7 Best Bow River Swimming Spots to Visit This Summer
Photo by Bernard Spragg at Flickr
Although the Bow River is not famous for its sandy beaches, it features other exceptional areas for swimming, wading and floating during the hot summer months.
Take a look at these local gems and 7 areas around the Bow River swimming spots and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
DISCLAIMER: Before visiting a swimming spot, make sure the location is open to the public for swimming and check for any posted rules, safety guidelines, or water conditions.
Best Bow River Swimming Spots
Below, we explore the top 7 Bow River swimming spots, each with its unique charm and amenities, perfect for making the most of your summer.
1. Harvie Passage
This whitewater park is situated right in the middle of Inglewood. It is approximately 42 acres and offers activities like canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, rafting, and floating.
The calm waters and decent waves of the South channel provide sanctuary for casual bathers and gentle surfers. Advanced swimmers and strong current lovers will find the cold dips and swirling water enticing.
Scenic views and picnic areas provide enhanced experiences, and the nearby Inglewood Bird Sanctuary provides a chance to spot unique wildlife.
Keep in mind that this is not a supervised swimming area, so make sure to wear life jackets and check all the guidelines.
- Features: Small rapids, picnic areas, access to Harvie Passage via Pearce Estates.
- Safety Tip: Recommended for strong swimmers; check Harvie Passage for safety rules.
2. Bowness Lagoon
Escape to the tranquility of Bowness Lagoon, a serene gem within Bowness Park, located at 8900 48 Ave. N.W. The park contains a boating lagoon that, although not formally labeled as a swimming spot, does have shallow water for swimming.
Photo by Richard Ricciardi at Flickr under CC-BY-2.0
There are boat rentals, picnic tables, and playgrounds, great for a day of enjoyment and leisure at the waterpark. Its distance from the Bow River also makes it a good starting point for rafters, but if you're going to raft, life jackets are mandatory.
- Features: Paddle boating, picnic sites, playgrounds, and river access.
- Safety Tip: Use life jackets for river activities; swimming is limited to wading.
3. