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• Board Meeting

  • Start
    20 Jan 2025
  •  
  • End
    15 Dec 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    10 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom

  Your board works hard at these board meetings :)

  Board club meetings are open to guests attending, please email the president at tinab@bowwaters.org to request to join and/or to put forward a request for an agenda item, (e.g. member concern or request etc).

  The board does not meet in July or August but if necessary the Executive will meet and make decisions.

  If you are interested in joining the board as a member rep, please contact Tina! (Annual General Meeting takes place in November at Club Night).

  Minutes of board meetings are posted on the website once they are approved. Look under Members tab, Club Official Docs (you must be logged in).

  
  

  
  

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• Lower Kananaskis Canoe Meadows to Seebe

  • When
    30 Jul 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Canoe Meadows to Seebe
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  
  

  Fun Facts: The Kananaskis River was named by explorer Captain John Palliser in 1858, the name comes from the Cree "Kin-e-a-kis", a warrior who purportedly survived an axe blow to the head.
  

  Level/Class:  Intermediate   River Class: II 

  Description:  Excellent for practicing eddy turns and ferries. Some tight turns & surf spots. Potential for sweepers 

  Difficulties of Rapids: 

  Difficulties of Rapids: Some ledges with big eddies, " 40 boat eddy", continuous moving stream flow (allowing paddle-free propulsion if you want it) and almost continuous whitewater until the last 200 metres. The brush pile on the outside of the S bend has partially opened up allowing a stream of water through it, with unknown hazards. I will always be avoiding this option and will instead continue as always reasonably far from the brush pile. 

  Expected Flow:  Medium   Detailed flows here

  Duration:  Full day   3-4 hours, depending on how long we play in the rapids

  Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) ,  Required by BWCC Helmet. whistle and floatation 

  Shuttle:  Shuttle will be arranged at the put in. Time is TBD, so ignore the time listed.

  Other Information:  Last year it was extra popular with the solo boaters.

  Trip Coordinator:   Steve  S (stevesimonds@shaw.ca)

  Due to thunderstorm forecast I will be off the water before 3PM. River is flowing about 25 CMS, around the clock.

  
  

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• North Saskatchewan - Nordegg to Rocky

  • Start
    1 Aug 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • End
    4 Aug 2025
  • Location
    Nordegg to Rocky Mountain House
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Fun Fact: the North Saskatchewan River a 1,287 km long river that originates in the Columbia Icefield and flows into Hudson Bay,

  Lake Sturgeon are the largest and longest living fish in the river. There is no mistaking the sturgeon with its long whiskers (barbels) and the five rows of bony plates, called scutes, along its body
  

  Level/Class:  Intermediate paddling with camping.   River Class is up to II, however all features can be avoided. 

  Description:  This stretch  of the North Saskatchewan is a scenic paddle through the foothills and forest of the eastern slopes.  We will be random camping (no services) along the banks of the river. 

  Nordegg to Rocky is an ideal trip to up your canoe camping skills. You always have the option to miss any of the named features.

  Difficulties of Rapids: There are multiple rapids up to Class II and one ledge at Saunters. All of these features are readily avoided generally by taking the inside bend line. Therefore you can make this as exciting or mellow as you choose! River reading skills are required. Sweepers and Strainers are common.

  Expected Flow:  The flow is typically Medium this time of year. See River Flows for realtime flow data

  Duration:  This is a four day trip from Friday to Monday. 

  Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) ,  Required by BWCC Helmet and Floatation

  Shuttle:  There will be a shuttle organized between Rocky and Nordegg, typically with a cost that will be shared by participants.

  Other Information:   Bring clothing for all weather and river conditions

  This year I am thinking of paddling about 2 hours on the Friday to avoid the not so ideal camping at the put in. Also, those that cannot take Friday off can still join us at Saunders. See itinerary below. Saunders Provincial Recreation Area 

  If Multi-day trip: 

  • Daily Camp locations: Day 1: 52°24'43.4"N 115°51'23.1"W
  •                                            Day 2: 52°26'27.1"N 115°36'52.8"W
  •                                            Day 3: 52°24'58.0"N 115°15'18.9"W
  • Recommended BackCountry Camping Gear, Water can be filtered from the river
  • Group gear: TBA
  • Any costs (shuttle): TBA

  Itinerary:

  Friday:

  • Meet upstream of  Aylmer Provincial Recreation Area 

  • Paddle 18 Km to  52°24'43.4"N 115°51'23.1"W

  Saturday:

  • Paddle to Saunders (52°24'43.6"N 115°51'23.6"W) and meet those starting there.

