The evening sun is low in the sky, casting a soft light on the three famous peaks above Canmore known as the Three Sisters. Hues of pink and gold brush the steely limestone walls in magical light. Instead of gazing at the wonder from town, however, you’re sitting comfortably in a large inflatable rubber raft, binoculars in hand and camera at the ready. Float tours on the Bow River offer a relaxing way to enjoy the local scenery from a fresh perspective without getting wet as you gently float with the river’s current. Drifting at a leisurely pace, you’ll have opportunities to view beavers swimming by the shoreline as they gather twigs to build their dams. You’ll likely spot elk grazing in the quiet valley bottoms or, if you’re lucky, you’ll see an osprey diving into the aqua water to catch its dinner. Passing by the Three Sisters, Mount Lougheed and Heart Mountain, sit back and listen as your experienced river guide shares insightful information on the local flora and fauna. Or, if you find human history more interesting, ask how Dead Man’s Flats earned its name.
Some float trips include short nature stops during which guides will help identify riverside wildflowers. Don’t forget to bring your camera and extra film. There is abundant wildlife and native flora along the river’s shore. Float trips can be enjoyed during daylight hours or in the evening but twilight tours offer the best opportunities for viewing wildlife, especially the industrious beaver. The Bow River isn’t the only place in the Rockies to experience nature from a floating waterline perspective. The Athabasca River in Jasper National Park is one of Canada’s ‘Heritage Rivers’. Historically, the mighty Athabasca served as the North West Company’s main highway, rivalling the famous Hudson’s Bay Company in the northern fur trade. In 1810, explorer David Thompson travelled the Athabasca then ascended the Whirlpool River to Athabasca Pass, a discovery that allowed him to reach the Columbia River and open the British Columbia area to fur trading.
Float trips usually last one and a half to two hours, with passengers travelling in rafts that accommodate one or two-dozen passengers. Most companies, however, can handle groups comprising several dozen people travelling in many different rafts. River guides are experienced professionals who are well trained in all river safety aspects. Guides are happiest when they’re rowing while you sit back and enjoy the view.
