Written for iROCKER SUP in 2021
In the heart of Kananaskis valley, guarded by a rim of soaring mountain peaks and dense pine forests, lie the deep azure waters of Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. These vast reservoirs, supplied by icy meltwater draining into the Kananaskis river, fill an enormous depression in the region’s geography. The water is cold and deep, and notoriously capricious to the whims of mountain weather. Under favourable conditions however, these lakes are one of Alberta’s premier mountain paddling destinations. On a calm day, or during the tranquil hours at sunrise or sunset, the beauty of the region is doubled on the waters’ mirrored reflection, and the scenery is truly exceptional - even by Rocky Mountain standards.
The vista available from the water extends in all directions – in the spring and fall, the summits are adorned with brilliant white snow caps, and in the summer, the exposed, jutting rocks cut ruthlessly into the innocent blue sky. The violence of the peaks softens with descending elevation, gradually melting into endless pines that carpet the valley floor. There are even idyllic waterfalls flowing into the basin, easily discovered by paddlers out on Upper Kananaskis Lake. The wildlife here is abundant– as deer, elk, moose, and bears disappear shyly into the flora and are spotted only by the sharpest observers.
At about 1.5 hours from Calgary… Upper and Lower Kananaskis lakes are an easy day-trip from the city or Alberta’s mountain towns, and are of the few mountain paddling destinations that can be accessed entirely on pavement. Both the upper and lower lakes have boat-launches, which make setting-up and deflating an iROCKER SUP easy and convenient. Paddleboards in Kananaskis are treated like any other watercraft in the eyes of the law, so you’ll need to bring a floatation device, wear your SUP tether (or carry a 15m floating rope), and have a noise making device and flashlight if you wish to remain legal. Basically, park officers expect to see the minimum requirements for a boat, even on a paddleboard – and for good reason. These lakes are large, deep, and subject to rapid changes in weather or conditions. Getting caught in a storm or unfavorable winds can be dangerous for the unprepared, so prudence requires checking the weather forecast and avoiding the open water on bad-weather days. But the rewards on a calm day more than justify the efforts.
For anglers, large rainbow and bull trout lurk in the frigid waters, and can be fished for year-round from shore or on the water. Most anglers spin-cast, jig, or troll – but it is entirely possible to catch trout fly-casting as well, and a solid platform like the Blackfin makes for a surreal perch upon the waters from which to sight cast flies. There are a few specific areas closed to fishing, and regulations change from time to time, so it’s worth mentioning that anglers should check with Alberta Parks before dropping in a line. And of course, you’ll need an Alberta fishing license… park officers do a great job of checking, so make sure you have a copy accessible even in the absence of cell-service!
If you’re looking to do some exceptional paddling in the Canadian Rockies, and want to avoid the more common (albeit equally beautiful!) destinations near Banff or Lake Louise – add Kananaskis Lakes to the list. You’ll find views, tranquility, and wildlife in abundance, without shouldering your way through crowds. If you’re in the area for a while, or have an inkling to check out other Kananaskis gems – Elbow Lake (see blog post here!) is only 15 minutes away, and equally worthy of a mountain adventure, if you don’t mind the short 2km hike to find it!
As always, feel free to comment and share your experiences, tips, or favorite destinations – SUPing in the Rockies is a relatively new and growing sport, and it’s always best (and more fun!) to learn together! Stay safe, and happy paddling!