Bow River Rafting: What First-Timers Need to Know Before You Book
Booking a first raft rental on the Bow River usually comes with a few real questions. Is it whitewater? What if the weather does not cooperate? This guide answers what first-time floaters in Calgary ask most before they book, using Lazy Day Raft Rentals’ own rental terms.
Is Bow River Rafting Whitewater?
No. The stretch of the Bow River that Lazy Day floats is classified as Level 1, the calmest classification recognized by the American Whitewater Association, described as fast-moving water with shallow spots and small waves and no serious obstructions. There are no rapids on this stretch of the river. Floaters looking for an adrenaline-driven whitewater trip typically head to Canmore or Banff instead, where several whitewater outfitters run faster water.
Because the float is Level 1, no prior rafting experience is required, although basic paddling skills help. First-timers can review the full Rafting FAQ for the instructional paddling video and river safety course link.
What Are the Age and Weight Guidelines?
Minimum Age to Rent
The minimum age to sign the rental waiver and rent a raft is 18. Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds can rent with a parent or guardian’s signature on the waiver, and that parent or guardian does not need to be in the boat.
Who Can Ride Along
All ages are welcome on the raft itself. Lazy Day carries personal flotation devices (PFDs) in infant, child, youth, adult, and adult XL sizes, plus four dog PFD sizes. The one firm limit is for infants: Transport Canada has not approved a PFD for babies under 20 lb (9 kg), so infants must meet that weight before they can float. Rafts hold between 4 and 12 people, so most groups and families fit comfortably in a single boat.
What Happens If the Weather Turns?
Cancelling Before Your Float
Lazy Day runs a 24-hour cancellation policy. Cancelling more than 24 hours ahead earns a full refund, while cancelling within 24 hours moves the booking to a new date. For inclement weather specifically, guests receive a credit toward a new rafting date rather than losing the booking.
If a Storm Rolls In Mid-Float
If bad weather is forecast for the day, Lazy Day will reschedule the booking or issue a gift card for the full rental amount. Guests are asked to monitor conditions throughout unpredictable weather, since the renter decides whether to start or continue a float, and returning the raft safely remains the renter’s responsibility.
What Safety Gear Comes With the Rental?
Every rental includes a PFD (life jacket), paddle, and safety kit, and we walk every renter through the gear before setting off. PFD sizing and requirements in Canada follow Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide, and Lazy Day has a full breakdown of why wearing a life jacket matters on the Bow in a separate post, The Importance of Wearing Life Jackets During a River Float.
Can I Bring My Dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on the Bow, and Lazy Day Raft Rentals carries dog PFDs in four sizes, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Calgary leash laws apply anywhere off private property. For the full picture on floating with a dog, see Can I Take My Dog on a River Float?.
Book a Bow River Raft Rental
Book a raft rental for 4 to 12 people or check the full Rafting FAQ for anything not covered here. Floating solo or as a pair? Lazy Day also offers SuperTubes, kayaks, and packrafts for 1 to 2 people, so there’s a safe way for groups of any size, from 1 to 12, to get on the Bow River.