McLeod River at Whitecourt: From an access point along West Mountain Road, south of town, you can tube or raft the mild current back toward Whitecourt. The float north into the Cowboy Trail town takes about two hours. If you’re confident in your water awareness and safety equipment (and have an entry-and-exit strategy), it’s also possible to go river tubing on your own-on the Pembina River route described above, and elsewhere.Įlbow River at Bragg Creek: Entering at Bragg Creek Provincial Park means you can experience the river without the Calgary crowds. Tubing the Oldman River in Lethbridge (photo: Travel Alberta) Bring your own tube to either free attraction-or rent one for $5 at Discovery Canyon. Likewise, Whitecourt’s Rotary Park features a pair of “river slides” with a series of pools and drops for tubing and play. The big draw at Red Deer’s Discovery Canyon is its lazy river, which takes tubers down a gentle incline toward a wading pool and beach. While families are often able to enjoy natural floating under good conditions, younger kids sometimes have just as much fun at water parks made especially for them. Among the unique tour options: a sunset float, and “Raft + Craft” tour with light dinner and a tour of Troubled Monk Brewery. Guests are provided with all the necessaries-including transportation back to their vehicles-plus a knowledgeable guide and excellent opportunities to glimpse local landmarks and wildlife. Pursuit Adventures: Pursuit offers curated group floats down an idyllic stretch of the Red Deer River. Shuttle service is also offered from downtown to the starting point of your river journey. The company rents sturdy rafts, paddles and safety gear for navigating the rivers, and can advise you on plotting the best course for a safe float. Lazy Day Raft Rentals: While it’s possible to float the Bow and Elbow rivers through Calgary on your own, hazards like bridge pillars-as well as the Bow’s relatively rapid flow-mean you may find it more convenient to gear up with Lazy Day Raft Rentals. (The longer route can feature rougher waters and is subject to river conditions.) Transportation back to your parked vehicle is also provided. River Lifestyle Company: This company rents adult- and kid-size tubes, plus life vests, for two enjoyable trips along the North Saskatchewan River in Devon, southwest of Edmonton. Once you’ve exited, Pembina River Tubing provides a ride back to your car. The company also monitors the river’s variable water level: Under ideal circumstances, a languid current ensures a family-friendly two- to three-hour journey a lower flow, however, creates shallow areas that must be portaged, while higher water levels make tubing trips a riskier proposition. Pembina River Tubing: Park at this outfitter’s lot just outside Entwistle (and securely stow your keys with them), then rent a tube and life jacket and glide down the river, through a 62-metre Ice Age gorge, toward Pembina River Provincial Park. For a lazy-day activity, however, it does take a bit of planning: Have you checked the water levels of your preferred river? Do you have the right safety gear? How will you get back to your car once your float is finished? Fortunately a handful of outfitters offer equipment and logistical support to make your river tubing excursion appropriately stress-free. There are few better ways to spend a hot Alberta summer day than by reclining in an inner tube or raft and floating along a river, with the sun warming your face while the cool water caresses your dangling arms and legs.
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