A Guide to the Best Spots
Canmore and Kananaskis Country in Alberta, Canada, are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Among the many activities available, paddleboarding stands out as a favorite for both locals and visitors. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots for paddleboarding in the area.
Grassi Lakes
Grassi Lakes, located in Canmore, offers a unique paddleboarding experience. The lake is known for its clear, emerald-green waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it’s easy to launch your paddleboard from the shore.
Spray Lakes Reservoir
Spray Lakes Reservoir is a long, narrow alpine reservoir with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s known to be one of the lesser paddled lakes due to the winds that can make it quite rough in the afternoons. However, on a calm morning or evening, this lake is the perfect paddleboarding excursion. It’s also a more intermediate paddleboarding location due to its cold water and potential for wind.
Barrier Lake
Barrier Lake is a man-made reservoir created by a hydro-electric dam. It features amazing mountain scenery and is generally quiet midweek or when the weather isn’t super hot. In the summer months, Kananaskis Outfitters provide rentals on site at the boat launch. It’s also a top choice for those who want tranquility on the water while surrounded by mountains.
Upper Kananaskis Lake
Upper Kananaskis Lake offers a great paddle route around the lake. There are long beaches to launch from by the parking lots south of Mount Sarrail Campground. The bay near the boat launch has very calm water, but as you approach Rawson Creek, it can be more exposed and the wind can be intense, causing swells. It’s a very popular area for paddle sports, and you can even learn or improve your paddleboarding skills here.
Lower Kananaskis Lake
Lower Kananaskis Lake is a gorgeous paddling spot with calmer water than nearby Upper Kananaskis Lake. It’s largely sheltered from the wind, making it a great spot for beginners. Experienced paddlers can make a day trip out of it by paddling all the way around the lake. There are plenty of places to picnic along the way.
Kananaskis River
For those seeking a bit of a thrill, the Kananaskis River provides Class II to III sections of whitewater. It’s a great spot for more experienced paddleboarders looking for a challenge.
Bow River
The Bow River, which runs through Calgary and provides a more challenging paddleboarding experience, is also a great option. The river has multiple entries and exit points, but you need two vehicles or a shuttle to complete your adventure. It’s a great spot for a gentler class two float trip.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when paddleboarding. Always check the weather conditions before heading out, and ensure you have the necessary equipment, including a life jacket. Happy paddling!
