Where to Put In and Take Out for your next rafting trip!
|
PUT IN |
TAKE OUT |
DISTANCE/TIME |
CHARACTERISTICS |
|
Ghost Dam |
Cochrane |
27 km / 4 hours |
Class ll rapid sections some sweepers and strainers. |
|
Gas Plant |
Cochrane |
10 km / 2-3 hours |
Class l rapids sections some sweepers and strainers. |
|
Cochrane |
Bearspaw Dam |
25 km/ 8-10 hours *** NOT *** RECOMENDED |
Slow moving water, must cross Bearspaw reservoir(very slow and lots of paddling) |
|
Bearspaw Dam |
Calgary Zoo St. Georges Island |
23 km / 3-4 hours |
One section of class I rapids, fast moving water by bridge abutments. Watch for the weir warnings |
|
Bowness Park |
Edworthy Park |
8 km / 1-2 hours |
Treed islands which branch river, Sandstone cliffs. |
|
Bowness Park |
Prince’s Island |
15 km / 2-3 hours |
Treed islands, difficult to park at Prince’s Island |
|
Bowness Park |
Calgary Zoo |
19 km / 2-4 hours |
Treed Islands, fast water by bridge abutments. |
|
Fish Creek Park (22 X under bridge) |
McKinnon Flats |
32 km / 4-8 hours |
Class l rapids just before take out (rapid on right side of island) Sandstone cliffs, treed islands. |
|
Fish creek Park 22 X |
Carsland Dam |
55 km / 8-12 hrs. Best as overnight |
Class l rapid at McKinnon flats, Pelicans, Blue Herons, Sandstone cliffs treed islands. |
** Note: The Bow River float times are based on an average river speed of 6-8 km/h. These times do not include headwinds and shuttle times. The nature of this river can cause times to fluctuate throughout the season.
Things to remember!
- An approved life jacket must be worn at all times while boating within the city limits.
- A bailer or sponge, rescue throw line, 2 paddles and a whistle are required by law. We also recommend a spare paddle.
- Be prepared for cold water immersion! Bring extra clothes in a water proof bag. Wear a wetsuit when immersion is more likely.
- Bring drinking water snacks and lunch, sun protection and wind and rain protection.
- Stay close to shore when lake paddling. The wind can pick up without warning.
- Stay alert at all times. Watch for rocks. Trees over and under river (sweepers and strainers) shallow sections, bridge abutments and river braiding.
- Tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to return.
- Inflatable rafts are not permitted on the Glenmore Reservoir.
Please have fun and play safe.