We’re officially closed for the 2025 season as of August 24 — thank you for floating with RiverWatch!

Join our waitlist and be first in line for 2026!

Public bookings for EcoFloats open in spring 2026, but by joining our exclusive waitlist now, you’ll unlock front-of-the-line access to the best dates before they’re released to the public.

Reserve your spot on the waitlist today and make sure you don’t miss out on another unforgettable season on the river!

Click here for waitlist 👉 http://bit.ly/4p7IQjZ

Group Discounts Available

Planning to book 13 or more seats? A group discount may apply! Please contact us at ecofloats@riverwatch.ab.ca before booking to learn more.

Can't attend your float?

• Donate your seats to our "Floats For Kids" seat donation program.
• RiverWatch is a registered charity founded in 1995. All donations are tax deductible.
• Email us at ecfloats@riverwatch.ab.ca to learn more.

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UNPLUG. UNWIND. YOUR RIVER IS WAITING.

Your Bow River Adventure through south Calgary and Fish Creek Provincial Park begins here! Experience Calgary Like Never Before – Book a RiverWatch EcoFloat!

This isn’t just a float – it’s an experience. Perfect for friends, families, couples, and corporate groups (ages 6+) looking to reconnect with nature, history, and the spirit of Calgary. Take a moment to breathe it all in—the energy of the river, the pulse of the city, and the sense of adventure that only a journey like this can bring.

Join Calgary's official river guides for a 2.5-hour interpretive floats through south Calgary. Discover hidden riverfront secrets, hear the stories of Calgary's past, and learn about the vital role the Bow River plays in our lives.

From the bridges that define the skyline to the wildlife that calls the river home, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this incredible natural wonder. Learn how the Bow River shapes the city, supports local ecosystems, and provides most of the drinking water that sustains us all.

RiverWatch is a registered charity, thank you for your support!

Every EcoFloat you book helps fund science float experiences for schools across Alberta. In 2025, we celebrate 30 years of impact—reaching over 200,000 students with hands-on STEM and watershed education since 1995.

Don’t Miss Out!

Many dates sold out well in advance last year – book your 2025 EcoFloat now and make this summer unforgettable.Get ready for an inspiring, educational, and unforgettable river adventure.

The Journey Begins:

• After meeting your guides and fellow adventurers at the Boat Launch Parking in Fish Creek Provincial Park (just off Bow Bottom Trail), you’ll hop aboard our shuttle for a scenic ride upriver to the starting point at Graves Landing Boat Launch. From there, it’s just you, our professional guides, and the majestic Bow River – the perfect setting for one of Calgary’s most breathtaking nature experiences.
• Your float begins here where the Glenmore Trail spans the Bow, a stretch known for its thriving wildlife and stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled for soaring birds along with the occasional fly fisherman perfecting their cast in the pristine waters. You’ll quickly see why this spot on the Bow River is a favourite for nature lovers, anglers, and adventurers alike

Islands, Bridges, Dogs and Pelicans

• Within the first 10 minutes of your float, you’ll glide past the first island on your journey – a true haven for birds, including eagles and herons. This stretch of the Bow River is a living postcard, full of wildlife moments waiting to be captured.
• Keep your eyes sharp! You might just catch a glimpse of one of the island’s surprise residents – a deer who calls this lush hideaway home and who was potted multiple times by our guests and guides last summer.
• As you drift a little further, look to your left – this is your chance to snap a perfect shot of pelicans perched on the sun-soaked rocks, their sharp eyes locked on the water below, waiting for the perfect moment to snag their lunch. It’s a classic Bow River scene, and a reminder that on this float, you’re just a guest in their world.
• Soon you’ll float past Carburn Park, under Eric Harvie Bridge and past the lively Sue Higgins dog park—keep an eye out for dogs splashing and living thier best life along the shoreline!
• Look up! See the cormorants perched like silent sentinels on the bare branches, their dark silhouettes watching you drift by. Ever wonder why most of the trees they choose are dead? You’ll soon find out – our guides have the inside scoop on this fascinating river mystery.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

