Top Alberta On the Water

Few places in Alberta offer the postcard beauty of Lake Minnewanka, part of Banff National Park. Admire views of the Canadian Rockies and prairies as you cruise across the turquoise-hued lake and over to Devil’s Gap during this boat tour. Scan the lakeshore for big-horned sheep, deer, bald eagles, and even the occasional bear. Along the way, learn about the indigenous people who used to call the surrounding area their home. A perfect excursion for nature lovers and families alike.

Big mountain views, cool glacial waters, forests, valleys and wildlife: all from the perspective of the river. Great for all ages and perfect for first time rafters, Canmore Raft Tours offers two family friendly river floats leaving right from downtown Canmore. The 1.5hr (round trip) "Townie" leaves five times daily at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm and 6:00pm from the Canmore Boat Launch, which is only a few minute walk from the shops and restaurants downtown. We are Canmore's only locally owned and family operated float company!

The UNESCO-listed Jasper National Park is a uniquely impressive place to experience nature, and a gentle adventure on the Athabasca River is a great way to do it. This float trip takes you down several miles on the Class II rapids—expect a few splashes along the way, but nothing too scary. Your National Park-licensed guide will share stories of the area as you go, and all necessary gear is included for your convenience.

Experience the excitement of a whitewater rafting adventure on this guided, 2-hour excursion. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure time, then ride along Alberta's Athabasca River in Jasper National Park. This ‘Mile 5’ trip is the river’s most popular, challenging class II rapids. The guide will be taking photos along the way which will be available for purchase at the end of the trip. All the necessary rafting equipment is included.

Explore Banff National Park’s serene wilderness from a vantage point most travelers never get to experience on this small-group kayaking adventure tour. Avoid the crowds and paddle along the Bow River or Creek as you take in dramatic views of mountains and lush green forests, spot local wildlife, and perhaps get a glimpse of Barry, the resident beaver. Note: guests must be physically fit with prior kayaking experience.

The Maligne Valley lies within the expansive Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. With this tour, navigate the rugged scenery with ease and reach some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes in comfort. Discover top natural attractions such as Medicine Lake on foot, and enjoy a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake. Along the way, keep watch for sightings of native bears, eagles, elk, and moose in their natural habitat.

Head to Kicking Horse River for a thrilling whitewater rafting experience in the Canadian Rockies. Known for its waves and rapids, Kicking Horse offers mild to wild whitewater options. After being outfitted with top-of-the-line gear, you’ll receive a safety briefing before hitting the water where you’ll expertly maneuver past stunning scenery and through turbulent, challenging or gentle waves and rapids. Base amenities include heated indoor change rooms.

A thrilling journey awaits on the Kananaskis River, just a short trip from Canmore. This half-day whitewater rafting adventure offers a perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty, navigating Class II-III rapids ideal for beginners, families, groups and adventurists. With professional guides at the helm, experience the rush of splashy rapids while soaking in stunning canyon views and fresh mountain air. Whether you're a novice or an adventure seeker, this guided experience ensures safety and fun for all. Prepare for a memorable outing that combines the exhilaration of whitewater with the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.

Jasper’s Sunwapta River is a stretch of grade III rapids, where challenging twists and turns and spectacular scenery come as standard. On this tour, spin along the Icefields Parkway road and admire sweeping views over the famous Rocky Mountains. Tackle the swirling white-water currents with your guide, and watch the riverbanks for sightings of native wildlife living within the Jasper National Park.

Lake Louise ranks among the Canadian Rockies’ top natural attractions, with snow-capped peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters. On this sightseeing tour, take a 14-minute gondola ride to a dizzying 6,850 feet (2,087 meters) above sea level for unparalleled views over Lake Louise and the beautiful Banff National Park. With round-trip travel from your Lake Louise hotel included, see the best of Lake Louise in one easy gondola ride.

Not all white-water rafting tours are extra exhilarating. Paddle through the dramatic Athabasca Canyon on a half-day white-water rafting adventure from Jasper that takes on fun, family-friendly Class 2+ rapids. You’ll start at the base of Athabasca Falls, then paddle a 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) stretch of river with a certified river guide. This half-day rafting excursion includes all equipment and transport from downtown Jasper, and both morning and afternoon departures are available.

