Cool Off: Top 10 Summer Water Fun Spots in and around Calgary

If you're in or around Calgary and looking for ways to beat the heat, you're in for a treat. This article covers the Top 10 Summer Water Fun Spots that are perfect for everyone.

You can sail on the Glenmore Reservoir or rent a pedal boat at Bowness Lagoon. How about a fly-fishing adventure or a thrilling seadoo ride? These activities are perfect for making memories and are great ways to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Calgary.

Ready to cool off and have some fun? Let's get started!

Drifting down the Bow River, the sun shining above, and the city of Calgary unfolding around you is a delightful experience. Rafting and floating on the Bow River is an experience you won't want to miss! The Paddle Station makes it all possible with their Rafts & Kayaks Rental.

For those craving the ultimate floating experience, The Paddle Station is your go-to spot. They make it super easy to enjoy a day on the water.

One thing to note: transportation to the starting location at Shouldice Park isn't provided. But no worries! They suggest bringing two cars or using a ride-sharing service to get back to the launch site after your adventure. Easy peasy!

To make your trip even more enjoyable, they recommend bringing a dry bag or a resealable bag to keep your belongings safe from splashes.

The Paddle Station's fleet is excellent. From small, cozy rafts perfect for couples, to the Blue Monster Raft that fits up to 20 people, they offer a variety of options, including:

• Small Raft (2-4 Person): Perfect for couples or small groups.
• Round Raft (2-6 Person): Great for face-to-face fun.
• Medium Raft (4-8 Person): Ideal for smaller groups.
• Large Raft (8-12 Person): Plenty of room for larger groups.
• Blue Monster Raft (10-20 Person): Perfect for the ultimate group adventure.

And if you're planning a unique corporate event, group outing, or team-building activity, The Paddle Station, along with their partners, offers customizable packages that can accommodate groups of almost any size.

Try a BowYak adventure with Lazy Day Floats, Calgary's premier outdoor activity.

Glide down the Bow River on a sleek kayak, basking in the summer sun, and taking in the beautiful sights of Calgary from a whole new perspective. It's an experience you'll want to share with everyone!

One of the best things about Lazy Day Floats is their flexibility. They encourage you to #BeLazy and enjoy a full day of floating at your own pace.

Renting a BowYak is a breeze. The rental includes everything you need: a pre-inflated raft, paddles, and a safety kit complete with a whistle, rope, and bailing bucket.

Getting started is simple with just three easy steps. First, choose your vessel and decide if you need the shuttle service.

Then, book your date and time; they are open seven days a week with extended hours for those magical sunset floats.

Finally, head to their shop or the West Baker Park Boat Ramp to pick up your gear and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water.

Safety is a top priority for Lazy Day Floats. Basic paddling experience is required, and their friendly crew provides a comprehensive safety session before you begin your journey.

Each raft is designed for durability, with multiple sealed chambers to ensure safety even in Class One to Class Five waters.

When it comes to cooling off in Calgary, Harvie Passage-Whitewater Park is a must-visit spot! Located in the heart of Inglewood, this 42-acre sports facility offers a variety of water activities that appeal to both thrill-seekers and those looking to relax.

Here, you can indulge in canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, rafting, drift boating, and floating. The right (south) channel of the park includes Class 2 whitewater, making it perfect for 95% of visitors.

It has pool-drop elements at the top and bottom with a leisurely winding middle section. For the adventurous, the left (north) channel offers high-volume Class 3+ whitewater, but it's only recommended for experienced paddlers.

The park  has an impressive slalom canoe/kayak course, built by Alberta Slalom Canoe Kayak, where you can navigate around red and green poles as fast as you can.

Freestyle kayaking allows you to surf the whitewater features and show off your tricks. If you love a challenge, try stand-up paddle boarding and see how long you can stay balanced!

For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, floating down the right channel on a hot summer day is a delightful way to cool off. Remember to bring your own life jacket, as the facility's free borrowing service can be limited, especially on weekends.

