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BOW WATERS CANOE CLUB

Calgary and area's premier recreational paddling club. 

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Upcoming events

    • 4 Mar 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • BWCC Clubhouse


    Seasoned paddler, John Gapp, will present on a recent sea kayaking trip in the Baja region. 

    Doors open at 6:30 pm, announcements at 7:00 pm, followed by the presentation. 

    ** Open to the public **

    Remote access via this Zoom link

    (Meeting ID: 873 7659 4078 & Passcode: 3828320)

    • 18 Mar 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Zoom

    Your board works hard at these board meetings :)

    Of Note: we have changed these meetings to the third Wednesday of the month.

    Board club meetings are open to guests attending, please email the president at info@bowwaters.org to request to join and/or to put forward a request for an agenda item, (e.g. member concern or request etc).

    The board does not meet in July or August but if necessary the Executive will meet and make decisions.

    If you are interested in joining the board as a member rep, please contact Tina! (Annual General Meeting takes place in November at Club Night).

    Minutes of board meetings are posted on the website once they are approved. Look under Members tab, Club Official Docs (you must be logged in).



    • 27 Mar 2026
    • 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM
    • AQ Outdoors
    Register

    Come out and join your fellow paddlers for a cozy evening out to watch a movie and socialize with other club members.  Capacity at the store is about 30 people.

    AQ Outdoors & Bow Waters Canoe Film Night – AQOutdoors

    Please register on the AQ site.

    • 1 Apr 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • BWCC Club House

    Open to all members and the public. Doors open at 6:30 pm. 
    Special Annual General Meeting. 

    SAGM. Members will be presented with BWCC's audited financial statement (dated December 31, 2024). 

    The SAGM will be followed by a presentation about Freeze drying.   Hey... Information about FOOD!

    Food preservation techniques  - great ideas for long trips. 
    Samples might be provided.... 


    Remote access via this Zoom link

    (Meeting ID: 873 7659 4078 & Passcode: 3828320)

    • 12 Apr 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Graves Landing to Fish Creek
    • 34
    Register


    Fun Facts:  President's Trip - Kick off of paddling season - Tina (our President) will bring the treats!

    Level/Class:  Novice 

    Description Paddle the Bow River through the south of city

    Difficulties of Rapids: No described rapids, some fast flowing water and Bridge pillars

    Expected Flow:  Medium, Weather and water levels are looking fine

    Duration:  All day , ~ 14 km, ~ 3-4 hours, We anticipate having new members and will take our time with introductions and shuttling everyone

    Equipment:  Required equipment by law, (click here for Link) 

    Shuttle:  General information about shuttle, will be organized at put in

    Other Information:   

    If it's warm we will also take our time on the river and have little stops and a good lunch stop to allow for everyone's comfort and needs (to stretch, go to the bathroom etc).

    Trip Coordinator:  Tina Barzo  email: tinabarzo@hotmail.com or call 403-763-7036




    • 15 Apr 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Zoom

    Your board works hard at these board meetings :)

    Of Note: we have changed these meetings to the third Wednesday of the month.

    Board club meetings are open to guests attending, please email the president at info@bowwaters.org to request to join and/or to put forward a request for an agenda item, (e.g. member concern or request etc).

    The board does not meet in July or August but if necessary the Executive will meet and make decisions.

    If you are interested in joining the board as a member rep, please contact Tina! (Annual General Meeting takes place in November at Club Night).

    Minutes of board meetings are posted on the website once they are approved. Look under Members tab, Club Official Docs (you must be logged in).



    • 2 May 2026
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Club House
    Register

    Come on out and join us to help keep our Rivers clean!

    River and Pathway Clean Up  around the club house and canal area.

    The public is welcome to join in!

    If you are a member, please register for this event also so that we have a head count, and can buy enough donuts!

    Dress for the weather conditions. Gloves, working clothing recommended.

    There will  be snacks and drinks!

    Contact Colleen (we3flegals@shaw.ca) for any questions.


    • 15 May 2026
    • 4:00 PM
    • 18 May 2026
    • 3:00 PM
    • Belly, St Mary's and Waterton Rivers
    • 39
    Register

    Belly River Campground

    Fun Facts: The Belly is a tributary of the Oldman river and is named after the Blackfoot word " mokowan " or "mokoan" meaning stomach and gives its name to the Cretaceous-age Belly river Formation>

    Level/Class:  Intermediate 

    Description:  Three river in one Weekend, great paddle through farmland with some historic buildings along to visit.

