The 10 best SUP spots around Calgary
Are you planning to explore Alberta but don't know where to practice your water activities? The Quebec SUP team offers you 10 places in the Rockies where you can spend unforgettable moments on your board.
1. Lake Louise
Banff National Park, Alberta.
Lake Louise has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. With the view it offers of Mount Victoria, the Victoria Glacier and its translucent turquoise water, it is undoubtedly a place not to be missed during a visit to the Canadian Rockies. The best time to enjoy Lake Louise is early in the morning, because being very touristy it quickly becomes busy. It is possible to access it by car and also by using the Shuttle service. Please note that if you choose the transport service your board must be inflatable.
Photo credit: thebanffblog.com
2. Peyto Lake
Banff National Park, Alberta.
Located 40km from Lake Louise, Lake Peyto is undoubtedly a must-see. In summer, the rock dust that comes off the mountains mixes with the water, giving it an unmistakable turquoise color. Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun, because among the glaciers the cool wind can be deceiving.
Photo credit: travelalberta.com
3. Moraine Lake
Banff National Park, Alberta.
Like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is one of the most visited lakes in the world. It represents an additional opportunity to go SUP on calm, turquoise water, in the heart of the Alberta mountains. June and July are the best months to visit as the melting glaciers create different shades of blue in the water. Since the lake is no longer accessible by car, you will need to get there using the shuttle service from Banff.
Photo: Maria Michaud
4. Johnson Lake
Banff National Park, Alberta.
Lake Johnson has an approximate surface area of 1.5 km. It is therefore large enough to allow several paddlers to be on the water at the same time, and small enough that waves are very rare. The beach is large enough to allow you to easily inflate your board, and there is a picnic table area on site. It is therefore a perfect place for a moment with family, with your pet or simply for a moment alone with yourself.
Photo credit: travelalberta.com
5. Canmore reservoir
Spray Valley Provincial Park, Canmore, Alberta
With its calm waters and easy access with a boat, the Canmore reservoir is an ideal place for families as well as to learn paddle boarding. Located only about 1 hour from Calgary, this place offers many breathtaking scenery as well as a calm allowing you to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Photo credit: Sarah McMenemy
6. Quarry Lake
Canmore, Alberta
This very small body of water is perfect for a quick and/or relaxing outing on the water. If you want to paddle with your young child or pet on your board, this lake is perfect for that. The place is super accessible to launch your boat so you can also go there for SUP yoga without having to worry too much.
Photo credit: travelbanffcanada.com
7. Barrier Lake
Kananaskis, Alberta
Barrier Lake is part of Kananaskis which is closest to Calgary. It offers a 360 view of the mountains that surround it as well as magnificent turquoise water. The place can become particularly difficult to practice SUP when the wind picks up, so we advise you to take a look at the weather forecast before your departure.
Photo credit: travelbanffcanada.com
8. Two Jack Lake
Banff, Alberta.
Very close to Banff, this lake is a perfect place for a memorable SUP session. In addition to the incredible view of Mount Rundle, a picnic table area and a campsite are also at your disposal. The place also accepts dogs. You can therefore live the experience with your dog and camp on site, with a magnificent view of the mountains.
Photo credit: solsticepaddleboards.com
9. Bow River
Canmore, Alberta.
For fans of river SUP adventures, this place is for you. Be aware that you need to be an advanced paddler to venture out on this river for any length of time, as you will encounter rapids in a few places on your journey, as well as other more difficult sections. Make sure you have your life jacket as well as a whistle and rope. Remember, you should always have these with you, even on the calmest lakes.
Photo credit: Ehcanadatravel.com
10. LAKE MINNEWANKA
Banff National Park, Alberta.
Lake Minnewanka is the largest water source in Banff National Park. Several amenities are therefore accessible for all tastes. You can obtain a license to practice fishing there. As the lake covers 28km, note that motorboats are permitted there. From this lake, people sometimes see the Northern Lights as well as several underwater species while snorkeling.
Photo credit: Gilisports.com
We would like to inform you that in Banff National Park, new laws have been put in place to protect bodies of water. To use a personal boat in the park, you must absolutely refer to the link below before your stay.
https://parcs.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/nautiques-sports/nettoyez-videz-sechez-clean-drain-dry
The Quebec SUP team wishes you great nautical adventures in the rockies, and don't forget that we are always happy to see your photos with our boards during your excursions.
