About Banff Canoe Club
The Banff Canoe Club occupies a picturesque waterfront location at the corner of Bow Avenue and Wolf Street, just a five-minute walk from downtown Banff. Situated on the banks of the Bow River with the Canadian Rockies towering in every direction, it is one of the most scenic paddle-launch points in western Canada. The club operates seasonally from late spring through early fall, renting canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards to visitors who want to experience Banff National Park from the water rather than the trail.
Single and tandem kayaks are available for self-guided paddling on the calm sections of the Bow River, where you are likely to spot elk, osprey, and bald eagles from the water. SUP rentals cater to the growing paddleboard crowd, and the wide, gentle river provides an ideal setting for beginners to find their balance. For groups and families, the Big Canoe Tours are a standout — twelve-seat voyageur canoes piloted by experienced guides who share stories of Banff's indigenous history, fur-trade era, and wildlife ecology as you paddle through the valley.
The Banff Canoe Club's appeal lies in its simplicity and setting. There is no motorized equipment, no loud music — just quiet paddling through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the continent. The guides are passionate naturalists who know the river's moods and its wildlife, and they tailor each tour to the group's pace and interests. For a peaceful, family-friendly way to experience the Bow River and its surroundings without hiking boots or a car, the Banff Canoe Club is a local treasure.
