Float along Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River with RiverWatch EcoFloats and experience an unforgettable blend of nature, history, and city views. Discover hidden gems and wildlife on this educational and relaxing rafting trip perfect for all ages.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal paddling required due to guided float format
Wildlife
History
The North Saskatchewan River has been a vital transportation and trade route for Indigenous peoples and settlers since pre-colonial times.
Conservation
RiverWatch Institute actively monitors water quality and promotes conservation practices to maintain the river’s health and biodiversity.
RiverWatch Institute of Alberta
Float along Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River with RiverWatch EcoFloats and experience an unforgettable blend of nature, history, and city views. Discover hidden gems and wildlife on this educational and relaxing rafting trip perfect for all ages.
RiverWatch Institute of Alberta is a Calgary-based conservation and river-education organization that operates guided river experiences in Calgary and Edmonton. The Institute offers EcoFloat interpretive tours and Feast & Float culinary floats on the Bow River in Calgary and the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton. EcoFloats are guided, educational river journeys: Calgary EcoFloats are 2.5-hour interpretive trips led by local experts, and Edmonton EcoFloats are 3.5-hour guided adventures that explore hidden gems, historic landmarks, and city skylines. Feast & Float experiences combine river interpretation with a secret picnic sourced from local restaurants, creating a guided food-and-river experience ideal for date nights, groups, and families. RiverWatch emphasizes river history, ecology, and wildlife observation during each trip. Guides are described as expert or local experts in the trip summaries, providing interpretive commentary and safety. The Calgary EcoFloat listing notes a waitlist for the 2026 season. Trips are presented as suitable for families, groups, and date nights depending on the offering. RiverWatch Institute of Alberta is positioned as an organization focused on education and memorable river experiences in urban settings. By offering guided interpretation, multi-city offerings, and collaborations with local restaurants for Feast & Float events, the Institute blends conservation education with recreational and culinary experiences. All information here reflects published trip summaries and stated durations; prospective participants should consult RiverWatch directly for current scheduling, availability, and booking.
The Institute serves local residents and visitors seeking river-centered education, wildlife viewing, and curated culinary experiences that showcase regional waterways, cityscapes, and year-round programming opportunities.
Locations
Calgary & Edmonton
Urban river experiences in two cities
Trip Durations
2.5–3.5 hrs
EcoFloat durations stated per city
Tour Types
EcoFloat & Feast & Float
Educational and culinary river tours
Expert Guides
Local experts
Guided interpretation and safety
Join a guided Bow River or North Saskatchewan River float — check availability and waitlists and secure a spot for an educational, scenic, and culinary river outing.
Wear water-friendly footwear
Choose shoes that can get wet and dry quickly to stay comfortable during the EcoFloat.
Bring a lightweight rain jacket
Weather on the river can change quickly, so pack a rain jacket to stay dry and warm.
Apply biodegradable sunscreen
Protect your skin while minimizing environmental impact with eco-friendly sunscreen products.
Bring a waterproof camera or phone case
Capture memorable moments along the river without worrying about water damage.
Water shoes
Protect your feet and provide traction both in and out of the water.
summer
Light rain jacket
Keeps you dry and comfortable in unexpected spring showers.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the 3.5-hour float without creating waste.
Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing and spot riverbank details from a distance.