Top Alberta Water Tours

Breathe in. Paddle out. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful float or a family-friendly river journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore River Adventures offers guided tours that bring you closer to nature—and to the best version of yourself. Since 2016, our speciality is 'Inspiring Mountain Adventures' that are sure to be the highlight of your stay in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Professional guides, exceptional service and adventures that captivate your imagination. Meeting Location & Time: Canmore Public Boat Launch 15 Mins prior to tour time.

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.

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 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 Maligne Canyon and 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.

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 as you take in dramatic views of snow-capped mountains and lush green forests, and discover Vermilion Lakes—a hidden gem in the heart of the Rockies that most visitors miss. Pricing is per kayak, with options for single or double kayaks.

Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Take in views of six different mountain ranges and nearby rivers aboard your state-of-the-art alpine transport, offering large windows and seating for four guests. Enjoy time exploring the ridge line boardwalk before returning back to town.

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.

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

Discover Banff National Park from the water on a scenic canoe journey up the Bow River. Surrounded by stunning peaks, pristine water, and wildlife, this is the perfect outing for park visitors who want to break away from the crowded overlooks and hiking trails. Plus, traveling by canoe provides an idyllic way to travel deeper into the park without the effort of hiking.

At Lake Louise, our guests skip the long canoe-rental line everyone else waits in. Renting a canoe at the boathouse can mean an hour or more in the public queue, but through a special arrangement with the boathouse, you don't. If you'd like to paddle the famous turquoise water beneath the Victoria Glacier, the canoe is an optional add-on you rent and pay for at the boathouse, and we get you on the water quickly. It's the highlight of a full day across three of the Canadian Rockies' most iconic lakes. You'll visit Emerald Lake in the morning, stop for lunch at Lake Louise Village (own expense), take in the Lake Louise shoreline, then travel past the Valley of the Ten Peaks to Moraine Lake. Personal vehicles aren't allowed at Moraine, so we handle access for you, with no shuttle reservation needed. Expect a full day of roughly 9 to 10 hours in a small group of up to 14, with roundtrip transport, a local guide, and all park permits and parking handled.

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.

This canoe adventure showcases the spectacular nature of Banff National Park—away from the crowds. Traveling down the picturesque Bow River on a 12-person canoe, your entire crew will glide through the backcountry, catching views you’d never get from behind your windshield. With your guide leading the way, you’ll learn all about the park’s flora and fauna, deeply enriching your experience of Canada’s first national park.

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)

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.

Heart Creek Canyon, which is conveniently located near Banff and Canmore, is a prime destination for canyoning. This half-day adventure is great for beginners who are curious about the sport. Learn to rappel in a safe environment with a certified instructor, and practice your skills as each rappel increases in difficulty. Enjoy magical views throughout the experience.

Canoeing along the Bow River provides the perfect vantage point for spotting Canada’s famous wildlife. As you paddle, enjoy working as a team with your fellow paddlers while a guide navigates the big canoe and shares stories about the surroundings. While traveling up the scenic river, you can hope to spot elk, bald eagles, beavers, and more—all without the exertion of hiking.

Join us on a group kayak paddle to explore the Bow River. Check out the local wildlife, capture that perfect picture in front of Mount Rundle and maybe even catch a glimpse of our resident beaver, Barry. The early bird gets the worm, and in this case, the kayaker gets to hit the river first (before rentals are open)! Experience paddling the Bow River or Creek with no other boats (apart from your group). It's magic. Connect with nature and other kayakers as you enjoy the serene surroundings and picturesque views. Your friendly hosts will help answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Please note that participants MUST have previous kayak experience and should be physically fit as the experience can be adventurous and you may be required to portage. Double kayaks and single kayaks available. Single Kayaks: Rates are per person. Minimum age: 16 years. Double Kayaks: Rates apply to two people per kayak. Minimum age: 10 years.

Paddle a fun, 5-mile (8-km.) section of the Athabasca River on a 2-hour whitewater adventure from Jasper that’s perfect for first-time rafters. You’ll ride frothing Class II rapids through ‘The Expressway,’ a wide stretch of river that combines rapids with calm, flowing water. This 2-hour Jasper whitewater trip includes all equipment, as well as round-trip transport from downtown Jasper.