• Soon, the Bow River veers away from the bustling roads and flows right into the heart of Fish Creek Provincial Park – one of the largest urban parks in North America, stretching over 13 square kilometers. This massive green space is a vital ecological haven, providing a natural refuge for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, beavers, and over 100 species of birds.
• Designated as a provincial park in 1975, Fish Creek Provincial Park serves as a critical wildlife corridor, allowing animals to move safely through the urban landscape and maintain healthy populations.
• As you float through this sanctuary, you’ll pass by many islands, winding trails, and diverse habitats that make this park a treasured escape for nature lovers, cyclists, hikers, and paddlers alike. It’s a reminder that even in the heart of a bustling city, nature always finds a way to thrive.

First Stop – Bankside Day Use Area

• Take a break and take it all in – this is your chance to stretch your legs, snap that perfect selfie with your group, and soak in views of the towering cliffs across the river, framed by the stunning homes perched atop the valley. Washrooms are a short walk away and there are picnic tables to eat with your group and many shaded areas to get out of the sun.
• But there’s more to this spot than meets the eye – those cliffs are part of the ancient Paskapoo Formation, a geological layer formed over 60 million years ago. Carved by glaciers and shaped by the relentless flow of the Bow, they’re a reminder that this river has been carving its way through Calgary for ages.

The Final Stretch

• As we leave Bankside, we float our way toward the Fish Creek Boat Launch. This final stretch is your chance to soak in the last glimpses of the river’s beauty. The water here narrows, and the currents quicken, offering a fun ride as you drift past towering cottonwoods and dense riverbank forests.
• Be on the lookout as you approach the final bend – pelicans are often seen here, gracefully paddling in groups or on the rocks, their sharp eyes scanning the water for their next meal. It’s another reminder of the thriving ecosystems that make this stretch of the Bow River so unique.

Soon, you’ll step back onto solid ground, your adventure coming full circle with fresh memories, stunning photos, and a deeper connection to the river that runs through the heart of South Calgary.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section. Please read this entire section thoroughly. It includes all details on timing, where to meet, what to bring, children on board, our cancellation policy, and more.

Once you complete your booking, all the following information will also be on your confirmation email.

Quick Details – What We Provide

• Free Shuttle – Complimentary shuttle from Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Ramp Parking lot to the Graves Landing starting point.
• 100% Guided/Interpretive Experience – 100% guided, interpretive river rafting with certified, professional raft guides.
• Safe 20ft Commercial Rafts – High-quality, commercial-grade rafts that seat up to 12 adults.
• All Safety Gear – Paddles, PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), and all required safety equipment. Note: By Alberta law, guests cannot use thier own lifejackets.
• A Memorable Adventure – A safe, fun, and unforgettable river experience!

What to Bring

• Please Dress for the Weather – We do not provide rain gear, so please pack accordingly. Alberta summers can be unpredictable, so please bring your own rain jacket, warm or cool layers.
• Sun Protection and Hydration – Don’t forget sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Food and Snacks – RiverWatch does not provide snacks. This trip includes 1-2 stops on shore, so pack a lunch or some snacks to keep your energy up.
• Footwear That Can Get Wet – We do not provide rubber boots. Please wear shoes that can get wet, like closed-toed sandals or water shoes. Please avoid flip-flops, as they can be a tripping hazard at the beginning and end of the float.
• Do NOT Bring Your Own Lifejackets – In accordance with Alberta law, insurance and our safety protocols, guests MUST use the certified PFD's provided by RiverWatch. Personal lifejackets are not permitted.

Quick Trip Details

• Age/Weight Requirements: To meet our insurance requirements and to ensure the safety of children during our rafting activities, the minimum age requirement is 6 years old and a minimum weight requirement of 60 lbs.
• Duration:: Shuttle time is 20-30 mins, float time is up to 2.5 hours depending on river flow.
• Two Stops: At Carburn Park (if time allows and it's accessible) and at Bankside Day Use Area in Fish Creek Provincial Park (when accessible).
• Shuttle Pick-Up: Meet your Calgary shuttle at the Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch parking lot at 10:00 am for all morning floats and 4:00 pm for evening floats (including Feast and Float).
• The Float Route: Begins at Graves Landing Boat Launch, and ends back at Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat approximately 2.5 hours later.
• Weather: All floats are weather and river-level dependent.
• Group Size: max 12 adults per raft, guests may be grouped with others.