Experience the best of Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided day tour. Check out Medicine and Maligne lakes, looking out for local wildlife along the way. Learn about the unique natural history of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Canadian Rockies from your guide. Enjoy short walks through the beautiful scenery, and choose between a boat ride to Spirit Island (seasonal) or guided hike at Maligne Lake.

Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure. Get out of the car and onto the trails of the Bow River or the Spray River and enjoy the area’s beautiful outdoor environment, largely unchanged from the days of the pioneers. This equine-themed odyssey includes a guide, use of a horse, and all necessary equipment. Note: guests must be eight years or older and a maximum of 230lbs (104kg)

Combine sightseeing with an adrenaline-pumping adventure on this small-group day tour from Banff or Canmore. You'll soak up the sights as you raft down the Kananaskis River, one of Alberta's most pristine waterways. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as bald eagles, bears and deer as you navigate the periodic rapids.

The Rockies boast some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery, but the rugged mountain terrain poses a unique set of challenges. On this full-day sightseeing tour, enjoy round-trip travel from Banff and reach far-flung attractions including Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway in comfort. Stop at picturesque spots including Bow Falls and Moraine Lake, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour—limited to 22 people.

Get ready for Jasper’s only class 3 rapids on the Sunwapta River. Be prepared: you’re going to get wet. Wear your bathing suit under your wetsuit and bring a towel and your sense of adventure. If you have your own wheels, you can save a bit by meeting the guides at the river instead of paying for the shuttle from the Jasper townsite.

Delve deep into the Banff National Park and admire the scenery from the water on this canoe adventure. Paddle along the pretty Bow River and listen as your guide sheds light on centuries of Canadian history and heritage. Watch the riverbanks for sightings of native wildlife, a great activity for the whole family.

No roads lead to the parts of the river you will travel on this expedition. Raft the white water on the Athabasca River through places you can only reach by boat. This guided tour takes you through two exciting sets of rapids (wear your bathing suit!) linked by a serene stretch through the canyon. Take in the Rocky Mountain scenery only paddlers and wildlife get to witness.

Bring the whole family along on this moderately challenging—yet totally fun—river rafting excursion down the Athabasca Valley in Jasper National Park. Join a guide in an 8-person raft for a multi-rapid run down the Athabasca River Canyon for a trip challenging enough to be counted as an adventure but relaxing enough for you to enjoy the beautiful canyon scenery along the way.

Get a little wet and have a lot of fun on the Athabasca River. Travel with your small group to the put in point and raft the Mile 5 section of the glacier-fed river. This section of river is a great introduction to river rafting as it begins with an approximately 10-minute float before the class II rapids start. Experience the gentle thrill of some bumps and splashes on your excursion.

This day tour from Calgary, Canmore, and Banff immerses you in the stunning natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy a breathtaking gondola ride on Sulphur Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Explore the charming streets of Banff town, visit the picturesque Bow Falls, and take in the serene beauty of Lake Two Jack and Lake Minniwanka. - Experience a scenic gondola ride on Sulphur Mountain - Discover the historic Banff town with guided insights - Visit iconic spots like Bow Falls, Lake Two Jack, Surprise Corner, Banff Hot springs , and Lake Minniwanka - Ideal for nature lovers and first-time visitors to Banff National Park

Take a break from the city and go rafting on Calgary’s Bow River on a relaxing-yet-active self-guided tour. Spend time outdoors solo or with friends and family while enjoying the beautiful city views from a different angle. Enjoy a leisure float past golf courses, residential areas, nature, and parks. All safety gear is included but this is a gentle float and you don’t need a guide.

Take on the Class II and Class III white-water rapids of the Sunwapta River on this morning or afternoon rafting adventure from Jasper, and enjoy views of the Jasper National Park that can only be seen from the water. You’ll paddle alongside an experienced river guide, splashing over an 8-mile (13-km) stretch of fun rapids. This whitewater rafting trip includes all necessary equipment and instruction, as well as round-trip transport from a central location in Jasper.