Picture this: you wake up in Calgary and decide your entire day will consist of floating down the Bow River and doing the bare minimum. Lazy Day Raft Rentals brings that idea to life. You show up, and they handle everything from gear to setup, so the only thing left for you to do is get on the water and start floating through the city at whatever pace the river decides for you.
Rafting season has officially arrived
Lazy Day Raft Rentals is back for another season, bringing its Bow River float experience to Calgary once again this May. The experience itself is designed to be laid-back and simple.
According to Lazy Day Raft Rentals, the floats begin at West Baker Park, where rafts, kayaks, and paddleboards are already inflated and ready to go. Before your float, you will receive lifejackets and safety kits, along with a brief safety lesson regarding your float on the Bow.
The route typically ends near the Bow River Pathway bridge by Prince’s Island Park, where the Lazy Day team will meet you at the finish point.
The whole experience is set up so guests don’t need to worry about logistics; just show up, get on the water, and go!
The rafts also come in a range of sizes so that you can float solo, with a friend, or in larger groups of up to 12 people, depending on the setup. You can also bring your dogs along for the ride, which might honestly be the best part, so the whole experience ends up feeling like a pretty easy summer hangout for everyone.
What to know before you go
Now you’re probably wondering, “Where do I park?” “How do I get back to my car?” Well, luckily, parking is pretty straightforward with a few options.
You can park at West Baker Park at the launch point for free and take an Uber back after your float, or park downtown at the Lazy Day shop if you prefer to finish your trip and leave right away.
When it comes to what to bring, keep it simple. You’ll want the classics like sunscreen, water, snacks, and shoes that can handle getting wet, like Crocs or water shoes.
A few things to note to keep you safe: open alcohol is not allowed on the river, and lifejackets need to stay on the whole time. While the Bow River can look pretty chill, currents can get stronger in certain spots, so it’s important to stay safe while you’re out there.
Calgary summers always feel like they go by way too fast, and it’s honestly quite refreshing when an activity doesn’t require a full day of planning. No schedule, no effort, no overthinking it. Just you, your friends, the river, and a few hours of pretending the warm weather is going to last forever.
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 4320 Bow River Pathway NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $98
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