Did you know that at the Glenmore Sailing Club, anyone can learn to sail, regardless of their prior experience? Offering the Adult Learn to Sail Course, this club provides a fantastic opportunity to begin your journey into the world of sailing.

The club's courses are structured to guide participants through every stage of their sailing journey, starting with the fundamentals and progressing to advanced certifications.

Here's a breakdown of their recommended learning path:

Keelboat 1: Start Keelboat Sailing

• Perfect for beginners with no prior experience.
• Learn the essentials of crewing and skippering on a keelboat.
• Small class sizes for personalized instruction.
• Optional Women’s Only course available for those seeking a more customized experience.

Keelboat 2: Keelboat Skipper

• Build upon your skills as a skipper.
• Prerequisite: Completion of Keelboat 1 or equivalent experience.
• Gain specialized knowledge for sailing on the Glenmore Reservoir.
• Ideal for those looking to join the Co-op Boat Program or pursue further certifications.

Keelboat 3: Keelboat Cruising

• An immersive three-day cruising course in the beautiful tidal waters of the Gulf Islands.
• Prerequisite: Successful completion of Keelboat 2 (Keelboat Skipper).
• Earn the Basic Cruising Standard certification.

The instructors at Glenmore Sailing Club are seasoned sailors with Sail Canada certification and extensive experience navigating both local and coastal waters.

With their expert guidance, participants acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become confident and capable sailors.

Another great aspect is that membership is not required to participate in these sailing courses, making it accessible to anyone interested in learning to sail.

If you're searching for a fun and relaxing water activity in Calgary, consider renting a pedal boat at Bowness Lagoon.

Pedal boating at Bowness Park is like riding a bike on water. These two-person boats, with room for a small child in the middle, allow you to leisurely cruise the calm and scenic lagoon.

Pedaling along, surrounded by nature's beauty, with the sound of birds singing and the gentle ripple of water beneath you, is a fantastic way for couples, families, or friends to spend quality time together.

Rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so there's no need to worry about pre-booking. You can choose from 30-minute, 1-hour, or 2 to 3-hour rental options, providing flexibility to fit your schedule.

Pedal boating is just one of the many attractions at Bowness Park, one of Calgary's most beloved spots.

The park's lagoon is a hive of activity in the summer, perfect for paddle boating, and transforms into an ice-skating wonderland in the winter.

Beyond the water, the park has picnic areas with BBQ grills, playgrounds, a mini train ride, and even a wading pool for young children. All these amenities make Bowness Park a year-round destination for fun and relaxation.

Spending a sunny day casting your line into the pristine waters of the Bow River, surrounded by breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery, is exactly what you get with Bow River Hookers' premier Fly-Fishing Adventure in Southern Alberta.

One of the most popular options is the Full Day Fly Fishing Trip. This includes a drift boat float on the famous Bow River, giving you the chance to reel in trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout, as well as native Cutthroat Trout.

The experience is customized to your preferences through a detailed pre-trip questionnaire, ensuring that your day is designed just for you.

What's included in this full-day adventure? Well, you get a drift boat float trip, a hearty river-side lunch, excellent fishing equipment (rods, reels, fly lines, flies, waders, and wading boots), recent fishing reports, expert guidance, and up to 12 hours of fishing.

For those who prefer a more intimate fishing experience, Bow River Hookers also offers Walk & Wade Trips on smaller rivers southwest of Calgary, like the Crowsnest and Livingston.

These rivers are not only known for their productive fishing but also for their stunning landscapes. Anglers can expect to catch Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout, and if you're lucky, Bull Trout in the fall.

These walk and wade trips include transportation from your accommodation or vehicle to the fishing spot and back, a hearty river-side lunch, quality fishing equipment, recent fishing reports, expert guidance, and up to 12 hours of fishing.

The Glenmore Reservoir is where it's at! Gliding across the water, surrounded by beautiful scenery, with the sun warming your back. That's what you get with Canoe Rentals at the Calgary Canoe Club.

First things first, let's talk about the details. Canoe rentals are available for either one hour or a half day, giving you flexibility based on how long you want to stay out on the water.

