The Paddle Station | Family Fun Calgary

The Paddle Station: Nothing Says Summer Fun Like Time on the Water!

The Paddle Station Summer (Family Fun Calgary)

Summer is fleeting, so don’t let it slip away! We found the perfect (easy!) way to seize the day and celebrate the moments that matter. Just book a floating experience down the Bow River with The Paddle Station! Grab your friends and family, and watch your city slide past while you relax. Sunshine, beautiful scenery, and relaxing with the people you love? It’s a recipe for the best summer ever!

Busy lives, filled with work and chores, can make planning a day of play seem like an effort. But don’t worry – this is the easiest way to relax! Rafting on the Bow River is a Calgary summer essential — it’s the perfect adventure for everyone, even beginners and kids. Floating the Bow isn’t just a summer activity – it’s a Calgary tradition!

All you need to do is book your time, and The Paddle Station does the rest. From single or double kayaks, and small rafts to giant ones, The Paddle Station takes care of all the details. With no hidden fees, tours include your raft or kayak, plus life jackets, paddles, and safety kits. All you need to do is show up and float!

How Does It Work?

Step One: Head online to book a rafting tour. Whether you want a unique date night, a chance to connect with your teenager, or you’re bringing the whole family (cousins included!), the Paddle Station can accommodate you with rafts that fit up to 20 people.

Step Two: Rafts launch from Shouldice Park and end on St. Patrick’s Island near the Calgary Zoo West Lot. You can leave one vehicle at either end if you have two vehicles and two drivers. Or make it easy and just taxi or Uber back to your vehicle.

Step Three: Arrive 30 minutes before your rafting time for orientation and a safety session, and if you’ve never paddled before, don’t worry! Staff can give you a lesson and take your group through the basics before you set out. The Bow River is classified as Level 1, so it’s perfect for beginners and intermediate kayakers and rafters. Guides are also available for hire, if that makes you more comfortable.

Step Four: ENJOY! Your float down the river will take about 2 – 3 hours, depending on the weather and water flow. This experience is for kids aged 3 and up, and kids under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. If your furry family members are well-behaved, they can join the fun, too! (But note that The Paddle Station does not provide life jackets for dogs.)

Are you wondering what to bring? Make sure you’re wearing appropriate water activity gear for the weather, including a hat and proper footwear. Throw in a towel and sunscreen. A dry bag or a resealable plastic bag is recommended for phones and wallets. And don’t forget water and a few snacks to enjoy!

Once you arrive at ‘The Cove’ on St. Patrick’s Island, all you need to do is hand off your raft and head off on your day, hopefully a little more relaxed than when you started! Nothing says summer fun like time spent on the water.

Rafting the Bow is one of the simplest ways to disconnect, spend time with friends, and see Calgary from a completely different perspective. From booking to equipment to safety, your day on the water is handled. You don’t want to miss this iconic Calgary experience, so book your float now at The Paddle Station. Don’t forget the snacks!