Lakes
Paddling on any lake in Banff National Park is a memorable experience for both visitors and locals alike. Popular lakes to paddle on include Vermilion Lakes, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka near the Banff town area; Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the Lake Louise area; Herbert Lake, Bow Lake and Waterfowl lake along the Icefields Parkway; and Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park.
Rivers
Bow River in Banff National Park has excellent paddling for seasoned canoeists and kayakers. The three most popular sections are Lake Louise to Castle Junction, Castle Junction to Banff and Bow Falls to Canmore. Learn more from Parks Canada.
Canoe, Kayak and SUP Rentals
Rentals are available through the Banff Canoe Club, Bow Valley SUP, Lake Minnewanka Boat Rentals, Radventures, SkiBig3 Adventure Hub and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise canoe docks. You can also purchase gear at Atmosphere in Banff.
Safety and regulations
Visit the Parks Canada website for important safety information when paddling in Banff National Park.
Lifejackets: Wearing a lifejacket on any watercraft including stand up paddleboards is a requirement set out by Transport Canada. For more information, visit the Transport Canada website.
Self-certification permits: are required to paddle on any water body in Banff National Park. Permits are available online or at multiple locations throughout the park. Visit Parks Canada for more information.