    Difficulties of Rapids: Waterton River:  fast water with with a couple of rapids

    Belly River: fast water, some tight bends, several rapids, couple of ledges , scouting possible, take out/put in has fast water, approach one boat at the time. 

    St Marys River: fast water throughout, some rapids and a broken ledge, which makes a great play spots, river is usually warmer then the mountain rivers.

    Expected Flow:  Medium -High 

    Duration:  Full day 

    Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) , Required by BWCC  Helmet and  Floatation.

    Shuttle:  Shuttle will be arranged daily from the campground, be prepared that you may have to carry another boat , people or gear.

    Other Information:     If Multi-day trip :Anticipate that we will paddle sections of the Belly, St Mary's and Waterton Rivers, but due to Parks Canada restrictions on watercraft this year, we will be putting in outside of the park boundary. This is spring paddling and weather conditions change  easily, plan for cold conditions, either a wetsuit or dry suit are required

    • Camp locations : Belly River Group Campsite ( National park pass needed)
    • Recommended Camping Gear and warm Clothes, Bring enough drinking water for your stay, no drinking water available at campground
    • Group gear: Shelter with stove, outhouses, fire ring on site
    • Any costs (camping): The cost will be $15 per person per night, or $ 30 per family per night, National Park Pass needed.

    Trip Coordinator:  John Gapp  cell: 403-370-8321 email:  johngapp@shaw.ca>







    • 20 May 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Zoom

    Your board works hard at these board meetings :)

    Of Note: we have changed these meetings to the third Wednesday of the month.

    Board club meetings are open to guests attending, please email the president at info@bowwaters.org to request to join and/or to put forward a request for an agenda item, (e.g. member concern or request etc).

    The board does not meet in July or August but if necessary the Executive will meet and make decisions.

    If you are interested in joining the board as a member rep, please contact Tina! (Annual General Meeting takes place in November at Club Night).

    Minutes of board meetings are posted on the website once they are approved. Look under Members tab, Club Official Docs (you must be logged in).



    • 17 Jun 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Zoom

    Your board works hard at these board meetings :)

    Of Note: we have changed these meetings to the third Wednesday of the month.

    Board club meetings are open to guests attending, please email the president at info@bowwaters.org to request to join and/or to put forward a request for an agenda item, (e.g. member concern or request etc).

    The board does not meet in July or August but if necessary the Executive will meet and make decisions.

    If you are interested in joining the board as a member rep, please contact Tina! (Annual General Meeting takes place in November at Club Night).

    Minutes of board meetings are posted on the website once they are approved. Look under Members tab, Club Official Docs (you must be logged in).



    • 19 Jun 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • 21 Jun 2026
    • 5:00 PM
    • Red Deer River, camping at Alisons property east of Joffre
    Register

    Red Deer River - Alberta Wilderness Association

    Join us for a wonderful weekend of paddling and camaraderie! This is novice paddling and great fun camping. This trip has quickly become a club favourite!

    Fun Facts:  The Red Deer River is  724 km long river in Alberta and a small portion of Saskatchewan, flowing through Banff National Park, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and the cities of Red Deer and Drumheller. 

    Not So Fun Fact: The proposed site for a new dam on the Red Deer is immediately below the Ireland's property.

    Level/Class:  Novice   

    Description:  Paddle the meandering Red Deer River through majestic Badlands. Much fun camping and story telling, with a pot luck Saturday Evening

    Difficulties of Rapids:  None. Slow moving water.

    Expected Flow: Medium.  Detailed flows here

    Duration:  Each day we will determine a section of river to paddle. Typically 3 to 5 hours on the water with breaks. 

    Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link

    Shuttle:  Shuttle will be arranged daily from campsite. 

    Other Information: The Ireland's have once again offered to host us at their property East of Red Deer. We will once again invite the Ceyana club from Edmonton. Precise location will be shared on your registration confirmation. Arrive either Friday or Saturday mornings. You are most welcome even if you do not plan to paddle. There are awesome hiking trails with amazing bird life to view.

    • Daily Camp locations: Allison and John's property East of Red Deer
    • Recommended Camping Gear for site (car) camping
    • Potluck Saturday evening
    • Group gear: The camping field is about 0.5 ha (≈ 1 acre) with a picnic shelter and 2 outhouses. The field is large enough to host a great many tents or trailers. You will need to bring your own water.

