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Discover Serenity

Paddle the Majestic Waters of Canmore's Bow River.

Discover Serenity

Paddle the Majestic Waters of Canmore's Bow River.

BENEATH THE PEAKS TOUR

Bring the whole family on this incredibly scenic trip down the Bow River in Canmore. The “Beneath The Peaks Tour” offers guests an opportunity to experience the Bow Valley from the perspective of the river. Beneath the towering peaks of the Three Sisters, Rundle, Grotto and Ehagay Nakoda ranges, we spend time looking for wildlife, exploring side channels and simply relaxing! With instruction and guidance from our qualified and experienced guides you will learn the basic strokes in a calm area of the river at the start, then be guided down river to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery in the majestic Canadian Rockies.

Canmore Canoe guides meet all guests at the river before each tour. The guides will check your groups waivers, fit you in a PFD and give a brief river awareness talk and paddle directions before the boats depart. On the water we will cover the basics in boat maneuvering and steering. We will make sure everyone is prepared before we enter the main flow of the river and start making our way down stream. We carry first aid and dry bags (to carry any extra cloths or items guests need to bring). In case of rain or inclement weather we recommend bringing an appropriate rain jacket.

Be sure to bring along your camera and our guides would be happy to take some family pictures for you. The best shots are from the river! During the trip our guides will guide you along the glacial waters of the Bow River. We spend time exploring the nooks and grannies of this reach, all the while sharing stories about the Bow Valley and its natural and cultural histories. Canmore Canoe guides will also be happy to answer any questions about the area that you may have. At the end of the tour, we will bring you back to the starting point and get you on your way for your next adventure.

