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Rafts and Crafts

Rafts and Crafts

Fun from your Toes to your Tastebuds.

Rafts & Crafts

Home to not only amazing Mountain views and stunning forests, Canmore also boasts a growing craft brewery and distillery scene. Using the same fresh glacial waters that we float on; the brewers and distillers of the Bow Valley are making some of the finest beers and spirits here in Alberta. By pairing these two unique experiences together, we have created the perfect afternoon for outdoor and craft enthusiasts alike.
Departing Saturdays at 2pm, we meet at the river and get ready for our river portion of the day. Guides ready you by suiting you up with a PFD and after a brief safety talk, we load our rafts and head down stream. From the river your transportation will continue on with the Brewery portion of your adventure! Meeting us at the take-out, the beer shuttle will pick you up and head out onto the brewery addition of this experience where you will get to taste some beer at one of the locally owned and operated breweries here in Canmore! Guests will also receive a $25.00 gift card off food at the Iron Goat Pub and Grill and a wrist band that will also get you exclusive discounts at participating breweries and distilleries in Canmore after your tour is over!
Canmore Raft Tours and the Mountain City Brew Bus are excited to partner up to offer the new Rafts and Crafts tour! Pairing the 1 hour Scenic Townie Float with a visit, and tasting, at one of our local Breweries and/or Distilleries! This tour makes for the perfect afternoon in the Mountains!
Trip Type:
Scenic Float followed by a visit to a local brewery
Departures:
Thursday - Saturday at 2pm
Trip Includes:
PFD, Guide, Transportation from River, visit to local establishment, tasting flight, wrist band for discounts, $25 Gift Card at the Iron Goat Pub and Grill
Trip Prices:
$105 per person (plus GST) Minimum 18 years of age
Availability:
May 13 – September 18 (approx.)
"The Makings of the Perfect Afternoon!".
Group rafting on the Bow River
Sit back, relax and enjoy the views the beautiful Bow Valley has to offer!
Brewery and Distillery Tour Guide
Experience the amazing breweries and distilleries throughout Canmore
The Canmore Raft Tours with rafts in the background.
Your trip includes transportation from the river back to Canmore.
Brewery and Distillery Tour Guide
Enjoy a personal brewery/distillery tour from our enthusiastic guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • WHEN DO YOU OPEN AND CLOSE YOUR SEASON?

    We open May 15th 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 RIVER?

    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?

    Ages 3 to 95, but exceptions can be made. Please call us (1-888-RIVERS-0) if you would like to discuss the exceptions. 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 while on the raft. Those who will/cannot, won't be allowed to board the raft.

  • CAN I WEAR MY OWN RIVER GEAR?

    Even though we do have very experienced water people on our tours, unfortunately all PFDs worn must be supplied by Canmore Raft Tours.

  • DO WE NEED TO FILL OUT A WAIVER?

    Yes, all guests must fill out a waiver. You can view our waiver here.

  • WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

    Dress appropriate for the weather on the day you are rafting. 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 RAFTING?

    Anytime during the summer – the Bow River has steady flows May to September. Weekdays can 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 to no chance of getting splashed.

  • HOW LONG IS THE TRIP?

    Our day trips run about 1 hour: 10 minutes of raft safety/introductions/pfd sizing, 40 – 45 minutes of rafting, followed by a 10 minute return trip back to the put-in. Evening raft trips are 2 - 2.5 hours: 10 minutes of raft safety/introductions/pfd sizing; 1.5 – 2 hours of rafting followed by a 15 minute return trip back to the put-in.

  • WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS?

    We raft rain or shine.

  • WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS?

    A raft’s maximum capacity is 11 people, plus guide.

  • CAN WE BRING A CAMERA/GOPRO; CAN I WEAR IT ON THE RIVER?

    Yes, but Canmore Raft Tours does not take any responsibility for items lost or broken on the river trip including cameras/GoPros.

  • DOES EVERYONE PADDLE?

    On our raft trips, guides do all the work!

  • ARE WE STRAPPED IN?

    Absolutely not.

  • IS RAFTING DANGEROUS?

    With Canmore Raft Tours' activities, an element of risk is inherent & beyond human control; this is often what attracts people to rafting. Canmore Raft Tours 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.

  • EACH RAFT HOLDS 8 CLIENTS, DO WE NEED TO RESERVE THE WHOLE RAFT?

    No, you just book for the amount of people who wish to raft; we will fill the rest of the raft with other guests.

  • IF OUR GROUP RESERVES SEPARATELY, CAN WE BE GUARANTEED TO BE IN THE SAME RAFT?

    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 raft. 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. 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!

  • 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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A map of the Bow River
Orange raft leaving the put-in.

The Rafting Adventure Begins!

A beaver along the shore of the Bow River

A Beaver Hard at Work

A bear eating berries along the riverbank.

Black Bear Eating Berries

A guide taking pictures of guests in a raft with mountains in the background.

Photos at Skippingstone Beach

People in rafts on the river on a sunny day.

The Bend