Calgary: Private Self-Guided Bow River Rafting Tour

Summary

Float Calgary’s Bow River with friends or family for a new city view

You’ll float Calgary’s Bow River in your own private raft with all safety gear included, gliding past parks and neighborhoods at your own pace. See the skyline appear through trees, wave to locals along the banks, and finish right by Prince’s Island Park — it’s an easygoing way to get a new perspective on the city.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Calgary looks like from the middle of the Bow River? I didn’t really think about it until we met the Lazy Day crew at West Baker Park — they’d already set up our raft, which was honestly a relief since I’m not exactly an expert at inflating things. The air smelled faintly like fresh-cut grass from somewhere nearby, and there was this low hum of traffic in the distance but mostly just birds and water. Our guide (well, more like river wrangler) handed us our paddles and cracked a joke about “no whitewater today, promise.” I believed him — the river looked calm enough for my grandma to try it.

We drifted past Bowmont Natural Park first. I kept expecting to see someone fishing or maybe a deer, but instead there were kids skipping rocks and a couple walking their dog who waved as we floated by. The city feels different from down there — quieter somehow, with the skyline sneaking up on you between trees. At one point, my friend tried steering us toward Edworthy Park (not sure why — maybe he thought there’d be snacks?) but mostly we just let the current do its thing. The sun kept peeking through clouds and I could smell barbecue drifting over from Shouldice Park. Made me wish we’d packed more than trail mix.

The whole float took about three hours — though I heard it can be faster if the river’s moving quicker. We passed golf courses where people barely looked up from their swings, then suddenly there was Eau Claire Park and all that city energy again. Pulling up across from Prince’s Island Park felt weirdly triumphant for something so relaxed. The Lazy Day folks were waiting to help us out; they asked if we’d seen any beavers (we hadn’t) and pointed us toward free parking before sending us off into downtown. Honestly, I still think about that view back toward the city — everything felt slower for a while after that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private self-guided river rafting tour

• Arrive at West Baker Park launch point
• Receive safety gear and raft
• Board private raft with group
• Float through Bowmont Natural Park
• Pass Shouldice Park and Edworthy Park
• Drift past Shaggannapi Golf Course
• Continue to Eau Claire Park
• Enjoy cityscape views of Calgary
• Disembark across from Prince's Island Park
• Meet Lazy Day crew and finish tour

Top questions

How long does the private self-guided rafting tour in Calgary take?

The float takes about two to four hours depending on river flow.

Where does the Bow River rafting trip start and end?

You launch at West Baker Park and finish across from Prince’s Island Park in downtown Calgary.

Is experience necessary for this Calgary river rafting tour?

No experience is needed; all equipment and instructions are provided.

What is included with the private self-guided rafting tour?

Your booking includes a sanitized raft, paddles, PFDs (life jackets), safety kit, and free parking.

Are children or pets allowed on this Bow River rafting trip?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome (infants can ride in a pram or stroller), as well as dogs and service animals.

Is this Calgary river float wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to bring anything special for the rafting tour?

You should bring snacks and sunscreen; everything else is provided.

What’s included

Your day includes free parking at West Baker Park, a sanitized private raft sized for your group (from solo up to 12 people), paddles, life jackets for everyone including kids or pets, plus a full safety kit — just bring snacks and sunscreen before you set off downriver toward downtown Calgary.