I love exploring different places to paddle and want to share a few of my favourites. Experience the joy of SUP close to home in Calgary, and at gorgeous lakes east, west and in the Rocky Mountains!
Two Jack Lake
In Banff National Park, this is my absolute favourite spot to SUP in the province (so far... so many more lakes to explore)! Paddle all around the emerald-green waters and glide peacefully up the canal, all the while with Mount Rundle in the distance. Two Jack is a popular spot for families, picnickers, kayakers, canoers and paddle boarders, I try to arrive before 9am to get one of the limited number of parking spots and aim to be paddling before the busy-ness of Two Jack’s day begins.
Johnson Lake
Just down the road from Two Jack, is its warmer cousin Johnson Lake. Paddling with views of both Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain is breath-taking. It's another popular spot for both locals and visitors because of its warmer waters, beach and easy access for paddle boarders. If you haven’t taken in enough of this beautiful spot when you pull your SUP out of the water, take a stroll on the easy 3km forested trail around the lake for more amazing views of lake and mountains.
Vermillion Lakes
Just minutes from the townsite of Banff, you’ll find peaceful paddling as you explore the three interconnected Vermillion Lakes. The marshes of these lakes, protected from the winds, are a prime habitat for wildlife: in the water, the trees, the sky… all around you. Keep an eye out for beaver, muskrat, elk, moose, bald eagles, herons, and more! And once again, the iconic Mount Rundle watches over you as you paddle.
Canmore Reservoir
The Canmore Reservoir (also called Rundle Forebay) is a gorgeous spot for stand up paddle boarding. It’s located just outside of the town of Canmore, across from the Canmore Nordic Centre. Paddle the turquoise waters in its serenity, with HaLing Peak and Mount Rundle towering overhead, and the Grassi Lakes waterfall in the distance.
Ghost Reservoir
About 15km west of Cochrane, Ghost Reservoir sits in our beautiful Alberta foothills. It’s a relatively large lake at 10km long, created by a dam on the Bow River. There’s ample parking near the campsite, where you’ll find the public launch and outhouses (thank you!). Try paddling up the Ghost River away from the hustle and bustle of the lake and its motorized watercraft, as it offers a peaceful and calm SUP experience on the water.
Forgetmenot Pond
Forgetmenot Pond is a great spot for a picnic and a paddle around a small mountain lake in Kananaskis Country. The area tends to be protected from the wind, creating calm waters perfect for beginners learning to SUP. The day-use area has lots of picnic table and fire pits, and is popular with the families. A short hike takes you around the pond if you have energy left over after your paddle.
Lower Kananaskis Lake
This is a lovely spot, and more protected from the wind than Upper Kananaskis Lakes. Surrounded by mountains reflecting in the calm waters, the long lake offers an abundance of paddling. Be warned however that the water here can be very cold! There’s lots of parking in the day use area beside the Canyon Campground, and easy put in at the boat ramp. Remember day-use areas are great for post-paddle picnics!
Chestermere Lake
Just minutes from the east side of Calgary, Chestermere Lake is a perfect spot for a quick get-away from the city. This large lake has several public beaches where you can easily launch your SUP. My favourite is Anniversary Park across from the Recreation Centre. Two other great beach put-ins are John Peak Memorial Park and Sunset Beach. I enjoy paddling under the bridge to get to the quieter north side as motorboats must obey the slow “wake speed” zone here. With cattails and reeds along the shores providing excellent habitat and nesting sites, Chestermere is a birding hotspot with almost 100 species identified in and around the lake.
Bowness Park Lagoon
This is a super spot for beginner paddle boarders right in the city of Calgary. Bowness Park lagoon is calm and sheltered, surrounded by mature trees. There’s even a little stream you can head down for a more secluded and nature-intimate experience. The park is a wonderful place for a picnic before or after your paddle, so pack a lunch or enjoy something from the café on site. https://www.calgary.ca/parks/bowness-park.html
Carburn Park
Teaming with wildlife, Carburn Park is an oasis in the middle of the city. The two man-made ponds are calm and tranquil, and you’ll find an abundance of wildlife here. The second pond is a favourite of paddlers, and worth the short walk along the paved pathway. Carburn Park is popular with bird watchers for good reason with its two lagoons and location on the edge the Bow River. Look for a variety of bird species on the water, muskrat swimming beside you, deer wandering through the park, porcupine in the towering trees, and bald eagles soaring above! https://www.calgary.ca/parks/carburn-park.html
REMEMBER ALWAYS: Be smart, be safe and protect our precious waterways!
Remember to always wear your PFD / life jacket when paddling, and have a whistle attached to your PFD in case of an emergency where you need to sound out for help
Wear your leash when paddling on these lakes… it keeps you connected to your SUP which is key if you take an unexpected dive in the water
Be sure to clean and dry your SUP and paddles before paddling so that you don’t accidently carry Aquatic Invasive Species from one water body to another. This is true anywhere, but in Banff National Park is mandatory that all watercraft is cleaned and dried at least 48 hours before entering any water body. You also must complete and carry a certification permit with you. Find more about Banff's rules and regs for non-motorized watercraft and recreational gear here.