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BOW WATERS CANOE CLUB

Calgary and area's premier recreational paddling club. 

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Upcoming events

    • 18 Jul 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • Bow River
    Register

    looking for a local trip with a quick shuttle on paved roads....

    Description:  Bowness to Inglewood on the Bow River

    Level/Class:  Novice 

    Difficulties of Rapids: no named rapids, bridge piers to navigate

    Expected Flow:  Medium 

    Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link

    Shuttle:  We will meet at the take out in Inglewood at the parking lot southside at the 12th St bridge at 10:00


    Trip Coordinator:  <tom jacklin crowfoot47@yahoo.ca>

    • 19 Jul 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • Bow River
    Register


    Description:  Bow River Ghost Dam to Cochrane

    Level/Class:  Novice +

    Difficulties of Rapids: novice + to intermediate

    Expected Flow:  Medium 

    Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link

    Shuttle:  We will meet at the take out in Cochrane at10:00


    Trip Coordinator:  <tom jacklin crowfoot47@yahoo.ca>

    • 21 Jul 2026
    • 25 Jul 2026
    • 3 sessions
    • Carburn Park, Bow River
    • 5
    Register



    Come discover the excitement of River Canoeing. This course will cover all of the strokes required to paddle a canoe down easy flowing rivers. The evening sessions will focus on all the strokes and safety skills required for our river trip on Saturday down the Bow River. You will learn how to perform eddy turns and forward ferries on a Class I river. These skills will provide an excellent foundation when progressing to Class II whitewater.

    No previous experience is required. No partner needed.

    All necessary equipment Included.

    Two evenings (6:30 to 8:30 pm) AND one Saturday.

    *** Bow Waters Canoe Club and RMPC generously subsidize this course to promote safety, skill development, and fun on the water. In return, we encourage you to give back by volunteering;  coordinating trips;  or joining the board, and maintaining your membership for years to come.

    Refund Policy:  

    Our courses are very popular! Therefore, we ask that you contact the instructor as
    soon as possible
     to let them know should you be unable to attend. Upon notifying the instructor, the following cancellation rules apply:

    · Cancellation more than 7 days prior to the course start – 100% refund

    · Cancellation within 7 days and 48 hours of course start – 50% refund

    · Cancellation within 48 hours of course start – 0% refund

    Participants may apply for a refund by email (treasurerbwcc@gmail.com) with the course name, course date/start time and receipt of fees paid.


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

    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:  TOM JACKLIN

    Crowfoot47@yahoo.ca

    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
    • 10:00 AM
    • 3 Aug 2026
    • Red Deer River
    Register

    Another opportunity to paddle various reaches of the Red Deer River, especially the ones above Drumheller, awaits. 

    The plan is to gather Friday evening at the Morin Campground. It is first come/first served so getting there early may be beneficial.  Then we do day trips on the nearby reaches of the Red Deer river, these vary from about 14 to 20 kms.  The river is consistently Class I 

    Description:  paddling on the red Deer River middle near Drumheller

    Level/Class:  Novice

    Difficulties of Rapids: Class 1

    Expected Flow: Low 

    Duration:  Half day / day 

    Equipment:  canoe, paddles, life jacket, throw rope

    Shuttle:  will work on shuttle at campsite

    Other Information:    

      Fun Facts: visit the historic ghost town of Rowly

      Trip Coordinator:  tom jacklin crowfoot47@yahoo.ca

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




      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)





      • 4 Aug 2026
      • 10:00 AM
      • 7 Aug 2026
      • 3:00 PM
      • First Bridge to Canal Flats
      • 5
      Register

      Meeting Place:  First bridge on the river.

      Put-in: First bridge

      Take-out: Canal Flats

      Duration of Paddle: 3 days paddling with 3 nights camping. 

      River Grade: Intermediate.

      Difficulty of Rapids : Class II+

      Expected Flow: Medium.  

      Logistics: After dropping gear off at the put-in, a shuttle will be set up to leave sufficient vehicles at Canal Flats. 

      Number of Participants:  A maximum of 8 participants. 

      Boats & Gear: Suitable for solo and tandem canoes.  A spray deck is recommended for tandem canoes if available.   Required gear includes PFD, helmet, throw bag and wet suit or dry suite.  

