Paddling in Banff National Park

An AIS Prevention Self-certification Permit or Parks Canada AIS Prevention Inspection permit is required for all non-motorized watercraft and water-related gear (e.g., canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, fishing gear). The Self-certification Permit requires mandatory clean, drain, dry of all non-motorized watercraft and water-related gear, and attestation to these actions. Permits will be available online and at visitor centres and self-serve kiosks at waterbodies in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks, or at Parks Canada watercraft inspection stations in Banff National Park.

Non-motorized watercraft and water-related gear users that do not meet Self-certification Permit requirements, but still wish to use their equipment within a park should visit a Parks Canada watercraft inspection station. Inspections and issue of a Parks Canada Inspection Permit will occur on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of inspectors.

Dry time requirements - Parks Canada Self-certification and Inspection Permits will require watercraft that has travelled outside of BC, AB, Yukon and Northwest Territories to dry for 30 days and those travelling within BC, AB, Yukon and Northwest Territories to dry for 48 hours.

This section of the Bow River begins downstream of the village of Lake Louise. It is sandwiched between the Trans-Canada Highway on the west side, and the Canadian Pacific Railway line and Highway 1A (Bow Valley Parkway) on the east side. The Bow River flows with a steady current as it winds its way down the valley. There are numerous riffles and Class 1 rapids. You may encounter sweepers and logjams. Although this section contains many islands and side channels, route finding is straightforward.

Starting at Lake Louise: The put-in is at a small side channel approximately 750 metres east of the Trans-Canada Highway bridge over the Bow River, east of the village of Lake Louise. There is a service road turnoff into a meadow. Do not block the road when you park your car.

This small channel flows back into the main river in about 100 metres. The first 3 kilometres of river to the Moraine Creek viewpoint provides some fast water and tight corners which may require precise maneuvering. At the viewpoint, another continuous section of swift water, waves, and tight bend begins. These are high-risk areas and should be approached with caution and scouted for hazards.

The next landmark is the confluence with Baker Creek on river left, approximately 5 km downstream from Moraine Creek. From this point, the river slows somewhat and the current is more consistent. For the next 14.5 km, the river winds its way down the valley below the cliffs of Castle Mountain. This brings you to the end of this section at the bridge at Castle Junction. Take out on river left at the parking lot just downstream of the bridge.

This section of the Bow River is bounded on the west side by the Trans-Canada Highway. On the east side is the Canadian Pacific Railway line and Highway 1A (Bow Valley Parkway). The Bow River flows with a steady current as it winds its way down the valley, with many islands and interesting side channels to explore. There are numerous riffles, and Class 1 rapids, with one Class 3 rapid at Redearth Creek. Tight corners, sweepers and logjams are common, especially for a section downstream of Redearth Creek. You need to take extra care in maneuvering your canoe here.

Starting at Castle Junction. The put-in is at the parking lot on the downstream side of the bridge over the Bow River at Castle Junction. Six km of winding river brings you to the confluence with Johnston Creek, flowing in from river left. Just on the downstream side of Johnston Creek there is a sign for the backcountry campsite. 3 km past Johnston Creek, a right bend in the river leads you towards the Trans-Canada Highway and the Castle Mountain Viewpoint.

This is an important landmark as it indicates that you are approaching Redearth Creek Rapids. As you paddle below the viewpoint, the river makes a left bend away from the highway. In just a couple of hundred metres, the river makes a sharp right turn into the area of Redearth Creek Rapids. Red Earth Creek Rapid, rated Class 3, is a long section of fast water and rocks. The waves are continuous, getting bigger and bigger as you approach the end. Many canoes have capsized or swamped here. With proper scouting and safety procedures, this rapid can be run by experienced canoeists.

If you want to portage the rapid you will have to find your own route as there is no specific portage route. From the top of the rapid on river right, make your way along the shore to where Redearth Creek enters the Bow River. Wade across the creek and carry your canoe along the riverside trail to the end of the rapids.

A couple of kilometres below Redearth Creek, the river becomes very convoluted. It may not be readily apparent, but the river actually branches into two or three channels. This is an exceptionally risky section, with very tight corners, dangerous logjams, and endless sweepers. Vigilance is imperative here.

The large gravel fan at the entrance of Wolverine Creek on river right, marks the end of the major hazards along this section. Another 5.5 km brings you back to the Trans-Canada Highway. This is a good place to take out as there is a gate through the fence to access a roadside parking area off the westbound lane of the highway.

Another 0.5 km brings you to the Trans-Canada Highway bridge over the Bow River. Take care passing under the bridge as there are many sweepers along the left side of the river. From here to Banff is a pleasant, 1.5 - 2 hour paddle. The river is broad and calm, allowing beautiful views of the lower Bow Valley. Take out at the canoe docks, at the junction of the Bow River and Echo Creek. Do not paddle past the canoe docks as Bow Falls is just around the corner.

This scenic section starts downstream of Bow Falls and winds beneath the shadow of Mount Rundle to Canmore. You can start at either the Bow Falls parking lot, or from the east end of the Golf Course Road. Do not block any roads when parking.

1. Starting at Bow Falls

Paddling this section, the main channel is generally to the right. Smaller channels on river left can be run by canoes at higher water levels. But, all side channels are smaller, with difficult tight turns and are more likely to be blocked by dangerous sweepers and logjams. As you approach the end of the golf course and can see the glacial till pinnacles of the Hoodoos just ahead, the river makes several tight bends and corners. All channels here have sweepers and strainers in them and canoeists should exercise extreme caution.

2. Starting at the end of the golf course

Within minutes of launching or passing this site, the river forks. The channel on river right is the safest route. The channel on river left leads to a dangerous strainer logjam that completely blocks the entrance to a small channel. From this point on, the river is generally wide, as it flows along the base of incredible Mount Rundle. As you approach the confluence of Cascade River, the river widens and braided channels and gravel bars appear. Care must be taken, as numerous channels are available, with the possibility of sweepers and logjams in all of them. After the park boundary (a small sign is found on the river right bank) the river becomes narrower again, with tight corners and numerous sweepers and strainers. This area demands precise control and maneuvering and canoeists are advised to proceed with extra caution.

Getting off the river:

On river left at the park boundary, a trail leads for 200 metres to the highway at the park gates. In Canmore, take out on river right, just downstream of the first pedestrian bridge.