  • Paddle as one group to about (52°26'27.1"N 115°36'52.8"W) for a total of 25 km

  Sunday:

  • Paddle to Devil's Elbow (52°24'58.0"N 115°15'18.9"W) (23 km)

  Monday:

  • Paddle to Rocky Mountain House (52°22'34.2"N 114°56'21.7"W) (30 km)

  See 2024  DETAILED trip report for lots of info/pictures on this fantastic trip!
  

  Trip Coordinator:  Don Mitchell (don.keith.mitchell@gmail.com)

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Sheep River 112 St to Hwy 2 Bridge

  • When
    2 Aug 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    112 St to Okotoks
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  Les Horvath: leshorvath1@telus.net

  Common Adventures intermediate trip. Trip is Class I/II, 27 km & four hours of paddling. The river will be running brown after all the rain fall and features rock gardens, islands, chutes and a RL broken ledge which continues to the RR bank as a fall which will be portage on RR. With a  higher flow after the rains we will be mindful of wood. The reach below Okotoks Lions Campground will have some nice bouncy waves to add to the fun.

  A dry suit or wet suit required, helmet, whistle, PDF and bailer with full flotation.

  At the Hwy 2 Bridge take out there will be approximately a 150 metre / 450 foot carry to the parking area. It is not as bad as it sounds; quite fast with an open pathway, and of course we will all help with the carry! 

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• North Saskatchewan - Join Group at Saunders

  • Start
    2 Aug 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    4 Aug 2025
  • Location
    Saunters to Rocky Mountain House

  *** Saunders Provincial Recreation Area to Rocky Mountain House:  

  This calendar entry is only a reminder that you can join the Nordegg to Rocky group at Saunders if you are not able to take the Friday off. 

  The Friday meet is almost full, so if you are planning on the Saturday meet at Saunders, please contact the trip coordinator (below) before registering. Saturday will have its own shuttle and not be part of the Friday shuttling restrictions.

  Nordegg to Rocky is an ideal trip to up your canoe camping skills. You always have the option to miss any of the named features.

  Trip Coordinator:  Don Mitchell (don.keith.mitchell@gmail.com)

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Highwood River - Ing's to Longview

  • When
    3 Aug 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Ing's Creek to Longview
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Fun Facts: The Blackfoot name for the Highwood river is "Ispitsi" referring  to

  the tall cottonwood trees or "   high wood" along its banks.
  

  Level/Class:  Intermediate +   River 

  Description:  This trip starts in a narrow canyon with beautiful rock formations, many small ledges  good for surfing at medium flow or above

  Difficulties of Rapids: many small ledges, one bigger double ledge, we will stop and scout and which can be portaged. Sweepers and strainers possible.

  Expected Flow: Medium 

  Duration:  Full day

  Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) ,  Required by BWCC Helmet and Floatation.

  Shuttle: Shuttle will be arranged at the meeting point, be prepared to double up boats and distribution of gear and people to leave as many cars at the take out location as possible.

  Other Information:   The day will start with a steep descend down to the riverbed and the boats will be lowered down by rope (rope provided).  Please bring appropriate footwear. 

  
  

  Trip Coordinator:  

  Les Horvath <leshorvath1@telus.net>

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Last Splash Bash

  • Start
    22 Aug 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM
  • End
    24 Aug 2025
  •  
    4:30 PM
  • Location
    Upper Red Deer River area
  • Spaces left
    47

  Register

  Come on out and join us for  a fun filled weekend in and around the Upper Red Deer river. There will be camping, and day trips based from the campsite that are primarily intermediate+ paddling. 

  
  

  Level/Class:  Intermediate 2+,  

  Description:   We will be camping at the usual campground at Sunset Guiding

  Difficulties of Rapids:  All fun, will scout each feature, no pressure to run, can line or portage. 

  Expected Flow:  Below normal, but expect rapid rise after rains.

  Duration:  Half day / day /   Optionally distance and/or hours on river

  Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) ,  Required by BWCC Helmet and Flotation, cold weather gear (dry suit, wet suit)

  Shuttle:  Will be discussed on site.

  Other Information:   A few members will be camping over Sunday night. You are welcome to join.  

