Private River Rafting Calgary: 2–12 Person Raft
Float through parks and city views without a guide steering you
Private self-guided rafting on the Bow River in Calgary lets you choose your raft size (2 to 12 people) and departure time, floating past Bowmont Natural Park, Shouldice Park, Edworthy Park and Eau Claire Park on a two to four-hour drift to Prince's Island Park. All PFDs, paddles and safety gear are included. No rafting experience is necessary, and dogs and service animals are welcome.
What’s included
- All PFDs, paddles and safety kit.
- free parking at the launch point.
- choice of raft size from 2 to 12 people.
- your preferred departure time.
- dogs and service animals welcome.
Times
Next departure: 1 Jun 2027
Information
Float the Bow River through Calgary's parks and city views on a private raft for 2 to 12 people: all safety gear included, no experience needed.
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The experience
The raft arrives sanitized and inflated at West Baker Park at your chosen time. You step in with your group (whether that's two people in a solo kayak or twelve in a full raft), and push off into a leisurely float that winds through nature, parks and residential stretches before opening onto the cityscape. The current does most of the work. Your paddles let you steer around bends and slow down when something catches your eye. Two to four hours on the water, depending on river flow, means you're not racing through the sights but drifting past them at the pace that suits your group.
The route passes Bowmont Natural Park, Shouldice Park, Edworthy Park and Shaggannapi Golf Course before the river opens into Eau Claire Park and your final stretch across from Prince's Island Park in downtown Calgary. You see the city from an angle most people never get: water-level views of the skyline, the parks that line the banks, and the quiet of the Bow even as you're floating through the heart of the city. When you reach the end, the Lazy Day crew meets you at the landing. You disembark and head on your way.
Free parking is included at the launch point. If you prefer not to drive, shuttle bus seats are available for $9 per person. All safety gear (PFDs, paddles, the full kit) comes with your raft, so you bring yourself, sunblock and whatever snacks you want on the water. Dogs are welcome, and the launch and landing areas are wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the activity suits all fitness levels.
Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How long does the private rafting trip take on the Bow River?
The float lasts two to four hours depending on river flow. You control the pace. There's no schedule pushing you along, so you can drift and take in the sights at whatever speed feels right for your group.
What size raft options are available for a private group?
You can book a raft for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 people. Solo and dual kayaks are sturdy enough to handle movement on the water, and larger rafts accommodate full family groups or friend circles.
Is rafting experience required, and are kids allowed?
No experience is necessary. The Bow River float is rated as Calgary's number one outdoor activity and suits all ages and fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and dogs are welcome too.
What's included with the private raft rental?
All PFDs, paddles and safety gear are included, plus free parking at the launch point in West Baker Park. You choose your departure time, and the raft arrives sanitized and ready when you arrive.
Which parks and sights do you pass on the float?
The route takes you past Bowmont Natural Park, Shouldice Park, Edworthy Park and Shaggannapi Golf Course, then through Eau Claire Park and ends across from Prince's Island Park in downtown Calgary. You float through nature, parks and residential areas before the cityscape opens up.
Is there a shuttle option if I don't want to drive to the launch point?
Yes. Shuttle bus seats to West Baker Park are available for $9 per person, so you can skip the drive and go straight to your raft.
Operated by Lazy Day Raft Rentals. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Private River Rafting Calgary: 2–12 Person Raft
3h
from CA$ 247 per person
≈ US$ 177 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.