What is the itinerary/timing of our float? (Please note that time on water can change due to river flow rates and other factors.)

Where and When Do We Meet the Shuttle?

• Once you complete your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details you need. All shuttles depart from the Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch Parking Lot.

Morning Floats

• Arrival Time: 10:00 AM for guest check-in
• Shuttle Departure: 10:15 AM sharp
• Location: Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch Parking Lot
• Please note: We are unable to wait for latecomers due to our scheduled float times.

Evening Floats (including Feast and Float)

• Arrival Time: 4:00 PM for guest check-in
• Shuttle Departure: 4:15 PM sharp
• Location: Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch Parking Lot
• Please Note: We are unable to wait for latecomers due to our scheduled float times.

Morning Float Itinerary (All float specific times are approximate. Please check your confirmation email for details.)

• 10:00 am Meet Shuttle Bus and RiverWatch Host at Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch Parking Lot for check in. Shuttle Bus leaves at 10:15 am sharp
• 10:45 am Shuttle Arrival at Graves Landing (Start of Float)
• 11:15 am Guided float begins on The Bow River
• 12:45 pm Rafts arrive at Bankside Day Use Area for washroom/lunch break (30 min. stop)
• 1:15 pm Rafts back on Water
• 2:00 pm Rafts arrive at Fish Creek Boat Launch

Evening Float Itinerary (All float specific times are approximate. Please check your confirmation email for details.)

• 4:00 pm Meet Shuttle Bus and RiverWatch Host at Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch Parking Lot for check in. Shuttle Bus leaves at 4:15 pm sharp.
• 4:45 pm Shuttle Arrival at Graves Landing (Start of Float)
• 5:15 pm Guided float begins on The Bow River
• 6:45 pm Rafts arrive at Bankside Day Use Area for washroom/lunch break (30 min. stop)
• 7:15 pm Rafts back on Water
• 8:00 pm Rafts arrive at Fish Creek Boat Launch

PLEASE READ - Important Directions for Finding Shuttle Meeting Spot in Fish Creek Provincial Park

• Once you book, you will receive a confirmation email detailing when and where to meet.
• Meet your shuttle at the Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch Parking Lot at the end of Fish Creek Park on Bow Bottom Trail.
• DO NOT go to Sikkome Lake. Google Maps will take you to the wrong location.
• Directions: Stay on Bow Bottom Trail SE, go past Sikkome Lake, and watch for the big parking lot, a Boat Launch sign, and the yellow school bus (your shuttle).
 Once you arrive, a member of the RiverWatch team will meet you in the parking lot. You will then board a shuttle bus that will take you to the Graves Landing Boat Launch, the start of your RiverWatch EcoFloat. Your trip will end downriver at Fish Creek, right where you left your vehicle!

Where do I find my confirmation email after I purchase my seat?

• Once you’ve secured your seats for your chosen float date, a confirmation email will be promptly dispatched to your inbox.
• If you don’t see it immediately, check your junk or spam email folder within 10 minutes of booking.
• If you still can’t find it, there might be a slight typo in the email address you provided during booking.
• Simply email us at ecofloats@riverwatch.ab.ca, including the full name under which the reservation was made and the correct email address to which you’d like the confirmation email to be sent.

Do You Float in the Rain?

• Yes! We float (and sometimes sing) in the rain!
• Trips may be modified or shortened in the event of light rain, cooler temperatures, or strong winds, but are usually not cancelled.
• Weather can be unpredictable, and forecasts aren’t always accurate. In the unlikely event of a cancellation due to lightning, high water, or unsafe conditions, you will be notified as soon as possible.
• Please see our cancellation policies below for full details.

Do I need rafting experience?