    Trip Coordinator: Don Mitchell (don.keith.mitchell@gmail.com)


    Proposed Paddling Plan:

      1. Friday – Various options for put in. Take out at Joffre bridge.

        • Canyon Ski Hill (9 km)

        • Burbank campground (18 km)

        • Riverbend boat launch (28 km)

        • Or other

      2. Saturday- Joffre bridge to the Ireland’s property (30 km)

        • Park at the Joffre Bridge day use area

        • drag the boats onto their property out of sight at the end of the paddle

        • walk up to the camping field (≈ 800 M)

        • Potluck in picnic shelter

        • Celebrate the Summer solstice (2:24 am Sunday)

      3. Sunday – the Ireland’s to Content bridge (20 km)

        • Park the vehicles at the Content campground.

        • Walk back down to the river


    • 30 Jun 2026
    • 1:00 PM
    • 5 Jul 2026
    • 11:00 AM
    • Gold Springs Camp Ground
    Register

    Winding through sandstone cliffs and abundant birdlife the Milk River is uniquely scenic and one of the clubs most traditional and well attended trips. The paddling is approachable for novices wishing to improve thier paddling. There is some rock dodging and maneuvering required.  We camp at Goldstream Campground and shuttle day trips from there.  

    You can attend all or part of this multi-day event. 

    Description:   This year will be a joint function with the Ceyana club from Edmonton. Once again we will have a limited number of serviced sites for those with trailers. If tenting, there is a large field around a serviced picnic shelter. with room for many tents. 

    As this will be the first running of the function since 2023, I expect a large turnout from both clubs. I have been informed by the Project Manager of the reconstruction for the canal that they expect it to be flowing by the beginning of May. If planning on a serviced site please RSVP to me ASAP.

    For insurance reasons all paddlers must be either a BWCC or Ceyana member. However, all are welcome to join us for the camping. We will plan a potluck for Saturday Evening. The pond at the campground has 3 beaches, 2 swim platforms with slides, warm water and stocked with fish. During the heat dome a few years ago we had an amazing beach day when it was too hot to paddle.

    Level/Class:  Class I with some Class II features. Novice + to Intermediate. River reading and maneuvering ability are called for. There will be rock dodging!  This is a great trip for novices to gain  skills with many mentors on the water!

    Expected Flow: Medium.  Detailed flows here

    Duration:  Each day we will determine a section of river to paddle. Typically 3 to 5 hours on the water with breaks. 

    Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link). Temperatures can get high sunscreen, hat, water are essential on sunny days. 

    Shuttle:  Shuttle will be arranged daily from campsite. Be prepared for 8-9am departures. 

    Other Information:  Tentative Plans include:

    1. Town to Campground (half day, minimal rock dodging, easier section)
    2. Campground to Coffin Bridge (usually first day)
    3. Coffin Bridge to Weir Bridge (Poverty Rock, hiking, swimming, most technical)
    4. Weir bridge to Writing on Stone (often last day, no rock dodging, easiest section}
    5. Other than paddling:
      • Town of Milk River
        • Shopping
        • Groceries
        • Restaurants
        • Gas
        • Canada Day events
        • https://www.milkriver.ca/p/upcoming-events
      • Devils coulee
        • Book a tour at the county office/museum  in Warner.
        • http://www.devilscoulee.com
      • Birds of Prey Centre in Coledale
        • drive to or from.
        • http://burrowingowl.com
      • Writing on Stone Provincial Park 
        • Amazing hikes among the rock formations.
        • Awesome float to the beach.
        • Guided tour of the petroglyphs.
        • https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/writing-on-stone-pp/


    Trip Coordinator Don Mitchell:  <don.keith.mitchell@gmail.com>

    • 12 Jul 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • Bow River: Louise train station to Castle Junction bridge
    Register

    Fun Facts:  The Bow River flows from Bow Lake thru the Rocky Mtns. and thru Calgary on its way to join the South Saskatchewan River in southern Alberta. 

    Level/Class:  Intermediate - River Class II;  class 2 rapids in first 4 km

    Description:  A very scenic trip in the mountains, and counting Harlequin ducks for Parks Canada.

    Difficulties of Rapids:  Several class 2 rapids in first 4 km.  Participants will have the option of avoiding these by putting in below. Also possible sweepers on tight river bends.

    Expected Flow: Low 

    Duration:  5 hours; 29 km

    Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) plus Helmet and Floatation 

    Shuttle:  Car shuttle will be arranged at the meeting point

    Other Information:   Clean boat after trip

      Trip Coordinator:  <coordinator name and email>

      • 24 Jul 2026
      • 11:00 AM
      • 26 Jul 2026
      • 4:00 PM
      • Kananaskis Country - Canoe Meadows Campground

      Come on out and join us for a fun filled weekend that is a blast for every level of paddler, solo to family!  Lots to do here or nearby for kids or if you don't paddle. 

