Photo via The Paddle Station / Facebook
The sun is high and the sky is blue, but how will you spend a beautiful day in the city? If your answer is “floating the Bow,” you’re in luck because raft rentals are back in Calgary!
Of course, before you head out there are a few things you’ll need to know, so here is your complete guide to hitting the river in 2023.
Alright, let’s start with the basics. For those of you who have a canoe, kayak, or raft, congrats! You’re well ahead of the game. The rest of you are going to need something to get you to point A to point B safely, so listen up! Although we don’t think that you’ll have any issue securing a rental right now, it is worth mentioning that later on this season – booking in advance will be incredibly important.
Below are a few places where you can borrow everything from life jackets, boats, and paddles.
When: book now
Where: 720 – 3rd Street NW, Calgary
Cost: $89+
When: book now
Where: 4424 16 Ave NW Calgary
Cost: $25+
When: book now
Where: 5227 – 13 Ave NW, Calgary
Cost: $39+
Alright, now that you’ve secured a rental, you’re going to pack a few things – but what do you toss in your bag? In addition to water, some snacks, a bathing suit to float in, and some sunscreen – you’ll also need to bring a waterproof bag for all of your spare clothes, your keys, phones, wallets, and some emergency items. These include a whistle, a throw bag with a minimum 15m rope, a bailer, and an umbrella or tarp (just in case it rains!) Sports Rent actually has a fantastic checklist on their website – so check it out!
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All packed? Now it’s time to head out, but where do you park? We’d recommend having two cars and parking one vehicle at one end and the other at a starting point. Here are a few popular points where people often either start or complete their journey.
Popular starting points include:
Where: 67 Riverview Drive SE, Calgary
Where: 5050 Spruce Drive SW, Calgary
Where: 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary
Where: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
Where: Southland Drive SE &, Deerfoot Trail, Calgary
Now, we know some of you will try to resist this section – but please read ahead. After all, it’s important that you stay safe and that all starts here!
When on the Bow River, all passengers MUST wear a lifejacket – so don’t forget to grab one when you’re renting your dingy. Also, no – you can’t crack a Bow-pop while on the water. Sorry everyone, you’ll have to leave all alcohol on the land!
Lastly, In the event that it starts to rain, the city recommends that you pull over to the side, even if you’re prepared – no matter how tempting it may be to ride it out.
If you have any other questions about the do’s and don’ts of floating down the Bow River, check out the City of Calgary website here!
As always, the heat can come and go within the blink of an eye, so keep one on the forecast!
Hopefully, we’ve helped you guys plan your Bow River adventure. Enjoy yourselves, and be safe!
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