Boating
Banff National Park offers visitors a range of boating experiences. The park's mountain lakes and rivers provide easy flat water to advanced whitewater, and almost everything in-between for
canoeing or kayaking. Boats with motors, both gas and electric, are restricted to Lake Minnewanka only. Use of personal watercraft, (such as Sea Doos, Jet Skis etc.) or water skiing equipment is not permitted on any water bodies. Camping, hiking and just plain sightseeing add the finishing touches to a mountain boating experience.
Canoeing
© Parks Canada / Heather Dempsey
For Your Safety
Cold Water Can Kill
Recommended Equipment
Lakes
Rivers
Camping
Fishing
Boat Rentals & Commercial Tours
For Your Safety
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Plan appropriately - choose a trip suitable for your level of experience and current conditions such as weather and water levels. There are several guidebooks and how-to books on canoeing available in the bookstores in Banff.
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Limited route information is available at park information centres.
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Leave word of your plans and when you plan to return.
Cold Water Can Kill
In summer, the water in Banff's lakes and rivers is seldom above 10°C (50° F). Glacier-fed mountain lakes and rivers are especially cold. Small craft should always stay close to shore. A capsize into these waters could result in hypothermia. Read up on hypothermia before you set out.
Recommended Equipment
Clothing: It may be a warm day when you start out, but mountain weather can change quickly. Take along wet weather gear to keep you dry, warm and protect you from the wind. Also carry a complete change of clothing in case you fall in.
For whitewater trips, wear a wetsuit or drysuit and wetsuit boots or neoprene socks with runners to keep your feet warm.
Staying Dry: Use a waterproof bag or double bag your gear in two heavy-duty plastic garbage bags (sealed individually), to keep your spare clothing and gear dry.
Checklist – Personal Equipment
Life jacket with whistle attached
Spare warm clothing
Rain gear
Food & drinking water
Tarp or bivy sac
Rescue gear (throw rope, saw)
First Aid Kit
Spare paddle
Repair kit
Matches
Bailer
Lakes
Canoeing on Hector Lake © Parks Canada
Rowboats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and other non-motorized boats are allowed on all lakes in the park. In practice though, only a small number of lakes are accessible. Motors, both gas and electric, are restricted to Lake Minnewanka. There is an unloading ramp and parking area for boats and trailers here. There are no public boat docks in the park.
Wind Warning: Beware of the very sudden strong winds and waves on big lakes such as Lake Minnewanka and Hector Lake; especially in the afternoon.
Some Accessible Lakes:
Banff area: Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack, Johnson and the Vermilion Lakes.
Lake Louise area: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
Icefields Parkway : Herbert, Hector, Bow and Waterfowl Lakes.
Rivers
Mountain rivers present a variety of natural dangers. Changing water levels, fast flow, sweepers, heavily wooded undercut banks, and shifting gravel bars mean that the location of hazards is completely unpredictable.
Paddlers must be constantly aware of the potential for danger at every bend of the river. These rivers demand that paddlers have precise control and the skills to perform tight maneuvering. Paddlers must be prepared and able to carry out rescue efforts for their group. You are in a remote area and in the case of an accident there will be significant delay before park rescuers will be able to get to you.
n.b. River water contains glacial silt, fecal streptococci or giardia, so it should be filtered and then treated or boiled before drinking. To be safe, bring along your own drinking water.
Health Canada - Drinking Water in the Great Outdoors
Camping
Paddlers must camp at designated roadside or backcountry campgrounds. Two Jack and Waterfowl Lakes are car accessible campgrounds, which have lakeside sites. Lake Minnewanka and Hector Lake have backcountry campgrounds The only camping along the Bow River is at the backcountry campground Bo1C (river access-only), at Johnston Creek. (N.B. A Backcountry Use and Camping Pass is required for any overnight stays in the backcountry). Fires are allowed in designated fire pits only.
Fishing
It is possible to fish in the park provided you have a valid National Park Fishing Permit and follow the regulations . A fishing permit for Banff National Park can be purchased at Parks Canada Information Centres and local retail outlets in Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise.
Boat Rentals & Commercial Tours
Small open motorboats can be rented at Lake Minnewanka. Canoes are available in Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Raft tours are available on the Bow River and lake cruises at Lake Minnewanka.