Discover pristine waters and breathtaking scenery at the best places to paddle board in Canmore, Canada.
Imagine gliding through clear lakes surrounded by towering mountains.
Are you ready to explore the unforgettable paddle boarding experiences that Canmore has to offer?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Canmore
#1 Quarry Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Quarry Lake Parking Lot (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Clear Water, Warm and Sunny Summer Afternoons
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, elk, deer
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding Rocky Mountains, Grassy Parks
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Lifejackets required, no motorized boats allowed in the lake
Quarry Lake in Canmore offers panoramic mountain views while paddling in the clear, turquoise waters of the lake.
It’s a popular spot for relaxation and recreational water activities during the warm summer months.
#2 Rundle Forebay
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Rundle Forebay Reservoir (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle Currents, Surrounded by Trees
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Beavers, ducks, eagles, ospreys
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Canmore’s Three Sisters Mountains, Grassi Canals
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution during high water, wear appropriate gear
Rundle Forebay provides a calm and scenic river paddleboarding experience, with views of Canmore’s iconic Three Sisters Mountains.
The water is usually tranquil, offering a pleasant and relaxing paddle.
#3 Bow River
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Riverside Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, windy at times
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, beavers, birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: River banks, surrounding mountains
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, respect private properties
The Bow River offers a picturesque paddleboarding experience with its crystal-clear waters, stunning views and abundant wildlife.
This river can be accessed from Canmore’s Riverside Park and provides a thrilling paddle for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
#4 Policeman’s Creek
- 🏖️ Location Type: Creek
- 📍 Access Point: Centennial Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Slow-moving water, windy at times
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Beavers, ducks, muskrats
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Canmore’s Downtown, surrounding forests
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution near beaver dams, respect the wildlife and private properties
Policeman’s Creek offers a serene and intimate paddleboarding experience as you meander through the heart of Canmore.
The calm, slow-moving water is the perfect setting for a relaxing paddle, while observing the local wildlife up close.
#5 Spray Lakes Reservoir
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Spray Lakes West Campground (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Often calm, can be windy at times
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, pikas, black bears
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding mountain peaks, glaciers
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk, keep distance from wildlife
Spray Lakes Reservoir is situated a short drive away from Canmore, offering picturesque mountain lake scenery.
This pristine alpine lake boasts panoramic views of nearby mountain peaks and glaciers while providing a true wilderness paddle boarding experience.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Canmore?
Paddle boarding in Canmore is best at Grassi Lakes, Grotto Pond, and the Bow River.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Canmore?
No, there is no need to register paddle boards in Canmore.
When is the best time to paddle board in Canmore?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in Canmore is from May to September when the weather is warmer.
