How long does it take to float the Bow river?
There’s much adventure to be had when you float the Bow River. The main river flowing through Calgary, the Bow offers adventure or relaxation for locals and visitors alike and floating it has become an annual tradition for many. Join in the fun with city skyline views, wildlife sightseeing, and new memories when you float down the Bow. Here’s everything you need to know about float times before you go.
The Basics: How Long Is a Lazy Day Float?
The simplest answer is 2 to 4 hours for our standard float, the 15-kilometre route from West Baker Park to the Lazy Day shop near Prince’s Island Park. That said, your rental covers you for the entire day, not just the float itself, so there’s no need to rush.
Your actual time on the water depends on a few things: the flow of the river (which varies by season and recent weather; as the season gets hotter and drier, the river slows down), and how many stops you make along the way. The Bow is known for its calm, steady flow with no rapids to worry about, but even small changes in current speed add up over a 15km route. Our crew can usually give you a good read on the day’s flow when you arrive.
Bow River Average Float Times (All Launch Points)
If you’re curious how float times compare across the whole river, not just our route, here’s a breakdown by launch point and skill level, based on the official city river access map. Float times vary depending on where you put in, how many stops you take, and water conditions on the day.
Float launch areas and times for Bow River North
Beginner
- Sunnyside to St. Patrick’s Island: 0.5 hours
- Shouldice Park to Edworthy Park: 1 hour
- West Baker Park to Shouldice Park: 2 hours
- Edworthy Park to Sunnyside: 3 hours
Intermediate
- West Baker Park to Edworthy Park: 3 hours
- Edworthy Park to St. Patrick’s Island: 3.5 hours
- Shouldice Park to Sunnyside: 4 hours
- Shouldice Park to St. Patrick’s Island: 4.5 hours
Advanced
- West Baker Park to Sunnyside: 6 hours
- West Baker Park to St. Patrick’s Island: 6.5 hours
Float launch areas and times for Bow River South
Beginner
- Ogden to Graves Bridge: 1 hour
- Graves Bridge to Carburn Park: 1 hour
- Carburn Park to Douglasdale North: 1.5 hours
- Ogden to Carburn Park: 2 hours
- Graves Bridge to Douglasdale North: 2.5 hours
- Douglasdale North to Fish Creek Park: 2.5 hours
Intermediate
- Fish Creek Park to Policeman’s Flats: 3 hours
- Ogden to Douglasdale North: 3.5 hours
- Carburn Park to Fish Creek Park: 4 hours
Advanced
- Graves Bridge to Fish Creek Park: 5 hours
- Douglasdale North to Policeman’s Flats: 5.5 hours
- Ogden to Fish Creek Park: 6 hours
- Carburn Park to Policeman’s Flats: 7 hours
- Graves Bridge to Policeman’s Flats: 8 hours
- Ogden to Policeman’s Flats: 9 hours
Of course, float times depend on many factors like weather, water level, and water flow. Be sure to research these factors and the best time to float the Bow before you depart.
Making the Most of a Full Day
Since a Lazy Day rental covers the whole day, not just the 2-4 hour float itself, many guests like to take it slow. The Bow is dotted with parks, beaches, and islands along the way, some quiet and rural with lots of flora and fauna to explore, others closer to town where you can stop for lunch, ice cream, or a bathroom break.
One thing to keep in mind if you do stop along the way: keep an eye on your raft and belongings. We’ve unfortunately had a few cases of unattended rafts or gear going missing at popular stops.
Getting To and From Your Float
If you’re working with a tight schedule, factor in transportation time on either end. Our standard float starts at the West Baker Park boat launch and ends near Prince’s Island Park at our downtown shop. Free parking is available at both ends, though you’ll need a parking pass from the shop for the downtown location.
Need help getting between the two points? We offer an optional Pre-Float Shuttle for a low per-person cost, or you can arrange a second vehicle or rideshare.
Ready to Float the Bow?
Whether you have a couple of hours to spare or want to make a full day of it with stops along the way, the Bow River is ready for you. Call (403) 258-0575 or book online at www.lazydayraftrentals.com, or email [email protected] to reserve your raft, kayak, or packraft today.