Floating down bow river south of 22, to Carseland

[Graham_A_M]

First off, don't kill me, I'm posting this from my phone, but alas with searching I didn't find any relevant threads about this in particular.

(To avoid a long back story, no we don't want to do any rafting within the Calgary city limits).

So with a pile of friends from out of town, that I wanted to go rafting with, I was hoping to start at the edge of the city limits (such as 22X) and continue on south possibly down to Carseland, or start even in (let's say) Canmore and end up by COP.

Anybody with experience doing this? Not too sure where to park or what the route is like, as I've never done this before. All my unguided rafting comes from Princess Island park to where we live by the east end of Canyon meadows drive SE.

Just hoping to spend two to three hours in the water, without much if any rapids as it'll be a 6 person raft with limited maneuverability. Nice scenery would be much appreciated, so would starting beyond ghost lake be the best bet? Entirely new at this. I'm sorry for the n00b like questions.

[revelations]

For paddlers but floaters apply as well ... ghost to Cochrane apparently is a full day.

http://www.paddlingabc.com/riverwiki/rivers/bow_river_ghost_dam_to_cochrane

[ercchry]

22x to carseland took us about 5hrs in canoes... was super boring water.

dont think you can do canmore to COP... that would be insanely long and i think there is a dam in the way.

can do banff to canmore (drop in right after the falls near the golf course) this is ~4hr, BUT depending on the flow its pretty crazy for crappy rafts.

ghost to cochrane is a decent one, should fit within your time frame too... or you can always flow the sheep down near okotoks, havent done it in years so couldnt give you in and out puts

[ExtraSlow]

There are a lot of entry and exit points south of town.

Firstly, you are underestimating the distances. 22x (AKA Fish Creek boat launch) to carsland is a hell of a lot more than 3 hours, maybe eight? I've never gone that far, but eventually you hit the reservoir, and are in for a lot of paddling to get to the launch.

Also, upstream of Calgary, there are several dams in teh river. Bearspaw, Ghost, seebee. You can't float over those . . .
On that side, I have put in on the lower side of Ghost and floated to Cochrane before. That is a pretty ride. Can't recall how long it took, but something like three hours.

I think you can buy it at MEC, there is a guide put out by the canoe clubs that outlines the various access points, and approximate times between them. That's what you need. You should call them or stop by to chat with them.

[E46..sTyLez]

I haven't tried it post-flood, so it could be completely different now...:dunno:

[Graham_A_M]

^ k I'll go and buy that guide today then, thank you for that. I had no idea it existed. K so it looks like Ghost to Cochrane would be the best bet, yeah I figured 22X to Carseland would be catastrophically boring leave alone 8 hours of boring (thought it was a 4 hour hitch), but I think the first choice would be great. If it could be done in that, then that's ideal. Yeah 2-5 hours is great. Anymore then 5-6 and it can get to be a bit much of the same thing.

[C_Dave45]

My Dad and I fished from McKinnon Flats to Carseland. It was a good 10 hours, but we stopped a lot along the way to fish. The last leg was really boring and even had to paddle it was so slow.

Here are other float times:

Bow River Float Times (http://www.sportsrent.ca/bow-river-float-times/)

[ercchry]

there is also a service road for a pipeline that is closer to cochrane if you want to shorten that one up a bit

[Graham_A_M]

^ k I'm at the hospital right now getting a splint for a broken finger, after this I'll head down to MEC and pick up that book and see what they have to say. Thanks a ton for the help so far everyone. Next time there is a big beyond meet, supper is on me.

Just a bit nervous with the whole dam aspect. Normally I've always traversed the bow in Calgary, and it was quite easy to spot and go around the dam as it's so well traversed. On a new part of the river, I just hope there is as much warning as other places.

[jeffh]

I enjoyed starting under graves bridge at Glenmore and Deerfoot. Plenty of the float is within Fish Creek park. Then get out at Fish Creek boat launch, just before 22x. Think its about 2.5 hrs. And you can even head over to Sikome Lake for a 'warmer' dip/swim, to possibly wear off some of that boozin. I think you can rent good size inflatable rafts from UofC.

[Fly Fishin']

Police to Makinnon Flats is really nice, or Mak to Carsland. Both are good full days, with lots of slow water and fast runs. You can use Bow River Shuttles to move your car so at the end of the day it's pack and go, no spending all that time waiting in the morning to move cars around.

If your fishing bring rapellas and spoons. Or bring 1000 flies and use 6....

[ExtraSlow]

Didn't that shuttle company (Bow river shuttles) shut down? Or was it a different one? The one my buddy used on the regular is closed for good.

[Cos]

.

[Fly Fishin']

One of the shuttle services shut it's doors but bow river shuttles is still going strong

[BlueHaloGirl]

The book you want to pick up is Mark Lund's Guide for Alberta Paddlers
http://members.shaw.ca/marksguide/
^ this is his website.
I've taken lessons and paddled plenty with him and he knows his stuff. Keep in mind things have changed since the flood.

22x to Carseland is a good beginner float on a very large wide slow moving river. Be prepared to take out prior to the provincial park as you will see the sings for the Carseland weir.