      General Information:  Those who are accepted on the trip will be provided with further details on logistics closer to the start date.  Please contact the trip coordinator if you have any questions.

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



      • 21 Aug 2026
      • 1:30 PM
      • 24 Aug 2026
      • 4:30 PM
      • Upper Red Deer River area
      • 47
      Register

      Come on out and join us for  a fun filled weekend in and around the Upper Red Deer river. There will be camping, and day trips based from the campsite that are primarily intermediate to advanced paddling (II- to II+)

      The LSB has been moved to after Labour Day, to a river with better water for that time of year. The RDR will be 2 weekends prior to Labour Day to accommodate more members, warmer weather and better water.


      Level/Class:  Intermediate 2- to 2+,  

      Description:   We will be camping at the usual campground at Sunset Guiding

      Difficulties of Rapids:  All fun, will scout each feature, no pressure to run, can line or portage. 

      Expected Flow:  Normal to below normal; expect rapid rise if after rain.

      Duration:  Half day / day /   Optionally distance and/or hours on river

      Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) ,  Required by BWCC; Helmet and Flotation, cold weather gear (dry suit, wet suit)

      Shuttle:  Will be discussed on site.

      Other Information:   Options to camp over both Friday and Sunday nights, giving options to paddle for 3 days. If interested in a cabin or trail riding, contact Sunset yourself (lori@sunsetguiding.com). 

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



        • 28 Aug 2026
        • 11:00 AM
        • 30 Aug 2026
        • 4:00 PM
        • Kananaskis Country - Canoe Meadows Campground
        Register

        Pending working with a joint trip with Ceyana Canoe club.  they have booked the site and we are subject to their booking details.

        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 Ceyana Canoe ClubsAnnual 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. 

        Pot luck dinner 

        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 CCC 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:  

        Arrive after 11 am on Friday

        Checkout no later than 4pm on Sunday. 

         ***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 $56 for the weekend


        Trip Coordinators:  TOM JACKLIN

        Crowfoot47@yahoo.ca

        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). 



        • 4 Sep 2026
        • 10:00 AM
        • 7 Sep 2026
        • North Sask River, Clearwater River
        Register

        looking for a labour day weekend trip that is not too far away. come to Rocky Mt House

        Description:  paddling on the NSR and Clearwater rivers

        Level/Class:  Novice+

        Difficulties of Rapids: Class 1-2

        Expected Flow: Low / Medium 

        Duration:  Half day / day 

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

        Shuttle:  will work on shuttle at campsite

        Other Information:    bring your park pass

          Fun Facts: visit the rocky mt historic park.  see the 1967 centential canoe

          Trip Coordinator:  tom jacklin crowfoot47@yahoo.ca

          • 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).



          • 18 Sep 2026
          • 1:30 PM
          • 20 Sep 2026
          • 4:30 PM
          • Horberg to below Rocky plus Crinson Lake
          • 50
          Register

          As the Red Deer weekend at Sunset is no longer anywhere near "Last Splash", this function has been added on a different river to ensure that there is adequate water in mid September.

          By camping at the Rocky Mountain Historic site, we have access to heated wash rooms with hot showers and are close to Rocky Mountain House.

          1. For the intermediate paddlers there is the all day Horberg to the Brierlies run which includes the Devil's Elbow (top right).

          2. For those wanting some fun without any shuttle there is the option to spend a day just playing at the Brierlies (top left).

          3. For those looking for a quiet river paddle there is a 29 km run to the Rustic River Resort (52.55706180549446, -115.01091207961898).

          4. For those looking for flat water there is Crimson Lake which is 15 minutes away (bottom).

          Level/Class:  Novice to Intermediate

          Description:   We will be camping at the Rocky Mountain Historic Site

          Difficulties of Rapids:  All rapids are avoidable, even on the Devil's Elbow run.

          Expected Flow:  Below normal, but generally lots of water as there is a power dam above.

          Duration:  Half day / day /   Optionally distance and/or hours on river

          Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) ,  Required by BWCC Helmet and Flotation, cold weather gear (dry suit, wet suit)

          Shuttle:  Will be discussed on site.

          Other Information:   

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



            • 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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