Float Your Boat

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Row, row, row your boat gently down the…reservoir? Yes, the Elbow river that flows beneath Glenmore Trail, past Heritage Park and around the bend to scenic Weaslehead Flats (in reverse order) not only provides half a million Calgarians with drinking water, it also provides Calgarians with a plentiful source of family entertainment.

Heavens no, we don’t mean swimming. Swimming in the city’s drinking water reserve is frowned upon (in fact it’s downright outlawed). Think canoeing, kayaking, rowing and sailing when planning your day on the water.

If you have your own boat, there are several places to launch, including South Glenmore Park (just past 90 Ave and 24 St SW), North Glenmore Park (south of Earl Grey golf course at the south end of Crowchild Trail) and Heritage (adjacent to the Heritage Park parking lot). Both North and South Glenmore Parks have drive-in wheelchair accessible boat launches.

We love the idea of combining a reservoir paddle with a visit to the Children’s Variety (spray) Park that shares a parking lot with the South Glenmore Park launch. Another good option is a picnic lunch at one of the North Glenmore Park playgrounds following your paddle. Is your child old enough? We think a good indication of boating readiness is the ability to sit and listen to instruction. That often rules out toddlers but includes toilet-trained preschoolers and school-aged kids.

If you don’t own your own boat but know how to paddle, consider renting. The Calgary Canoe Club rents canoes out for $35/day, including life jackets, and there is easy access to the water. The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre rents a number of different canoes and kayaks ($14 per day and up) but you are responsible for transporting the boats to the water. 

If you or your children would like to learn how to paddle, both the Canoe Club and Outdoor Centre also offer canoe and kayak lessons for grown-ups and kids (minimum age eight).

Sailing on a breezy afternoon is an option that seems out of place in our semi-arid landscape. However, The Glenmore Sailing Club offers club boats, a crew finder service to members ($300 annually per family), as well as summer camps for kids eight to fourteen. The City of Calgary also offers sailing camps for kids.

Finally, if row, row, rowing your boat is more your speed, The Calgary Rowing Club offers learn-to-row lessons as well.

You don’t need to leave the city to enjoy a little lake living . Set sail for floating fun with a paddle, picnic and playground on Calgary’s manmade oasis.

Tested by Jeff A. and Greg F., Calgary