Ghost Dam to Cochrane is very nice day trip (about 4-5 hours) closer to 5 if your floating and not paddling. The put in at the dam is a long haul to the river and you will need to drop your raft down the hill. Get wheels is you can to help get it down. You can cut the trip by an hour if you put in at the gas plant. Also a great lunch stop is at Wildcat island it's about half way.
(I'm paddling this stretch this Saturday with a group of canoes from Bow Waters Canoe Club)

Canmore to Cochrane is a no go. Not only are there dams (Sebee, Poccatarra, Ghost) You have a massive log jam just east of Canmore around Dead Man's Flats. If you look at the bow river in this area on Google earth you can see just how massive this log jam death trap is.
It's doable and I've done it in a tandem canoe but you have to know how to get around it by paddling up river in the small channels around the log jam. NOT FOR BEGINNERS!!!!!

Banff to Canmore is NOT a float or a beginner paddle. There are log jams on Hoodoo corner and plenty of fast moving water on the corners and sweepers and strainers. You need to be able to maneuver your raft to avoid these. Things have changed since the flood.

A good run through the city is Baker Park boat launch to the 12th street bridge or to MacKay Point if you want a shorter run. Just keep in mind the river gets pushy around the 10th street bridge and you will need to paddle. But it's a great trip.

Anyhow lots of options!!!
Cheers,
Yolanda

[Brent.ff]

Bow River Shuttles did shut down. Mel Franklin's Calgary Bow River Shuttles is still open.

Yes, it's very confusing.

22x - still in the city limits until you hit deerfoot extender. Have your lifejackets on and be prepared for the fire boat to bug you.

I'd do 22x to Mackinnon Flats if you want a semi-long float, and nice scenery. Nothing too crazy to run into. Pretty much a straight shot now.

[Graham_A_M]

^K I'll check out the 22X to Mackinnon then, sounds decent.


Hmm, thanks Yolanda, alright I'll scope out the gas plant to Cochrane, seems like a good bet. Frick I forgot it in Calgary but I picked up a book by Ales (long [Netherlands based] last name) about rivers and canoeing in southern Alberta yesterday.

Yeah the few friends I'm going with probably aren't overly experienced with navigating rivers, so the easier the better.

Once again, thanks

[Brent.ff]

Make sure you have some paddles or oars just to not get bounced into the banks. Try to stay off the bank or the anglers will be pissed (ex-guide speaking). Just don't be dumb and watch where you're going.


If you want shorter, can put in at Policemens flats, but you'll have to paddle semi hard right off the bat to avoid the trees down the bank.

Take a look at Bing maps. There maps have been updated since the flood (googles haven't)

[Nitro5]

How policed are these areas? If I want to float I would like to have a few beers. Not get smashed, but enjoy the trip. In Calgary it's too much hassle because of the level of enforcement. Is it different outside of the city?

[Graham_A_M]

^ it's the police presence thats the entire reason we're avoiding inside the city limits. We bought a few beers last time I went two years ago with my brother and I, and ended up with $600/fines each. Not only that because our "bailing device" didn't meet their standards, that was the end for us, had to pack everythig up and taxi it back to the car we left at Princess island. All that work and we were on the water for perhaps 10 minutes. :nut: so won't be doing that again. :banghead: I've talked to a handful of others that raft outside the city and nobody bothers them, so that's what I'm after.

Yes we have a ton of oars left over for the 6 person raft this time. Bouncing off the shores is incredibly dangerous. So we've never done that. Not only that but in the high pedistrian ttaffic areas such as shores, there may be broken glass in the shallow areas, so that's another reason why.

[speedog]

Originally posted by Nitro5
How policed are these areas? If I want to float I would like to have a few beers. Not get smashed, but enjoy the trip. In Calgary it's too much hassle because of the level of enforcement. Is it different outside of the city?

The rules within Alberta are "Alcohol may be consumed on board a boat in Alberta so long as the boat is equipped with a permanent toilet, cooking facilities, sleeping facilities and it is anchored or docked."

Probably more comes down to how much law enforcement is out and about where you might happen to be - I've consumed a number of drinks in the past on smaller fishing boats or ski boats but then I've never had any interaction with any type of law enforcement while in any type of floating vessel over the 5+ decades I've been around.

So it comes down to how much law enforcement there is on the Bow River outside of Calgary's city limits.

[Graham_A_M]

^so it's okay to drink on a docked or anchored houseboat basically, no less.

[C_Dave45]

Thats what turned us right off from floating on the Bow. First time we went, we had a cooler stocked with snacks, fruit, water and beer. Plus our life jackets in the boat (not worn). Floated past several cops who would ask for our life jackets. I held them up, he gave us a smile and "thumbs up" and we carried on.

Ever since I've heard about the crack down I can't be bothered to even try. I'm so tired of the rules getting more and more stringent only because of Darwin idiots and douchebags.

When we rent a pontoon boat in BC, the only thing the rental company tells us is "don't have the skipper drunk, or drinking while operating". Everyone else is fine. So we spend the whole day eating and drinking. The vessel doesn't meet the requirements that are listed above, so I guess we've been either lucky, or the boat-cops don't worry too much about a family on a pontoon boat.

