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!
Always make sure that there are no river/water warnings, and follow all rules in place for your own safety.
North Saskatchewan River – Devon
For those who want to go floating on the North Saskatchewan River from Devon near Edmonton, River Lifestyle Company offers tube rentals for both adult and child. 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. You can find Pembina River Tubing just south of Entwistle, Alberta—an hour west of Edmonton. Tubing times run from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and by reservation on weekdays, so plan accordingly! The Pembina River float is appropriate for all ages, so you won’t want to miss out! Details
Bow & Elbow River – Calgary
If you want to go paddling in Calgary, you can access the water from various points in Calgary. You should be aware of the water level and river conditions before you go. Elbow River is better for families as it is more 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 Elbow river from Sandy Beach or Stanley Park (and even continue to Bragg. Bow River has many access points. Details
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 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 at 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 area. You can also say “hello” to the paddle boarders and boaters using the river as well! 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 laidback journey! Details
Old Man River – Lethbridge
Embark on a variety of tubing adventures with Old Man River Tubing. Guests can enjoy a delicious picnic lunch made by local chefs as a part of their float, or set out to find Canada’s infamous beavers along routes ranging from 4 to 12 km. The varying route lengths allow for guests to make their tubing experience last a couple hours or the whole day! You can also get drop off and pick up location for your river excursion. Services offered by this company include tube, life jacket, and water shoe rental; shuttle service; mesh lockers; secure key storage; and additional services based on the tour you choose. Details
Milk River – Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
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 gatherings of rock. 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 hours. With a concession stand and park nearby, this family-oriented place is sure to keep everyone entertained! Details
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
Incept Adventure Co.
If you are wanting to get the rush of running some rapids or throwing a line in the water on a guided fishing tour, then this 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 and custom tours. With the amazing scenery and adrenaline filled adventures, you can’t spend any 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