  Trip Coordinator:  Don Mitchell  (don.keith.mitchell@gmail.com)

  
  

  
  

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• Club Night. Tina Barzo. "Women's River Trip"

  • When
    3 Sep 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    BWCC Club House

  Open to members and the public.  Doors open at 6:30 pm. 

  BWCC President, Tina Barzo, shares experiences of her 2025 multi-day trip, on the North Saskatchewan, paddling with a group of women, through the lens of river canoe tripping competencies.

  In this 'ideal world vs reality' fun and interactive presentation, learn about core competencies that individuals and a group should have for river tripping. The presentation will also dabble in a couple of other topics such as growth in women's specific paddling and history of the North Saskatchewan as well as potential future annual trips!

  Remote access via this Zoom link

  (Meeting ID: 873 7659 4078 & Passcode: 3828320)

  
  

  

  
  

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• AQ Outdoors Sale for Bow Waters Members!

  • When
    14 Sep 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    AQ Outdoors - 5063 11 St SE, Calgary, AB

  AQ Outdoors is having a one day sale exclusively for club members!

  Be sure to swing by and take advantage of the sale!  

  
  

  AQ Outdoors will have additional sales  on four additional days throughout the year, check the events calendar!

  Website: AQ Outdoors

  Location: AQ Outdoors Location

  Show details
• Club Night. Jim Sangster. "Sea Kayaking on the West Coast"

  • When
    1 Oct 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    BWCC Club House

  Open to members and the public.  Doors open at 6:30 pm. 

  Remote access via this Zoom link

  (Meeting ID: 873 7659 4078 & Passcode: 3828320)

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• AGM & Club Night

  • When
    5 Nov 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    BWCC Club House

  Open to members and the public. 

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• Club Night ** Details TBA **

  • When
    3 Dec 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    BWCC Club House

  Open to members and the public. 

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• AQ Outdoors Sale for Bow Waters Members!

  • When
    7 Dec 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    AQ Outdoors - 5063 11 St SE, Calgary, AB

  AQ Outdoors is having a one day sale exclusively for club members!

  Be sure to swing by and take advantage of the sale!  

  
  

  AQ Outdoors will have additional sales  on four additional days throughout the year, check the events calendar!

  Website: AQ Outdoors

  Location: AQ Outdoors Location

  Show details
• Coordinator Needed: Highwood River - Ing's to Longview

  • When
    4 Jan 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Ing's Creek to Longview
  • Spaces left
    10

  
  

  
  

  Fun Facts: The Blackfoot name for the Highwood river is "Ispitsi" referring  to

  the tall cottonwood trees or "   high wood" along its banks.
  

  Level/Class:  Intermediate +   River 

  Description:  This trip starts in a narrow canyon with beautiful rock formations, many small ledges  good for surfing at medium flow or above

  Difficulties of Rapids: many small ledges, one bigger double ledge, we will stop and scout and which can be portaged. Sweepers and strainers possible.

  Expected Flow: Medium 

  Duration:  Full day

  Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) ,  Required by BWCC Helmet and Floatation.

  Shuttle: Shuttle will be arranged at the meeting point, be prepared to double up boats and distribution of gear and people to leave as many cars at the take out location as possible.

  Other Information:   The day will start with a steep descend down to the riverbed and the boats will be lowered down by rope (rope provided).  Please bring appropriate footwear. 

  
  

  Trip Coordinator:  <coordinator name and email>

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Bow River: Louise to Castle Jct

  • When
    12 Jul 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Bow River: Louise train station to Castle Junction bridge

  Register

  Fun Facts:  The Bow River flows from Bow Lake thru the Rocky Mtns. and thru Calgary on its way to join the South Saskatchewan River in southern Alberta. 
  

  Level/Class:  Intermediate - River Class II;  class 2 rapids in first 4 km

  Description:  A very scenic trip in the mountains, and counting Harlequin ducks for Parks Canada.

  Difficulties of Rapids:  Several class 2 rapids in first 4 km.  Participants will have the option of avoiding these by putting in below. Also possible sweepers on tight river bends.

  Expected Flow: Low 

  Duration:  5 hours; 29 km

  Equipment:  Required equipment by law (click here for Link) plus Helmet and Floatation 

  Shuttle:  Car shuttle will be arranged at the meeting point

  Other Information:   Clean boat after trip

  Trip Coordinator:  <coordinator name and email>

  Show details