Calgary 
Take your pick from several ways to enjoy a lazy float in and around Calgary, from raft and tube rentals, shuttle service, or lake floating, there are several ways to help you enjoy the waters this summer.
Lazy Day Raft Rentals
Know before you go:
- Always check river flow levels and advisories before you go – here.
- Always bring paddles! Even if you’re floating around a small lake, it is easy to get stranded without paddles.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen; you’ll not only be catching the direct sun, but also its reflection off the water.
- City of Calgary -For laws and regulations regarding the use of rivers, visit the city’s website/City of Calgary Safety Guidelines.
Guide to River Tubing, Floating and Guided Raft Trips in and Around Calgary
The Paddle Station
Through Calgary’s Paddle Station on the Bow, you can rent rafts big enough for groups of people or couples, kayaks, and SUPs. Take your equipment from you at specified end points where you’ll need to park a second vehicle, and they can inflate/deflate your inflatables for you. Alternatively, you can call an Uber or take their shuttle to return to your starting location. Details
Where: Start Location – Shouldice Athletic Park, 5227 13 Ave NW
End Location – Calgary Zoo West Parking Lot
How much: 2-4 Person Raft (Small): $79
RiverWatch EcoFloats
RiverWatch EcoFloats offers a 2.5-hour guided float along Calgary’s Bow River, passing wildlife-rich islands, sunlit cliffs, and scenic spots like Carburn Park and Sue Higgins Dog Park, ending at the Fish Creek Boat Launch in Fish Creek Provincial Park. A complimentary shuttle is available from Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Ramp Parking lot to the Graves Landing starting point. Details
Where: Graves Landing to Fish Creek Boat Launch
How much: $49 & up
U of C Rentals for the Bow River
There is a huge variety of outdoor equipment you can rent from the U of C Outdoor Centre, in addition to all the watersport rentals. But if you want a lazy day on the river or a nearby lake, you can rent small or large rafts from the University, and accessories like dry bags and wetsuits to make things more comfortable. Details
Where: 2500 University Drive NW
How much: $42-$110
Lazy Day Raft Rentals & BowTubes
The Lazy Day Raft Rentals can supply you with various options to float the Bow River through Calgary, including BowTubes, perfect for lazier days on the river, featuring built-in backrests and cupholders. Lazy Day offers a whole Lazy Experience, too, with shuttle service. Details
Where: Float starts at West Baker Park boat launch; Float ends at Footbridge near Prince’s Island Park
How much: $48 & up
Riverside Rafting
Riverside Rafting offers a variety of raft rentals to take on the Bow, along with SUPs, and pickup of your equipment. The raft rentals come in sizes for 4, 6, 8, or 12 people and can serve as your transportation for a relaxing ride through the city. Details
Shuttle service: no
Where:
Launch location: 1404 Home Road NW, Calgary
Drop-off location: 1300 12th Street NE, Calgary
How much: 1 Person Inflatable Kayak $49.99 for 3 hours
Bearspaw Marina
Bearspaw Marina offers an easygoing day on the water, with access only through Haskayne Park. Visitors can rent single kayaks, canoes for two, stand-up paddleboards, family-friendly pedal boats, or classic row boats. Paddle the shoreline, explore quiet corners of the Bearspaw Reservoir, enjoy calm-water exercise, or simply slow down and take in the surrounding scenery at your own pace all day. Details
Shuttle service: no
Where: Haskayne Park, 4PJ2+G3 Access ONLY via, Woodland Rd, Calgary
How much: $20 & up
Sikome Aquatic Facility at Fish Creek Park
Experience lazy lake floating right in the city with Fish Creek Park’s Sikome Lake. You can easily cruise the lake’s small shores, maybe even a few times. Keep in mind that large rafts are not allowed, but this also means there are no powerboats disrupting the peace. Lazy floating and swimming only! Details
When: now until Labour Day
Where:22 Sikome Cir SE, Calgary
How much: $5 to $8
Float the Elbow: Sandy Beach to MNP Community & Sports Centre
You can float a section of the Elbow River between the Glenmore Reservoir and where it meets up with the Bow River. The route takes you from Sandy Beach to the Community Centre, and is a perfect family float. The area is often calm, and the beach is usually shallow. There is parking on both ends. You won’t need large rafts or kayaks for this either, and can make do with inflatables and paddles. Details
When: best in July and August
Where: Sandy Beach
How much: free
