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things to see + do
PHOTOGRAPHS : ( TOP TO BOTTOM ) COURTESY TOURISM CALGARY ; COURTESY TOURISM CALGARY ; COURTESY OUT FLY FISHING OUTFITTERS
R e n ta ls
Lazy Day Raft Rentals rents rafts that fit up to 12 people , as well as mandatory life jackets , for those who want to take a leisurely float down the river . Pick up your rafts at the departure point in west Calgary and drop off your equipment upon arrival to Prince ’ s Island Park downtown . lazydayraftrentals . com Visit the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre to rent rafts , kayaks , stand-up paddleboards , and canoes . You can take lessons before navigating the waters , too . ucalgary . ca / outdoorcentre If you ’ re inexperienced with rafting but want to give it a go , take a guided tour with Mukwah Rafting Tours ’ Calgary River Experience . They ’ ll provide you with all the gear you need , too . mukwah . com Foot and Chain offers guided fly-fishing tours through the Bow River fishery , as well as transportation from Calgary to more secluded spots along the river . footandchain . com Let the pros at Out Fly Fishing Outfitters or Fish Tales Fly Shop supply you with equipment and take you on a guided fishing expedition to the best spots along the Bow River . bowrivercanada . com fishtales . ca
Rock the Bow
THE BOW RIVER
North and south Calgary are divided by the stunning Bow River , a ribbon of blue that emerges from the Canadian Rocky Mountains and winds through the city . It is most visible and accessible in Prince ’ s Island Park and St . Patrick ’ s Island .
The Bow River pathway system that surrounds the Bow River is perfect for walking , biking , and running , and within Prince ’ s Island Park there are several picnic and sporting areas . Head to St . Patrick ’ s Island adjacent to East Village , which boasts its own pathway system , hiking trails , a public plaza , and children ’ s play area .
In the summertime , cruise the river in a canoe or kayak , or join the many Calgarians who will spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up sun floating on an inflatable raft ( don ’ t forget your life jacket !) For a full day experience of nature-meets-city , float from the mountain town of Canmore through the Bow Valley into Calgary .
The Bow River is one of the top three trout streams in the world , and it attracts both new and seasoned fly-fishing enthusiasts looking to catch some rainbow or brown trout in the inner-city crystal waters . While trout in the Bow River range in size from 15 to 22 inches , it ’ s not unusual to land a 24-inch giant . Look out for the legendary “ Bow River Bullet ” rainbows , known for how high they jump and how hard they fight when hooked — a welcome challenge for pros !
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