Updated for 2026
Looking for great places to paddle near Calgary? Here are some of our favorite lakes and spots within a short drive of the city.
Carburn Park (15 minutes)
Bowness Park (20 minutes)
Chestermere Lake (25 minutes)
Ghost Lake (40 minutes)
Gap Lake (50 minutes)
Barrier Lake, Kananaskis (1 hour, 10 minutes)
Rundle Forebay, Canmore (1 hour, 10 minutes)
Spray Lakes Reservoir (1 hour, 20 minutes)
Lower Kananaskis Lake (1 hour, 30 minutes)
Forgetmenot Pond (1 hour)
Quarry Lake, Canmore (1 hour)
Johnson Lake (1 hour, 30 minutes)
Two Jack Lake (1 hour, 40 minutes)
Lake Louise (2 hours)
Chain Lakes Reservoir (1 hour, 30 minutes)
Twin Valley Reservoir (1 hour, 45 minutes)
Sylvan Lake (1 hour, 35 minutes)
Float the Bow River, starting at Shouldice Park and finishing near the Peace Bridge in downtown Calgary.
Please note that as of February 2026 paddle boarding is NOT permitted at the following locations: Sikome Lake, Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Waterton National Park, and Yoho National Park.
Rules and access can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest updates from Banff Parks Canada before heading out.
