Winding its way from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Alberta foothills, Bow River is an expansive waterway. Along its route, the river passes through Calgary and the river banks are a popular outdoor recreation spot for the city dwellers. Many walking paths and scenic vistas can be found along the river. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can find kayak rentals, fly fishing options, cycling tracks and much more. Deer, great horned owls, and beavers have been spotted along Bow River.
Enjoy the thrilling experience of paddling and other water sports at Bow Waters Canoe Club. The facility offers trained experts adept at training interested outdoor enthusiasts. You can choose to be a part of adult programs, adventure-camps and other activities. Their clubhouse can also be hired for private events.
Whether your idea of outdoor adventure is a multi-day mountain expedition or an afternoon of in-line skating, the Outdoor Program Centre at the University of Calgary will have you outfitted. The center offers everything from hiking trips to cross-country ski outings, first aid courses to bicycle repair clinics, and sea kayaking tours to avalanche survival training. Its rental department loans out equipments of all kinds, whether you need a camping stove or a canoe. Prices are reasonable and the staff seems to know everything about everything.
Built across the Elbow River in Calgary, Alberta, the Glenmore Reservoir is an artificial reservoir, supported by the Glenmore Dam. Despite being an artificial water body, the lake is pristine, beautiful and a sight worth sseing, especially during summer months. In addition to providing the city with clean drinking water and providing protection from flooding, the abundance of water makes the reservoir a great spot for water sports and activities such as boating and sailing.
Situated on the Glenmore Reservoir, Glenmore Sailing School is the largest sailing school in Canada. Instructor-led sailing programs are offered May through November, and a popular program of sailing lessons for junior high and high school students are organized during May, June, September, and October. Visitors can rent boats for sailing excursions on double occupancy junior boats, or the “Jane Mary," a 22-foot sloop-rigged Catalina day cruiser fit for up to eight adults. Boats are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis and cannot be reserved. Please note, the sailing school rents boats daily from July through October, and usually on the weekends during others parts of the year.
This artificial lake nestled in the Fish Creek Provincial Park is a popular family picnic destination. The pools, playgrounds, its lovely beach makes for a perfect weekend getaway or a fun-filled day with your gang of friends or family.