5 Awesome Places To Paddle Board Near Calgary

Famously known as Canada’s sunniest city, Calgary is the ultimate city for lovers of the outdoors. Packed with luscious parks and just a stone’s throw from Canada’s mountain country, there’s something in the area for everyone. Making most of the awesome scenery should be top of your Calgary bucket list and paddleboarding is a great way to explore. 

Whether you’re local and looking to find ways to escape from the working week or live further afield and are planning to visit over the next few months, here are 5 unmissable places to paddle board: 

Carburn Park

Located in the South East of the city, Carburn Park has everything you need for the perfect paddle board experience in Calgary. The sheltered lake set amongst gorgeous parkland provides the perfect conditions for paddling. Aside from the great facilities, we’d also recommend Carburn Park as one of the most dog-friendly spots in the Calgary area. Take a walk on the winding trails before you pop your furry friend in a Dog Buoyancy Aid for a real family voyage!

While you’re in the area, check out SUP&FLOW, a local fitness and wellness studio that promotes mindfulness on the water. They run all kinds of activities during the warmer months, including SUP yoga and meditation which are perfect for relaxing after a long week in the city. 

Bowness Park

For something a little more enclosed, check out Bowness Park when deciding where to paddle board in Calgary. The boat ramp provides easy access to the water and once you’ve got your Red Paddle board afloat, you can enjoy a gentle ride on the creek. Minimal current means that this is a great place to paddle board in Calgary if you are a beginner or want to spend all day relaxing on the water. Alternatively, the shallow lagoon provides clearer and cleaner waters for a less adventurous but more picturesque SUP experience.

Chestermere Lake

A short trip from downtown Calgary, Chestermere Lake is a great place to paddle board for a quick float or a family day out. Spanning over 4km, the lake is popular with all kinds of users including boats so it’s worth planning your trip and visiting first thing in the morning or towards the end of the day to avoid the crowds. You can set off from several different points, though we’d recommend launching from Anniversary Park for its neighbouring sandy beach and ample picnic space. 

Bow River

Next up on our list of places to paddle board in Calgary is the Bow River. Starting all the way up in the Canadian Rockies, the river runs down through the centre of the city though we’d suggest setting off from Baker Park in the North West. The water can move quickly making the Bow River suitable for more advanced paddleboarders. However, the adrenaline of the rough waves is well worth it when safely navigated. Know your limits, read up on SUP safety requirements before you head out, and make sure you are wearing the correct safety equipment including a leash and your buoyancy aid. 

Head further afield to Canmore

If you’ve got a bit more time and are thinking about where to paddleboard in Calgary, hop on the Trans-Canada Highway and see what the rest of Alberta has to offer. When you’re ready to stop, look no further than Canmore. There are countless great spots to visit depending on what kind of adventure you fancy. The calm waters of Canmore Reservoir are an easy drive if you’re looking for somewhere still to hone your skills as a beginner, or head back to a more westerly point of Bow River and compare notes from Calgary! 

What are you waiting for, pop your paddle board on your back and get exploring. If you need further recommendations or extra advice on what to take with you as you explore Calgary by paddle board, get in touch with the team at Red.