      Canoe Meadows Campground - Kananaskis | Alberta Whitewater Association


      Description:  This is our Annual Kananaskis Campout at Canoe Meadows There will be a variety of rivers trips posted:

      Friday: Banff to Canmore, early evening runs on Upper and Lower Kananaskis

      Saturday: Exshaw to Seebe, morning and afternoon runs on Upper and Lower Kananaskis. Late afternoon throw bag and pulley practice with Mark Taylor.

      Pot luck dinner (sharing with Waterwerks Kayak club)

      Sunday: Lake Louise to Castle Junction. Upper and lower Kananaskis.

      Level/Class:  All levels Novice, Intermediate and Advanced trips available.   River Class: I, II, II+, III

      Difficulties of Rapids: several to none depending on the section paddled

      Expected Flow: Medium detailed flows here

      Duration:  Weekend or part weekend. Day trip options will be posted. Please register even if only coming for day trips or the pot luck

      Equipment:  Required equipment by law: PFD, Bailer, Whistle, Throw bag. (click here for Link).  Required by BWCC for class II rivers and higher:  Helmet and Boat Floatation.

      Camping equipment: Self contained.  Water onsite is from a hand pump or from Barrier Lake info centre. (i.e. Bring your own drinking water). Outhouses on site.  Food storage and enclosed picnic shelter and picnic tables are available. AWA canoe meadows groups site info:  Canoe meadows AWA: 

      Camping units vary from a variety of tents, RV's, vans, or just sleep under your canoe (we don't judge). 

      Shuttle: Shuttles will be arranged each morning at campsite

      Other Information:  Check out the 2024 Campout trip report.    

      Arrive after 11 am on Friday

      Checkout no later than 4pm on Sunday. 

       We will be sharing the campground with Waterwerks Kayak club

       ***This event takes place in Kananaskis Park and requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass in addition to camping fees. The pass is available for each  personal vehicle based on single days ($15/day), or an annual pass ($90).   Please see the Alberta Parks Kananaskis conservation-pass website for more details and instructions for purchasing a pass. 

      Potluck: We will have a Potluck on Saturday night, Watch your email for further details.

      Costs: Camping costs are $20/unit per night ($40 for the weekend)

      Thank-you to BWCC for subsidizing $6 per camping unit per night. 

      Registration -  indicate the nights you are staying over or just out for the day and who you are camping with. 

      Ticket purchase options:  $20 per tent/van/trailer for one night, $40 for two nights or $0 if you are not staying over (please still register). 

      Trip Coordinators:   TBD


      Fun Facts: Canoe Meadows is the day use site for a number of different paddling events hosted each year! (New for this year: cell phone signal). 



      • 31 Jul 2026
      • 1:00 PM
      • 3 Aug 2026
      • 4:00 PM
      • Nordegg to Rocky Mountain House
      • 22
      Register




      Fun Fact: the North Saskatchewan River a 1,287 km long river that originates in the Columbia Icefield and flows into Hudson Bay,

      Lake Sturgeon are the largest and longest living fish in the river. There is no mistaking the sturgeon with its long whiskers (barbels) and the five rows of bony plates, called scutes, along its body

      Level/Class:  Intermediate paddling with camping.   River Class is up to II, however all features can be avoided. As such this is a good trip for experienced novices to experiment with (or avoid!) Class II paddling.  

      Description This stretch  of the North Saskatchewan is a scenic paddle through the foothills and forest of the eastern slopes.  We will be random camping (no services) along the banks of the river. 

      Nordegg to Rocky is an ideal trip to up your canoe camping skills. You always have the option to miss any of the named features.

      Difficulties of Rapids: There are multiple rapids up to Class II and one ledge at Saunters. All of these features are readily avoided generally by taking the inside bend line. Therefore you can make this as exciting or mellow as you choose! River reading skills are required. Sweepers and Strainers are common.

      Expected Flow:  The flow is typically Medium this time of year. See River Flows for realtime flow data

      Duration:  This is a four day trip from Friday to Monday. 

      Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) ,  Required by BWCC Helmet and Floatation

      Shuttle:  There will be a shuttle organized between Rocky and Nordegg, typically with a cost that will be shared by participants.

