Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has exploded in popularity, and it’s no wonder: It’s such a versatile sport, great for all ages and abilities. Gliding through the water on a slightly wider, more stable surf-style board with a long paddle gives you the opportunity to explore, work out or simply float.
Paddleboarding also doesn’t require prior experience or an above-average fitness level – your time on the water can be as exhilarating, relaxing, or difficult as you want it to be.
The key to a successful paddleboarding excursion is to pick the right spot for your skill level. Calgary and the surrounding area have ample paddleboard locations for everyone. That’s why we’ve compiled some of our favourites here, so you can choose the best spot to suit your style — and get paddling!
But before you hit the water, double check that you have everything you need, as safety regulations vary depending on where you paddle. Check out How To Paddleboard In Calgary & Throughout Alberta Parks for our recommendations.
Where To Paddleboard In Calgary, Alberta
While paddleboarding here in the city is a convenient way to get started, our options are quite limited for longer excursions. Here we’ve listed the few paddleboard locations available on small bodies of water within the city, as well as our rivers.
Depending on where you live, you may also have access to a private lake community where residents can enjoy watersports.
Bowness Park
Size: Small
Difficulty level: Easy
While the water isn’t suitable for swimming, Bowness Park is a great beginner SUP spot in Calgary. You can paddle the current-less lagoon and then explore “the creek” by going under the bridge that leads into the park, as long as the water level is high enough. Pro Tip: Make sure to check out the gorgeous mural that’s only visible from underneath the bridge. Find this hidden attraction and MORE in the Fun In The Summer Sun Guide.
You can also rent boats as shown here too!
Carburn Park
Size: Small
Difficulty level: Easy
Much-loved Carburn Park in Calgary’s southwest has two ponds — we recommend paddleboarding in the larger one, furthest from the parking lot. Keep your eyes peeled while you’re out adventuring, as this park is known for wildlife. During the summer, you can rent paddleboards in the park, sign up for SUP yoga classes, and even go on a puppy paddle.
Elbow River
Size: Long
Difficulty level: Easy
Of Calgary’s two rivers, the Elbow River is the calmer, more leisurely waterway. While the water isn’t suitable for swimming, the slow flow makes it a great route to adventure through the city starting from Sandy Beach and working your way north. Keep your eyes peeled as you pass by countless parks, green spaces and friendly neighbourhoods.
Bow River
Size: Long
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Rock bars, shallow sections and rapids make the Bow River an intermediate-to-advanced spot to paddleboard in Calgary. Always check the river’s water levels and speed before you go. If you’re nervous, consider taking a class beforehand to improve your skill level. Important note: DO NOT use a SUP leash on the river, as it can get caught on the rocks and be quite dangerous. Also, remember to plan your route and either leave a car on either end for transportation, or use the Lazy Day Raft Rentals shuttle service.
NOT Glenmore Reservoir
The peaceful Glenmore Reservoir is a popular destination for those exploring with hard-bottom canoes and kayaks, but don’t take your paddleboard there. Swimming, SUPs, and inflatable boats aren’t allowed on this water, according to the City of Calgary.
Best Spots To Paddleboard In Alberta
While there are countless places to paddleboard throughout the province, we’ve chosen to highlight some of our favourite spots somewhat close to Calgary, and we’ll tell you why.
Chestermere Lake
Size: Large
Difficulty level: Easy-Intermediate (pending wind + boat activity)
Location: 30 minutes east of Calgary
Located just on the outskirts of Calgary, Chestermere Lake is popular for boating, swimming, flating and enjoying an Alberta beach day. Bring your own board, rent one in Calgary, or look up rentals in Chestermere to enjoy a relaxing paddle suitable for beginners. The lake does to get a bit rough when the wind is strong or there are lots of boats on the water.
Johnson Lake
Size: Medium
Difficulty level: Intermediate (often a bit windy)
Location: 1.5 hours west of Calgary (Banff)
Warmer than most mountain lakes, Johnson Lake is a breathtaking place to paddleboard in Banff National Park. Paddle around the lake to find a rope swing, quiet coves, a bumpin’ beach and so much more. The beachy-feel and always fun crowd make this a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. But beware, the parking lot is small and fills up FAST, so make sure you get there early or go on a weekday!
Annette Lake + Edith Lake
Size: Medium
Difficulty level: Easy
Location: 5 hours northwest of Calgary (Jasper)
The beautiful white sand of Annette Lake in Jasper, Alberta could almost fool you into thinking you’re on the sunny shores in Mexico. Plus, just a short walk away you’ll find Lake Edith, providing two excellent lakes side-by-side for you to paddle and explore. These lakes are popular for lounging, swimming, paddling, and more, so they’re a must-add to your future Jasper list.
Wedge Pond
Size: Small
Difficulty level: Easy
Location: 1.5 hours southwest of Calgary (Kananaskis)
This small Kananaskis pond is breath-takingly beautiful and protected by the surrounding trees and mountains. In the summer, the water here is often much warmer than other lakes in the area, which makes it perfect for a leisurely float on your paddleboard. While you can get across the water in a matter of minutes, Wedge Pond is popular for paddleboarders who like to float, relax and hangout (vs. get a good workout in).
Rundle Forebay Reservoir
Size: Medium
Difficulty level: Easy-Intermediate (pending wind)
Location: 1.5 hours west of Calgary (Canmore)
The peaceful Canmore reservoir is located above town near the Canmore Nordic Centre. While it appears to be a smaller lake upon arrival, paddle to the back of the lake, and you’ll discover a river-like canal that leads to another small body of water with a waterfall view. Suitable for kids and beginners, it’s incredible that we have locations like this so close to the city.
Forgetmenot Pond
Size: Small
Difficulty level: Easy
Location: 1 hour southwest of Calgary (Kananaskis)
Located west of Bragg Creek, Forgetmenot Pond is a popular hang out spot and beautiful destination for a quick day trip outside Calgary. There are plenty of walking trails, picnic tables and lounge areas located around the water. While you can cross the small pond in a matter of minutes, the idyllic location is ideal for learning, floating, or practicing with kids.
Lower Kananaskis Lake
Size: Large
Difficulty level: Easy-Intermediate (pending wind)
Location: 2 hours southwest of Calgary (Peter Lougheed Provincial Park)
Located deep in Kananaskis country, Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes are popular for hikers, backpackers and water enthusiasts. We chose to paddle on Lower Lake due to the fact that it typically has less wind, making the water calmer. Pro Tip: Most of the lake is surrounded by private campsites where you are not able to park unless you’re staying there. If you’re just popping in for the day, park at the Panorama Day Use area.
Looking For More Of An Adventure?
Hiking your board up to a mountain lake guarantees that there will be fewer (if any) people on the water.
Rawson Lake (left) in Kanaskisis is a moderate trek of 7km round-trip circling Upper Kananaskis Lake before going up, reaching picnic tables and a breathtaking alpine lake with catch-and-release fishing. Be sure to check Alberta Parks advisories before going as this area is often crawling with bears.
Smith Lake (right) is also an alpine lake oasis, with the option to stop at Copper Lake before you continue up to reach this secluded body of water.
Always Research Your Location Before Going
As a general rule of thumb, you can paddleboard on any Alberta lake if it’s on public land and deemed safe (except for the Glenmore Reservoir).
Remember, paddleboarding is exciting but has different safety regulations you might not be aware of. Make sure to check out How To Paddleboard In Calgary & Throughout Alberta Parks for all the tips.
Know of other great places to paddleboard? Comment below!
If you’re looking for more summer adventures in or out of Calgary, download the free YYC Summer Activities Guide!
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