I remember the first summer I started working at North Campervans (NCV), Jenn took me out paddleboarding- and I fell in love. I wanted to share 3 of my favourite spots close to Calgary that she’s taken me out to, and the gear we bring with us to ensure we have a safe and fun day out. Get ready for some beautiful prairie lake views that will deepen your love for the Alberta Grasslands & Foothills regions! At the end of the blog, I’ve also included some new watercraft restrictions to keep an eye out for in Canada’s National Parks.
When packing my dry bag for the day, it’s smart to be mindful of the weather (wind is a big factor to take note of). It’s always a good idea to bring light layers, in case conditions change and you find yourself on the water with increasing wind and less sun. Here’s a list of the gear I also like to include in my dry bag:
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Your favourite lunch/snacks (an essential)
- Sunnies
- Sandals
- Your swimsuit
- A towel to leave in the car
- A lifejacket
One of my favourite SUP spots is Ghost Lake, located 45 km west of Calgary. It’s one of our go-to spots for some beautiful views and glassy water if conditions are right. The south side of the lake is fed by the Bow River, where the dam is located. The lake’s north side is fed by the Ghost River and is a favorite for a mix of paddling, rocky beach hangouts, and swimming opportunities. With lots of different views and flexibility for challenge, Ghost is a great spot for anyone wanting to soak up the sunshine on the water. If you’re looking to spend the night, there is a first-come, first-serve campground on-site. Find more information on the Ghost Lake campground here.
Some pros and cons of Ghost Lake:
Pros:
- Amazing views from either side of the lake.
- Lots of opportunities for adventure.
- Campground on site.
Cons:
- The water is fairly cold most of the summer.
- The lake/campground can get busy on weekends.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, another great spot for a SUP outing is the Bow River- specifically the stretch from McKinnon Flats to Johnson’s Island, near Wyndham-Carseland. This stretch of the river is about a 4-7 hour trip, depending on your paddle speed and how quickly the river is flowing. This stretch has some small rapids, which can be fun, but the river is also wide enough to avoid the more challenging sections if you wish. Be mindful of the exit point on this stretch of the river, as there is a weir close to the Johnson Island boat ramp where you have to exit the river. There is signage to assist in ensuring you exit early enough. If you’re looking to spend the night, Wyndham-Carsland Campground is a 7-minute drive east of Johnson Island if you’re looking for a spot to cozy up in a campervan or tent after an afternoon on the water. Find more information for the Wyndham-Carsland Campground and book your campsite here.
Some pros and cons of the McKinnon Flats to Johnson’s Island Bow River stretch:
Pros:
- A great spot for beginners to try river paddling, with the ability to add on some extra excitement.
- Campground close to the exit spot.
- Beautiful mix of prairie and hill views.
Cons:
- Limited swim spots, as the water can be shallow.
- Weir at the end of the stretch, which can be a hazard if not exiting the river.
- Needing 2 shuttle vehicles (or a nice friend 😊) to get to and from the river entrance and exit points with all your gear.
Last but not least is Chain Lakes Provincial Park. It’s a beautiful reservoir off of Cowboy Trail (Highway 22), about an hour and a half south of Calgary. This long and narrow (300m wide) reservoir has beautiful views of the foothills and lots of opportunities to catch a glimpse of wildlife. Additionally, the boating speed limit is 12 km/h, and towing activities (such as tubing/waterskiing) are prohibited. You can use this calm atmosphere to brush up on your paddling skills, without the concern of quick boaters. Also conveniently located right next to the reservoir is the Chain Lakes Campground, where there are 100+ sites you can call home for a night (or two 😉). Find more information about the Chain Lakes Campground, and book a site here.
Some pros and cons to Chain Lake Reservoir
Pros:
- Beautiful foothills views.
- Lots of wildlife to observe (especially deer).
- The boating speed limit is 12 km/h, so no need to worry about fast boaters.
Cons:
- Longer drive out of YYC (but Cowboy Trail is sooo scenic).
- Chain Lakes can be windy, as you are in southern AB, so check the weather before going out!
- Water is on the chillier side.
National Park Lake Restrictions:
At the beginning of this year, Parks Canada put watercraft restrictions on many lakes in Canada to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Parks Canada’s particular focus is on stopping the spread of whirling disease, along with zebra and quagga mussels. These mussels specifically harm native fish species, and at-risk species in AB and BC, like westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout.
Restrictions vary for each national park and lake. As of today, popular lakes in Banff National Park, like Johnson, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Louise allow paddling with permits, so this year might be a time to check them out on your paddle adventure! Visit the links below for an up-to-date list of watercraft restrictions in the different National Parks⬇
- Read more in-depth about Banff National Park’s restrictions here.
- Read more in-depth about Kootenay National Park’s restrictions here.
- Read more in-depth about Yoho National Park’s restrictions here.
- Read more in-depth about Jasper National Park’s restrictions here.
- Read more in-depth about Waterton National Park’s restrictions here.
With any paddling, be mindful of wind/weather so you can make the most out of your adventure and the conditions you encounter. I hope this blog post inspires you to get curious about exploring the area from the water vantage point. Happy paddling!
-Steph (NCV Team Member)