Keep in mind, it's a first-come, first-served deal, so arriving early is your best bet to snag a canoe.

Safety is a top priority. With each rental, you get paddles and lifejackets, ensuring everyone stays safe while having fun.

Though they provide the necessary gear, bringing your own lifejacket or paddle is always a good idea.

For a smooth and safe adventure, here are some handy tips: make sure you're comfortable swimming in case the canoe tips over.

It's also smart to stay close to the shore, and always respect other watercraft on the reservoir, giving them plenty of space.

When it comes to summer water fun, Sylvan Lake's Ultimate Aquatic Playground is a must-visit for anyone in and around Calgary. Dive into a watery wonderland filled with thrilling challenges and endless fun. As Alberta's first open-water park, Aqua Splash offers a unique experience that stands out from other water parks.

The park is an oasis of adventures, with an array of attractions that appeal to all ages. From a towering 15-foot structure to overhanging climbing walls, oversized trampolines, and monkey swing bars, there's an attraction for everyone.

The climbing tower and wiggle bridge test your agility, while the slides and cliffs provide thrilling drops. For those who love a bit of acrobatics, the trapeze swing and high roller are not to be missed.

No matter if you're planning a quick splash or a full day of fun, the park offers a variety of pass options to suit your adventure.

The Half Day Pass lets you enjoy the fun from 3 pm to 8 pm, perfect for an afternoon getaway.

For those who want to make the most of their visit, the Full Day Pass provides entry from 11 am to 8 pm, offering ample time to experience every attraction.

And if you're just dipping your toes into the experience, the One-Hour Pass is ideal for first-time visitors and accompanying adults, available throughout the day with the last entry at 7 pm.

Looking to combine exercise with nature's splendor in Calgary? Consider the Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) experience offered by Sun Sport Recreation.

Sun Sport Recreation provides everything you need to get started. For beginners, they offer all the necessary equipment and safety gear to make sure everyone has a fun and secure time.

Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready with tips and guidance, making it easy for newcomers to paddle with confidence.

Experienced paddle boarders will be pleased with the quality and performance of the boards available for rent.

Here are some key details you need to know:

• Boat Type: Stand Up Paddle Board
• Capacity: 1 Max
• Rental Hours: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Sun Sport Recreation operates on a first-come, first-served basis for non-motorized rentals like paddle boards.

They don't take advance bookings, encouraging spontaneity and making sure everyone has a chance to enjoy the lake.

Experience the thrill of renting a Seadoo at Sylvan Lake! Located right in the heart of Sylvan Lake, Sun Sport Recreation is Central Alberta's premier rental company for outdoor adventures, offering unforgettable Seadoo rentals since 1998.

Speed across the pristine waters of Sylvan Lake on a sleek Sea-Doo GTI.

Perfect for families and friends, these Seadoos can accommodate a maximum of two riders, making it an ideal activity for a sunny day out.

But that's not all! Sun Sport Recreation doesn't just offer Seadoo rentals. They provide a variety of other watercraft, including speed boats, premium speed boats, and pontoon boats.

Adding to the fun, they also offer a range of activities to complement your adventure. From paddle boats and kayaks to paddle boards and pedal boats, there's a wide selection of options.

And if you're looking for something extra special, Sun Sport Recreation has some exciting packages. Treat your special someone to a romantic evening with the Intimate Date Night Experience, which includes two hours in a cozy cabin with a sauna, champagne, and a delectable charcuterie platter.

Or, for those seeking a bit more adventure, try the Adventure Date Experience, which includes an hour of snowshoeing followed by an hour of relaxation in the sauna.

From rafting and floating on the Bow River to renting a Seadoo, there’s a variety of options for those looking to cool off this summer in Calgary! These activities were picked because they’re not only fun, but also offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unique experiences. 

Why not grab a friend or family member and try something new? You never know, you might discover a new favorite hobby!

For even more exciting ideas and activities, be sure to check out ActiviFinder Calgary. In our website you'll find endless ideas to entertain your future trips.