      Other Information:   Bring clothing for all weather and river conditions

      This year I am thinking of paddling about 2 hours on the Friday to avoid the not so ideal camping at the put in. Also, those that cannot take Friday off can still join us at Saunders. See itinerary below. Saunders Provincial Recreation Area 

      If Multi-day trip: 

      • Daily Camp locations: Day 1: 52°24'43.4"N 115°51'23.1"W
      •                                            Day 2: 52°26'27.1"N 115°36'52.8"W
      •                                            Day 3: 52°24'58.0"N 115°15'18.9"W
      • Recommended BackCountry Camping Gear, Water can be filtered from the river
      • Group gear: TBA
      • Any costs (shuttle): TBA

      Itinerary:

      Friday:

      • Meet upstream of  Aylmer Provincial Recreation Area 

      • Paddle 18 Km to  52°24'43.4"N 115°51'23.1"W

      Saturday:

      • Paddle to Saunders (52°24'43.6"N 115°51'23.6"W) and meet those starting there.

      • Paddle as one group to about (52°26'27.1"N 115°36'52.8"W) for a total of 25 km

      Sunday:

      • Paddle to Devil's Elbow (52°24'58.0"N 115°15'18.9"W) (23 km)

      Monday:

      • Paddle to Rocky Mountain House (52°22'34.2"N 114°56'21.7"W) (30 km)

      See 2024  DETAILED trip report for lots of info/pictures on this fantastic trip!

      Trip Coordinator:  Don Mitchell (don.keith.mitchell@gmail.com)





      • 16 Sep 2026
      • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
      • Zoom

      Your board works hard at these board meetings :)

      Of Note: we have changed these meetings to the third Wednesday of the month.

      Board club meetings are open to guests attending, please email the president at info@bowwaters.org to request to join and/or to put forward a request for an agenda item, (e.g. member concern or request etc).

      The board does not meet in July or August but if necessary the Executive will meet and make decisions.

      If you are interested in joining the board as a member rep, please contact Tina! (Annual General Meeting takes place in November at Club Night).

      Minutes of board meetings are posted on the website once they are approved. Look under Members tab, Club Official Docs (you must be logged in).



      • 21 Oct 2026
      • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
      • Zoom

      Your board works hard at these board meetings :)

      Of Note: we have changed these meetings to the third Wednesday of the month.

      Board club meetings are open to guests attending, please email the president at info@bowwaters.org to request to join and/or to put forward a request for an agenda item, (e.g. member concern or request etc).

      The board does not meet in July or August but if necessary the Executive will meet and make decisions.

      If you are interested in joining the board as a member rep, please contact Tina! (Annual General Meeting takes place in November at Club Night).

      Minutes of board meetings are posted on the website once they are approved. Look under Members tab, Club Official Docs (you must be logged in).



      • 18 Nov 2026
      • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
      • Zoom

      Your board works hard at these board meetings :)

      Of Note: we have changed these meetings to the third Wednesday of the month.

      Board club meetings are open to guests attending, please email the president at info@bowwaters.org to request to join and/or to put forward a request for an agenda item, (e.g. member concern or request etc).

      The board does not meet in July or August but if necessary the Executive will meet and make decisions.

      If you are interested in joining the board as a member rep, please contact Tina! (Annual General Meeting takes place in November at Club Night).

      Minutes of board meetings are posted on the website once they are approved. Look under Members tab, Club Official Docs (you must be logged in).



      • 16 Dec 2026
      • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
      • Zoom

      Your board works hard at these board meetings :)

      Of Note: we have changed these meetings to the third Wednesday of the month.

      Board club meetings are open to guests attending, please email the president at info@bowwaters.org to request to join and/or to put forward a request for an agenda item, (e.g. member concern or request etc).

      The board does not meet in July or August but if necessary the Executive will meet and make decisions.

      If you are interested in joining the board as a member rep, please contact Tina! (Annual General Meeting takes place in November at Club Night).

      Minutes of board meetings are posted on the website once they are approved. Look under Members tab, Club Official Docs (you must be logged in).



    Upcoming Bow Waters Events

    About Bow Waters Events

    Our paddling trips are classified into Novice, Intermediate and Advanced levels. Please ensure you have the skills to paddle the trips you are signing up for. Unsure? No problem, talk to the coordinator to get some additional insights. 

    A reminder that our trips are not guided. The coordinator is only responsible for the organization of the trip. We are common adventurers and as such are responsible for our selves and our own safety.  

    For on-water trips please make sure you have read, understood and signed our annual waiver.

    (color mgmt in here)

    Useful Links

     Email:   info@bowwaters.org       

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