Trip Details:
1.5 Hour canoe instruction and scenic float on flat, moving water.
Trip Includes:
Professional guide(s), safety brief, paddling instruction, river guiding, canoes, PFDs, paddles, drybags, safety gear, and transportation back to the put-in.
Difficulty Level:
Easy to Moderate, Not suitable for children under 5 years old
Trip Prices:
$85.00 (Adult - 16+)
$70.00 (Children 5-15):
Departs:
10am, 2pm
June 1 - Sept 15
Sketch of pine cones on a branch
"A great mixture of the natural and cultural histories of Canmore, seen from the comfort of the river".
Guide with oar on an orange raft.
Our expert guides will help you learn the art of paddling - a true Canadian experience.
Deer family along the shore of the Bow River
While we can't guarantee it, our wilder friends often make an appearance.
The Canmore Raft Tours vanwith orange rafts in the background.
Your trip includes transportation from the river back to Canmore.
Deer family along the shore of the Bow River
While we can't guarantee it, our wilder friends often make an appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN DO YOU OPEN AND CLOSE YOUR SEASON?
We open June 1 and close September 15th. Our season is always subject to change due to water levels and the Rocky Mountain weather.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
A 1-hour drive west of Calgary, Alberta - Canmore is located along the Trans-Canada on the East boundary of Banff National Park. We have a seasonal kiosk that runs June 15th(ish) to the September Labour Day weekend. Our tours depart at the Canmore Public Boat Launch, just a five-minute walk from downtown.
IS THERE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO THE TRAIL HEAD?
No. Our river put-in is downtown Canmore. Guests can park downtown (or right at the river) and walk to the river. However, we do provide transportation back from our river take-out to the river put-in again.
ARE THERE RESTRICTION ON AGE AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES?
This tour is suitable for ages 5+. All guests must wear a coast guard approved PFD (personal floatation device) that we provide. There are two sizes: adult and youth (each PFD is adjustable). Participants must be willing and able to wear a PFD at all times while in the canoe. Those who will/cannot, won't be allowed to join the tour.
CAN I WEAR MY OWN GEAR?
Even though we do have very experienced water people on our tours, unfortunately all PFDs worn must be supplied by Canmore Raft Tours/Canmore Canoe.
DO WE NEED TO FILL OUT A WAIVER AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS WITH RAFTING?
Yes, all guests must fill out a waiver. Although we operate a Scenic River Tour, there are always risks involved. Hazards include but are not limited to: fast flowing cold water, trees and rocks in the water, insect bites and stings, wildlife encounters, slips on the shoreline that may cause injury, and sunburn You can view our waiver here.
*** WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Dress appropriate for the weather on the day you are canoeing. No special equipment/clothing is needed – you can be downtown shopping and then into our rafts in a matter of minutes. Footwear must be worn at all times during the tour. We do however recommend flat soled shoes – shoes with a heel are usually pretty awkward in the boat.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO CANOEING?
Anytime during the summer – the Bow River has steady flows May to September. Weekdays can be less crowded, as are the early/late season weekends.
WHAT IS THE WATER TEMPERATURE?
During May & early June, the water is at its coldest around 3 – 5°C. Later in the summer, the river warms up (a bit) to roughly 8 -10°C.
WHAT IS THE WATER LEVEL?
There are no rapids on our float trips. The river is moving, with little chance of getting splashed or falling out.
HOW LONG IS THE TRIP?
Our day trips run about 1.5 hours: 30 minutes of safety/introductions/pfd sizing/instruction, 40 – 45 minutes of canoeing, followed by a 10 minute return trip back to the put-in.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
Our tours run rain or shine. If it looks like it may rain please make sure to bring rain gear. We may choose to cancel the tour in the event of extreme weather such as severe thunderstorms, but generally these are shortlived and we can wait them out.
*** HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE CANOE?
The Maximum weight capacity of our canoes is 450kg (1000lbs) which can generally accommodate 2 adults plus a child. We also have tandem and solo kayaks available for smaller groups or solo travellers as an option.
CAN WE BRING A CAMERA/GOPRO; CAN I WEAR IT ON THE RIVER?
Yes, but Canmore Raft Tours/Canmore Canoe does not take any responsibility for items lost or broken on the river trip including cameras/GoPros.
*** DOES EVERYONE PADDLE?
You will generally not have a guide with you in your canoe/kayak, meaning that someone in your boat will need to paddle. You will receive instruction in basic paddling techniques and the river is friendly enough for unexperienced paddlers to "get their feet wet". If you prefer not to paddle, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make appropriate arrangements. You may also want to consider joining one of our rafting float tours, where the raft guide does all of the work.
*** ARE WE STRAPPED IN?
In our canoes you will simply sit on the seat to paddle. Our kayaks do have thigh straps that can be easily removed in the case of the flip. That being said, the canoes and kayaks we use are very stable and highly resistant to flipping.
IS CANOEING DANGEROUS?
With Canmore Raft Tours'/Canmore Canoe's activities, an element of risk is inherent & beyond human control; this is often what attracts people to rafting. Canmore Raft Tours/Canmore Canoe spares no effort to ensure that you are aware of risks and hazards, but cannot assume responsibility for your safety or loss of personal equipment.
HOW CAN WE BOOK?
We take bookings online. Just click on the book now button under the trip you wish to join and follow the instructions. You can also book by phone or make a reservation in person at our raft shack located downtown once it opens.
*** DO WE NEED TO RESERVE A WHOLE CANOE?
No, you just book for the amount of people who wish to participate. We have a variety of options for boats and may offer you the option to shar a canoe with someone else, or to paddle your own solo boat if you are comfortable.
IF OUR GROUP RESERVES SEPARATELY, CAN WE BE GUARANTEED TO BE IN THE SAME CANOE?
We can never guarantee a group will be together if you book separately. The best way is to elect one group leader that takes care of the whole payment, which then gives you the best odds of being in the same canoe. We will do our best to put everyone together if possible.
CAN WE PAY CASH UPON ARRIVAL?
Not really. We require your reservation to be paid in full prior to your trip. Without full payment, we cannot hold the spots for you. Guides must be reserved for the day. We will be accepting cash at our raft shack once it opens.
DO YOU GIVE REFUNDS?
Full refunds are given if a cancellation is received 48 hours prior to the trip date. The deposit is non-refundable within 48 hours of trip. If a booking is made the day of the trip, no refunds will be given. If the weather approaches extreme and safety is a concern, the trip will be reassessed, delayed, cancelled or re-scheduled. We live in the mountains where the weather can change in a moment, so decisions may be last minute.

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds are given if a cancellation is received 48 hours prior to the trip date. The deposit is non-refundable within 48 hours of trip. If a booking is made the day of the trip, no refunds will be given. If the weather approaches extreme and safety is a concern, the trip will be reassessed, delayed, cancelled or re-scheduled. We live in the mountains where the weather can change in a moment, so decisions may be last minute.

  • Making a reservation is quick and easy! If you wish to view our waiver, cancellation policies and to answer any questions you may have before booking, please click on the tabs above! Use the booking tool below to select a date, enter your contact details and securely make payment. When you select the date, any tours available that day will show in the booking portal below. Example - Private tours are available starting June 1st, so it's visible at the moment, but as soon as you click July 1st on the booking tool, the regular Townie Tours become available to book. If you have any troubles or questions, don't hesitate to contact us. See you at the river!

  • Making a reservation is quick and easy! Use the booking tool below to select a date, enter your contact details and securely make payment. You'll receive a confirmation immediately and so will we. If you have any troubles or questions, don't hesitate to contact us. See you at the river!

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