Sick of getting "ruled" to death in today's politically correct world.

[speedog]

Originally posted by Graham_A_M
^so it's okay to drink on a docked or anchored houseboat basically, no less.
Or a cabin cruiser or sailboat that meets the requirements - certainly there's no vessel you can put on the Bow River in the near vicinity of Calgary that would be legal to drink on.

[Graham_A_M]

Yeah Dave I had the same experiences many years ago, as my bro and I (and others) have been doing this for almost 10 years now, we had much the same stories, it was all good. Fast forward, asides from a few beers in the cooler, and not much else, we got bent over pretty hardcore that day. I know damn near anything on the bow is somehow unlawful, but without the CFD breathing down our necks, I'm not too worried.

Kind of a shame, on a hot day nothing beats seeing Calgary from the river with good friends.... but it's just not worth any chance of a repeat of last time.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Fly Fishin']

Haha, we run a beg drift boat in the NW and both the cops and fire boats go way around. They all give a wave and haul ass out. When I take my wife out I use my pontoon and tie her boat (canadian tire dingy) to mine and the same thing. It seams to me that if you invest in a fly fishing boat it brainwashed them into thinking your "responsible"...but I have also seen I guy in a dingy with a 36 pack in his bear gut.

[BlueHaloGirl]

Yes within city limits your going to run into the fire department/police enforcing the rules of the river. Personally I don't mind them being there and enforcing the rules, unfortunately there are individuals who have no place being on the water and those are the ones that ruin it for the rest of us. I can understand why they enforce it within the city. I've watched people with no clue go down the river left through Harvies Passage (prior flood) and their rafts get stuck in the holes and they can't get out until the raft finally flipped and now they are swimming thought the next two drops. Luckily none of them where keepers and would flush people out. Just too many that don't respect the river and have any understanding of how dangerous moving water can be.

That being said we paddled Ghost Dam to Cochrane this past Saturday and it was busy on the river. Lots of rafts, dingy and canoes/kayaks. We only saw two fish and wildlife officers on seados checking fishing license. Good stretch if your looking for semi intermediate float with no fire/police presence. Keep in mind there are a few rapids with the largest being the gas plant rapids. Everything is avoidable though if you don't want to run it.

[Fly Fishin']

How is the fishing in the stretch? I'm looking for a new stretch for this weekend. Below bears paw has been good this year.

[Env-Consultant]

Originally posted by Fly Fishin'
Police to Makinnon Flats is really nice, or Mak to Carsland. Both are good full days, with lots of slow water and fast runs. You can use Bow River Shuttles to move your car so at the end of the day it's pack and go, no spending all that time waiting in the morning to move cars around.

If your fishing bring rapellas and spoons. Or bring 1000 flies and use 6....

Second this. Super easy access on both ends and a great day trip!

[Graham_A_M]

^once again, what's "police" to McKinnon? Trying to do all the ground work now before the weekend.:nut:

[BlueHaloGirl]

@flyfishin' If your asking about ghost to Cochrane stretch I saw most of them fishing closer to Cochrane. A few had rods and fished while floating. There is also Wildcat Island about halfway that you can stop at and fish. As for how good they bite I don't know.
It's a fun stretch though.

[BlueHaloGirl]

@Graham_A_M

If your looking at doing the bow south of the city to McKinnon Flats here is some info for you from our Canoe Club, Bow Waters.

Bow River Fish Creek to McKinnon Flats

Suitable for families and cameras, see herons, pelicans and more
can be a long day, specially with a headwind, early start of the day

~ 31 km, ~ 6 hours

***********************************************
Put in is Fish Creek, drive to the boat launch, it's down by sikome lake. You can park your vehicle right there by the boat launch.

You can shorten the paddle if you want to put in where deerfoot trail goes over the bow river, I'm not sure how the access if there as our club does not use this put in. I do see lots of fisherman using it though.
Also look like you will be floating right by the Hell On Wheels set which is on river right just before your take out at McKinnon Flats.

[Brent.ff]

Originally posted by Graham_A_M
^once again, what's "police" to McKinnon? Trying to do all the ground work now before the weekend.:nut:

Policemen's Flats. Don't park like an idiot (blocking the launch or turn around points) and you'll be fine. Again, the city limits are to Deerfoot extender, so if you put in at 22, you're within the city for ~5 km of river.

Note you still need to have life jackets and the minimum requirements for boating, even out of the city. I have been checked by the Strathmore FD and CO's while in my drift boat, but rarely. It's a federal requirement. At least out side of the city you don't have a bylaw saying you have to be wearing them (Fly Fishin', I've been bugged by CPD in my drift boat and had to wear them until they left our site)

You'll be fine bringing a few beers in the raft. Just don't be blatant about it. Leave the stereo at home and you'll be left alone.

Too bad you'll miss the filming of the Lewis and Clark show for HBO. Some cool old boats around the Highwood confluence, if not a little annoying with the jet boat presence.

[Street_Soldier]

Also be careful with what you are leaving in your car, there's been a lot of thefts at the boat launches. Take your valuables with you or leave them at home. Have fun