{"id":2268,"date":"2024-06-17T09:00:19","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T15:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.familyfuncalgary.com\/?p=2268"},"modified":"2026-04-16T11:03:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T17:03:43","slug":"rafting-in-calgary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.familyfuncanada.com\/calgary\/rafting-in-calgary\/","title":{"rendered":"Splish, Splash … How (and Where) to Go Rafting in Calgary"},"content":{"rendered":"

On a warm sunny day, sitting on a raft and floating down the river is a wonderful way to pass the time. In one afternoon you will see wonderful views of the city, amazing homes, natural parks, and maybe even wildlife, all while you spend quality time with family and friends. Rafting in Calgary is an activity that you can enjoy with all ages … make it an annual tradition! You can read more about our experience in 2021<\/a>, rafting with Lazy Day Raft Rentals.<\/p>\n

What you need:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A Raft:<\/strong>
\nYou need a boat that is large enough to accommodate your family. You can purchase them at places like Canadian Tire, or you can rent them<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Life Jackets:<\/strong>
\nAll persons in a raft must be wearing a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) at all times. Bylaw officers will ticket you for failing to comply. Set a good example for your children and wear one, even when the water is only ankle-deep!<\/p>\n

Two vehicles:<\/strong>
\nYou need to leave one vehicle at your exit point and drive the other to your entry point. Of course, you can figure out transportation in other ways, too. (If you’re booking with Lazy Day Raft Rentals<\/a>, you could also book seats on their shuttle.)<\/p>\n

A River: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Elbow River \u2013 Nice and Slow <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

For families with smaller children, the Elbow is the way to go. There are many spots where you can stand up and wade alongside the raft (and in some spots, later in the summer you may have to portage because it\u2019s too shallow). It\u2019s also a shorter adventure for those with short attention spans!<\/p>\n

Start at Sandy Beach in River Park near the Glenmore Athletic Park. Take 50th Avenue SW East until you get into a parking lot, then take the road all the way down.<\/p>\n

Stanley Park is also an easy place to start. From Macleod Trail, take 42nd Avenue West to Stanley Road.<\/p>\n

Some of the more popular exit points are 4th Street and Elbow Drive, if you want a short trip, or at Fort Calgary, if you want to ride the whole Elbow.<\/p>\n

Bow River \u2013 Larger, faster, colder! <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Entrance points at Bowness, Baker, Shouldice, and Edworthy Parks.<\/p>\n

Some popular exit points on the Bow include the area just west of Crowchild Trail, Edworthy Park, Prince\u2019s Island Park and the Zoo.<\/p>\n

Things to know: <\/strong><\/p>\n