Ave. bridge, the Trading Post and Bragg Creek Provincial Park. Details
South Saskatchewan River – Medicine Hat
Admire the city of Medicine Hat from the river by entering from Echo Dale Regional Park-East on Holsom Road. Make sure to bring a whistle, a 15-foot tow rope, and a PFD so that your trip complies with city laws. During your float, you’ll be able to take in the wildlife and the unique views of downtown. At the end of your float, you can exit at Strathcona Island Park-Braemer Street. Details
McLeod River Tubing – Woodlands County
Take in the wonderful nature surrounding the McLeod River by enjoying a two to two-and-a-half-hour float. The river is accessible from several Woodlands County tubing-access sites located along West Mountain Road. Make sure to bring a paddle and a rope along with your life jacket and tube to ensure maximum safety during your laid-back journey! Details
Old Man River – Lethbridge
Embark on a lazy float on Old Man River, enjoying the views of the iconic High Level Bridge starting from Indian Battle Park to Peenaquim Park or Pavan Park. Details
Milk River – Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is home to North America’s largest collection of First Nation rock carvings and rock paintings. The landscape of the area is stunning with its vivid greenery and hoodoos. Visitors to the area can bask in Writing-On-Stone’s beauty by floating down the river, which runs right through the park. Make sure to pack your tube and PFD and check the river status before you embark on your trip. Details
Discovery Canyon – Red Deer
This water park includes a beach area and bubbling pools that complement the lazy river. Rent a tube or bring your own. Stay for the day, or a couple of hours. With a concession stand and park nearby, this family-oriented place is sure to keep everyone entertained! Details
You can also go on a long float from Fort Normandeau to Kerry Wood Nature Centre. Pack a lunch for this 10.2km/4-5 hour float.
Whitecourt River Slides
Load the car up with your own tubes and flotation devices and enjoy the river slides. These creeks are built with drops and pools for fun all the way down. Once you reach the end, you can relax at the beach or do it all again. Also in the Rotary Park area is a playground, paved trails, a spray park, an off-leash dog park for the pups, and a place to fish with your own fishing gear. Details
St. Mary River
If you want to get the rush of running some rapids or throwing a line in the water on a guided fishing tour, then Incept Adventure Company, based out of Cardston, is the one to book with. They know the ins and outs of the St. Mary River and offer white water rafting, kayaking, fishing, customs tours and tube rentals.
With the amazing scenery and adrenaline-filled adventures, you can’t spend a better time in this area if you are looking for some fun-filled hours. Book your tour by phone, email or online to get your start point. Details
