The 10 best SUP places around Calgary
Planning to explore Alberta but don't know where to do 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
Lake Louise has one of the most spectacular settings in the world. With its view of Mount Victoria, the Victoria Glacier and its translucent turquoise water, it is without a doubt a place not to be missed when visiting the Canadian Rockies. The best time to enjoy Lake Louise is early in the morning, as it is very touristy and quickly becomes crowded. It is possible to get there by car and also by using the shuttle service. Please note that if you choose the shuttle service your board must be inflatable.
PHOTO: THEBANFFBLOG.COM
2. PEYTO LAKE
Located 40km from Lake Louise, Lake Peyto is without a doubt a must-see. In summer, the rock dust that comes off the mountains mixes with the water, giving it an incomparable turquoise color. Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun, because among the glaciers the cool wind can be deceiving.
PHOTO: TRAVELALBERTA.COM
3. MORAINE LAKE
Like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is one of the most visited lakes in the world. It represents an additional opportunity to 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 more reachable by car, you're gonna need to take the shuttle from Banff.
PHOTO: MARIA MICHAUD
4. JOHNSON LAKE
Johnson Lake is approximately 1.5 km in size. It is large enough for 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 inflate your board with ease, and there is a picnic table area on site. So it's a perfect place for family time, with your pet, or just for some alone time with yourself.
PHOTO: TRAVELALBERTA.COM
5. CANMORE RESERVOIR
With its calm waters and easy access with a boat, Canmore Reservoir is an ideal place for families as well as for initiation to paddle boarding. Located only about 1 hour from Calgary, this place offers many breathtaking sceneries and a calmness that allows you to reconnect with nature and yourself.
PHOTO: SARAH MCMENEMY
6. QUARRY LAKE
This very small body of water is perfect for a quick and/or relaxing trip on the water. If you feel like paddling with your young child or pet on your board, this lake is perfect for that. The place is super accessible to get your boat in the water so you can also head out for some SUP yoga without having to break your back too much.
PHOTO: TRAVELBANFFCANADA.COM
7. BARRIER LAKE
Barrier Lake is the closest Kananaskis lake to Calgary. It offers a 360 view of the surrounding mountains and beautiful turquoise water. The place can become particularly difficult to SUP when the wind picks up, so we advise you to take a look at the weather forecast before your departure.
PHOTO: TRAVELBANFFCANADA.COM
8. TWO JACK LAKE
Just outside of Banff, this lake is a perfect place for a memorable SUP session. In addition to the incredible view of Rundle Mountain, there is also a picnic table area and a campsite. The place also accepts dogs. So you can experience the place with your pooch and camp on site, with a great view of the mountains.
PHOTO: SOLSTICEPADDLEBOARDS.COM
9. BOW RIVER
For those who enjoy river SUP adventures, this is the place for you. Be aware that you need to be an advanced paddler to venture out on this river for long periods of time, as you will encounter rapids in a few places along the way, as well as other more challenging sections. Make sure you have your life jacket as well as a whistle and a rope. Remember, you should always have these with you, even on the calmest lakes.
PHOTO: EHCANADATRAVEL.COM
10. LAKE MINNEWANKA
Lake Minnewanka is the largest water source in Banff National Park. There are many amenities available to suit all tastes. You can purchase a fishing license. As the lake covers 28km, note that motorboats are permitted. From this lake, people sometimes see the northern lights as well as several species underwater, while snorkeling.
PHOTO: GILISPORTS.COM
We would like to inform you that in Banff National Park, new laws have been put in place to protect the waterways. To use a personal watercraft in the park, you must 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 water adventures in the Rockies, and don't forget that we are always happy to see your pictures with our boards during your excursions.
