Written for iROCKER SUP in 2021
Just west of Calgary, in Western Canada, the Rocky Mountain’s mark an abrupt end to the windswept prairies, dense pine forests, and undulating foothills that cover most of Alberta. Like a cookie that is bent and compressed, the flat surface of Western Canada has reared up, cracked, split and crumbled under tectonic action. After being smoothed and formed by the sculpting hands of glaciers during the last ice age, these peaks were reduced and refined to their current splendor. The easternmost range of these mountains, and the one that stands defiant at Calgary’s western horizon, is known as Kananaskis. Here, east of the Great Divide, the waters flow towards the prairies, and provide the source for the many rivers that run like arteries through Alberta’s southern grasslands.
Kananaskis is a playground for outdoorsmen and adventure seekers year-round. Only an hour’s drive from Calgary, these mountains are easily accessed by a paved highway running through the valley’s centre. In the winter, the jagged frozen peaks are sought after by sightseers, backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and ice-climbers. In the summer, they are ascended by hikers, cyclists, and rock-climbers, and provide a backdrop for fantastic camping, fishing and paddling. The autumn is a particularly magical time, as the alpine foliage flares in fiery colors before the snows of winter begin to fall.
From May-October, Kananaskis valley is in it’s prime for SUPing. There are a multitude of options for paddlers – everything from vast, open lakes (Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes), to rushing mountain rivers (the Kananaskis and Bow River), and alpine lakes of all sizes teeming with hungry trout (Elbow Lake, Picklejar Lakes, etc.). Paddleboards are most commonly used at vehicle accessible locations by those seeking to recreate and drink in the expansive views, although there are a growing number of SUPer’s starting to use highly portable SUPs as hike-in inflatables for the backcountry. They provide a convenient platform for fly-fishing tranquil lakes on calm days, or transporting overnight gear to access those difficult-to-reach camping spots, away from it all.
One particularly accessible Kananaskis gem, and a favourite of mine, is Elbow Lake. The headwater for Calgary’s Elbow River, Elbow Lake is a particularly scenic hike-in spot, filled with fresh and crystal clear glacial water and scores of colourful brook and cut-throat trout. At only 4km/about 2.5miles round trip, it’s a reasonable hike-in objective for many inflatable SUP’s. In the late summer, the vibrant autumn hues can be extraordinary here, and whether you come just to paddle, or to fish, you’re guaranteed stunning scenery and a rewarding hike. If you don’t mind carrying a little extra weight, there is a picturesque backcountry campground ideally situated along the southern shore, so you can bring a tent (and a camping permit!) and enjoy starlit summer nights and epic sunrises over the lake. I’ve enjoyed tranquil nights here observing the milky way perfectly reflected on the obsidian glass of still water – it truly is a beautiful place to be!
A few notes – when I last visited Elbow Lake, in September, the evening was very cold (close to freezing), and although daylight in the summer can be sweltering, the weather can change in an instant. It’s always important to pack warm clothing and all the backcountry-essentials. Bring a headlamp and basic survival equipment to start a fire or signal for help in an emergency. I can’t say how many times I’ve been grateful to have a headlamp and extra batteries after spending a little too long soaking up a sunset in the wilderness! Also, grizzly bears, black bears, and cougars are abundant in Kananaskis (it seems to be the anomaly to not see a “bear in area” sign posted at the trailhead!) so it’s always recommended to carry bear-spray.
On my last outing, I carried the Nautical 10’6 – which is my favorite board for hike-in locations due to it’s low cost, light weight, and ample bag-space for additional gear in-the-pack (I fit fishing, overnight, and camera gear all inside the Nautical carrying bag, and hauled it over 50km/30miles and up 6000ft of elevation the last week alone!). If you are nearby, and want to try out hike-in paddling, it’s hard to beat the short-distance and fantastic scenery of Elbow Lake for a first outing. You’ll likely be the only craft on the water and can enjoy an unrivalled vantage point of the area. If you’re elsewhere in the world, I encourage you to consider the unique paddling opportunities available in your own backyard – in most cases, you don’t have to travel far to find rewarding and secluded waters. As always, happy paddling!