Town of Banff

Canoeing and Kayaking

Blue Canoe on the Bow River, Banff Photo by Victoria Mitchell

Banff National Park offers a variety of canoeing and kayaking opportunities for paddlers of all levels.

Canoeing

In the Town of Banff, canoes can be rented at Blue Canoe, at the north end of Bow Avenue (also accessible from Wolf Street). From the canoe docks, paddlers who put in directly may choose to explore up a gentle leg of the Bow River or have the option to follow 40 Mile Creek into the Vermilion Lakes. Both routes offer splendid wildlife viewing.

Experienced canoeists may wish to paddle any of three different legs of the Bow River:

• Lake Louise to Castle Junction
• Castle Junction to Banff
  
• Bow Falls to Canmore

To read about these, please visit Parks Canada's Web site.

Canoes are also available to rent at Moraine Lake Lodge and at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Hourly rentals allow visitors to paddle up and down these lakes, enjoying majestic views from a unique vantage.

Kayaking

The lakes surrounding the Town of Banff are inviting to kayakers because of their serene settings and use by wildlife. The best kayaking spots include:

• Lake Minnewanka
  
• Vermilion Lakes
  
• Johnson Lake
  
• Two Jack Lake
• The Bow River between Castle Junction and the Banff townsite

For experienced whitewater kayakers, some local routes include:

• Bow River (Banff Springs Golf Course to Canmore) - Class I-II
  
• Upper Bow River - Class III-V
  
• Pipestone (at Lake Louise) - Class IV
  
• Red Earth Creek - Class V+

Banff Adventures Unlimited offers half-day guided tours in inflatable kayaks, including a scenic "calm water" trip down the Bow River, with instruction in basic kayaking techniques and safety.