• Good news, no experience is required!
• Within the city limits, the river is classified as Level 1 and are perfect for beginner rafters.
• Our professional and certified guides will also take you through a safety session and teach you how to paddle before embarking on your experience.

How Much Physical Activity is Involved?

Caution: This activity may present challenges for individuals with mobility concerns.

• Paddling and Teamwork – While your skilled river guide handles the navigation, passenger participation is essential.
• Be prepared for some moderate physical exertion, as your paddling power helps guide and propel the raft.
• Getting In and Out of the Raft – Boarding and disembarking the raft may involve navigating the raft itself, or slightly rocky or pebbly beach terrain, which requires some agility, bending and balance.
• Short Uphill Walk – At the end of the float, there is a short uphill walk of approximately 25 meters up the boat Ramp at Fish Creek Provincial Park to the parking area.
• Raft Lifting – At the conclusion of the trip, guests may be asked to help staff to carry the raft up the small hill at the boat launch. This teamwork may not be suitable for those with mobility limitations. Moderate lifting is involved. If you have mobility concerns, please let your guide know at the beginning of the float.

Where are the washrooms located?

There are 3 locations:

• For your convenience, there are various public washroom facilities along the journey:
• You’ll find the first public washroom at the shuttle meeting point at Fish Creek Provincial Park.
• During the midpoint stop in the float, washrooms are also available at Bankside Day Use Area.
• As you wrap up your adventure, back where you parked, public washrooms will still be accessible at Fish Creek Provincial Park.

What about children on board?

• Age/Weight Requirements: To ensure the safety and well-being of children during our rafting activities, we have established a minimum age requirement of 6 years old and a minimum weight requirement of 60 lbs.
• These criteria are in accordance with our insurance requirements and safety standards.
• RiverWatch must provide our own personal floatation devices (PFDs) to each guest. Guest may NOT bring their own.
• Adult/Child Ratio: To maintain adequate paddle power and ensure a safe experience, we enforce a minimum adult-to-youth ratio of 1 adult for every 2 participants under 13.
• This ratio is necessary to maintain control and supervision during our rafting activities.
• We are bound by our licensing and insurance bodies to adhere to these requirements.

Can I bring my pet?

• For the comfort of other guests, no pets are permitted on rafts except for service animals.
• Only dogs with proper harness identification will be recognized as service animals.
• Service animals must wear a PFD (life jacket) and be on a leash at all times except when performing work or tasks where such tethering would interfere with the dog’s ability to perform.

Who Are the RiverWatch Guides?

At the heart of RiverWatch are our Interpretive River Guides, skilled educators who bring the science of the river, its watershed, and the city’s history, culture, and geology to life. We’re fortunate to have a passionate team of guides who excel at connecting with students and guests, making every float a memorable experience.

For many, being a RiverWatch guide is the perfect summer job, especially for post-secondary students studying environmental sciences. Our team also includes nationally certified nature interpreters and professionals from a wide range of disciplines.

To become a RiverWatch guide, candidates must complete an intensive training program that includes:

• Rafting certifications and safety protocols
• Emergency response and first aid
• Equipment maintenance
• Watershed, Environmental Science and Local History Interpretation

The result is an experienced team of certified, professional river guides, ready to provide safe, engaging, and fully immersive rafting adventures.

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ECOFLOAT CANCELLATION POLICIES: Please read carefully. The 4 sections below, address the following:

1.) WEATHER Cancellations 2.) GUEST cancellation, reschedule & refund policy. 3.) GUEST Cancellation window for regular bookings (5 or less seats). 4.) GUEST Cancellation window for group bookings (6 or more seats).

1.) What is your WEATHER cancellation policy?

• YOUR SAFETY IS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY: Our RiverWatch safety team continually monitors weather conditions for air quality (due to smoke), rain, thunderstorms, lightning, potential high winds, rising water levels and high flow rates on the river. While we rarely cancel floats just for rain (we love to sing in the rain!), we must consider other factors, including escalating river conditions, that may jeopardize our valued guests and staff’s safety and comfort.

