In Banff National Park non-motorized boats including canoes, kayaks, row boats and stand-up paddle boards are allowed on all the lakes and rivers. Boats with motors (electric or gas) are only allowed on Lake Minnewanka. There are rentals available at some of the more popular spots in Banff National Park such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and at the Bow River in the townsite of Banff. There are companies that offer canoe rentals to take off-site as well as boat tours and rafting trips.
Canoeing, Kayaking And Stand-Up Paddle Boarding On Lake Louise And Moraine Lake
Canoeing at the beautiful settings of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are on the wishlists of many visitors. These two incredibly scenic lakes have turquoise blue waters that are backdropped by dramatic mountains. Each of them have docks with canoe rentals. You are allowed to bring your own canoe, kayak or SUP board to Lake Louise, but it comes with challenges because you can’t use the privately run dock to launch from.
More information can be found in our post about canoeing the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
It’s not possible to bring a canoe to Moraine Lake since private vehicles are no longer allowed to drive to the lake. There are some shuttles to Moraine Lake that have limited space to bring an inflatable paddleboard or kayak. Don’t assume this is possible without checking ahead of time with the shuttle service you plan to use. Canoe rentals are available at the lake on a first come, first serve basis.
Information for can be found here for Moraine Lake shuttles and canoe rentals.
Canoeing, Kayaking And Stand-Up Paddle Boarding In The Banff Townsite Area
If you have your own equipment there are several places where you can kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board and some rental options are available. The local favourites close to the town of Banff include Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and Vermilion Lakes.
Vermillion Lakes, 40 Mile Creek and Echo Creek
The Vermillion Lakes are gentle shallow waterways where you can often see birds and wildlife. Taking pictures of the beautiful scenery and magnificent views of Mount Rundle are a photographers dream.
You can launch your own boat from the Banff Canoe Club launch at the corner of Bow Avenue and Wolf Street and paddle your way to Vermillion Lakes. Or do it in the opposite direction and launch directly into the lakes off Vermillion Lake Drive. They are accessed from Mt. Norquay Road. You can find public docks at the First and Second Lake. Even the upstream current is mild enough to travel on a stand up paddle board. Take note that making your way from one of these waterways to the other is only possible when the water levels are high.
Banff Canoe Club Rentals has canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available by the hour. They do not accept reservations, it is on a first come, first serve basis. They have limited paddleboards available for off-site rental use. If you feel more comfortable with a group they have kayak tours and they offer a Big Canoe tour where paddling experience is not required. Operation is from late June to early October. It’s located at the corner of Wolf Street and Bow Avenue.
Johnson Lake and Two Jack Lake
Both of these lakes are accessed from the Minnewanka Loop Road.
Two Jack Lake has a nearby campground of the same name. The lake has drive up access making it easy to transfer your canoe or kayak into the water. It’s water is much calmer than nearby Lake Minnewanka.
Johnson Lake is a small, but scenic lake with a picnic area and Banff’s only sandy beach. It’s one of the few lakes in the area with warm enough water to swim in during the summer. Check for Park’s Canada bulletins (link at the bottom the page) before heading to Johnson Lake. There have been access restrictions due to fisheries management in the past.
Lake Minnewanka
This vast lake is not for inexperienced canoers or kayakers. It’s often very windy, with gusts that change direction. Staying close to the shore is the safest bet. Parking is available at the lake. Take Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive off of the Trans Canada Highway 1. You can drop your kayak or canoe off at the launch area and then find your parking spot to save from having a long portage to the water.
Lake Minnewanka is the only lake in Banff National Park were motorized boats (gas or electric) are allowed. Boats may be required to provide a provincial inspection certificate or be subject to inspection before launching in Lake Minnewanka to ensure they do not have any invasive mussel species. More information here: Parks Canada Banff Boating Navigation
Small motorboats are available for rent from the Minnewanka boat dock as well as canoes and kayaks, all are on a first come, first serve basis from June to early October.
Options For Experienced Canoe or Kayak Paddlers
Experienced canoeists or kayakers may wish to paddle any of three different legs of the Bow River:
- Lake Louise to Castle Junction
- Castle Junction to Banff
- Bow Falls to Canmore
More information can be found here: Parks Canada Canoeing The Bow River
Options For Experienced Whitewater Kayakers
- Bow River (Banff Springs Golf Course to Canmore) – Class I-II
- Pipestone (at Lake Louise) – Class IV
- Red Earth Creek – Class V+
- Upper Bow River – Class III-V
V+ should only be attempted by expert paddlers, it includes 20 to 30 foot drops and log jams.
Canoeing, Kayaking And Paddleboarding On The Icefields Parkway
On the Icefields Parkway the waters of Herbert, Hector, Bow and Waterfowl Lakes all offer spectacular views.
Herbert Lake
Small Herbert Lake is the first body of water you come to along the south end of the Icefields Parkway. Reflections of Mount Temple can be seen in the water when it’s calm. It’s easy to launch a kayak, canoe or paddleboard from the shoreline.
Hector Lake
This lake offers beautiful views of the Waputik Mountain Range. It requires a portage. Access requires crossing the Bow River, only do so when water levels are low in the late summer.
Bow Lake
This is the third largest lake in Banff National park. The setting is stunning, but watch for strong winds that can quickly turn it into choppy waters.
Waterfowl Lakes
Further along the Icefields Parkway these two lakes are close to the base of Mount Chephren. The Waterfowl Campground is nearby.
Regulations For Using Your Own Canoe, Kayak Or Paddleboard In Banff National Park
Anyone using fishing and aquatic recreational equipment on bodies of water in Banff National Park including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards must obtain a Self-
Certification permit. They can be found online here: Banff National Park rules for watercraft. It basically is a checklist having you verify that you understand and have followed the rules to protect the waters from the spread of Aquatic
Species. Information on penalties for not complying can be found here: Banff aquatic species bulletin. Similar rules may apply in other Canadian National parks and bodies of water throughout the country.
Locations Outside Of Banff National Park To Canoe, Kayak Or Paddleboard
Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis is located east of Canmore, take Highway 40 just south of the Trans Canada Highway.
Barrier Lake is one of the smaller, but popular lakes in the Kananaskis area. The water tends to remain calm making it a great spot to canoe or stand up paddle board.
On a calm day, the larger Upper or Lower Kananaskis Lake are another great option.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is a beautiful spot to canoe and it’s located just a half hour west of Lake Louise. Canoe rentals are available on site on a first come, first served basis. If you bring your own canoe, kayak or paddleboard there are easy access points to launch from.
Tips That Are Good To Know Before Heading Out On The Water
Life jackets are a must on the lakes and rivers in the Rocky Mountains. Even in the summer months the glacier waters barely get above freezing. The average temperature is 4.C. to 5C. If you fall into the water hypothermia can set in within minutes.
For important bulletins, tips and safety information visit these sites before heading out on the water.