• ADVANCE NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CANCELLATION: Should we determine that it MAY be necessary to cancel the float due to high water, changing weather, heavy rain, excessive wind, and/or lightning, we will provide you with advance notice through a “RiverWatch Float Update” 18-12 hours before your scheduled float, indicating that cancellation may occur.

• NOTICE OF CANCELLATION: RiverWatch reserves the right to cancel your float due to safety concerns within 24 hours or less before your designated float time. In the event of an actual cancellation, RiverWatch will notify you via email and text as early as possible before your scheduled float time.

• REBOOKINGS AND REFUND DUE TO WEATHER CANCELLATIONS: If your float is cancelled due to high water levels or adverse weather conditions, our rebooking process will commence within 48 hours after the cancelled float date. You will receive instructions from our booking team on how to promptly initiate the re-booking process. Our team will to secure another suitable date for your group this summer. If we cannot find a suitable alternative float date, RiverWatch will issue a credit for a future float. RiverWatch does not refund weather-related cancellations; only re-bookings or credits for future floats are offered.

2.) What is the EcoFloat GUEST cancellation, reschedule & refund policy.

• At RiverWatch, we understand that unforeseen events may arise, necessitating changes or cancellations to your travel plans. However, we kindly ask for your understanding that when you book your trip with us, a charitable organization, we allocate resources, schedule staff for your raft(s), and make necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless experience tailored to the details and requirements of your booking.
• It is crucial to recognize that many expenses cannot be recovered once incurred. With each cancellation, RiverWatch incurs further costs to resell these tickets. Therefore, our cancellation windows for regular and group bookings are designed to provide RiverWatch with the necessary time to resell your cancelled seats and mitigate these costs. We prioritize transparency and aim to ensure all guests understand this policy. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.

3.) GUEST Cancellation & Rescheduling window for regular bookings (5 or less seats).

• Regular bookings (5 persons or less), are subject to our 7-day cancellation window.
• All cancellation and float reschedule requests for regular bookings require a minimum of seven (7) days’ notice before departure.
• Regular Bookings are 100% non-refundable WITHIN seven (7) days of departure.
• Our rescheduling policy allows you to reschedule your own booking provided the request is made at least seven (7) days BEFORE your scheduled float.
• To initiate the rescheduling process on your own, (please see “How to Change Your Float Date” below) or email us (ecofloats@riverwatch.ab.ca) your last name, booking ID, and the desired date and time you wish to float (subject to availability).
• Rescheduling your float WITHIN seven (7) days of the booking is not permitted.
• Cancellations WITHIN seven (7) days of your booking will not be refunded.
• No-shows on the float date will not be refunded.

4.) GUEST Cancellation & Rescheduling window for group bookings (6 or more seats).

• Group bookings (6 persons or more) are subject to our 14-day cancellation window.
• All cancellation and float reschedule requests for group bookings require a minimum of 14 days (14) days’ notice BEFORE departure.
• Group bookings are 100% non-refundable WITHIN fourteen (14) days of departure.
• Our group booking rescheduling policy allows you to either reschedule your booking provided the request is made at least 14 days BEFORE your scheduled float.
• To initiate the rescheduling process on your own, (please see “How to Change Your Float Date” above) or email us (ecofloats@riverwatch.ab.ca) your last name, booking ID, and the desired date and time you wish to float (subject to availability).
• Rescheduling your group float WITHIN fourteen (14) days of the booking is not permitted.
• Cancellations WITHIN fourteen (14) days of your booking will not be refunded.
• No-shows on the float date will not be refunded.

5 How To Change Your Float Date: You can easily change your float date if you are 7 or more days away from your scheduled trip for regular bookings, or 14 or more days away from your scheduled trip for group bookings. Please follow these steps:

• Open the confirmation email you received after making your original booking.
• Click the "Change Booking" link provided in the email.
• Select your new preferred date. • Important: Bookings cannot be rescheduled within 7 days of your float as per our cancellation/re-booking policy.

Questions? Email ecofloats@riverwatch.ab.ca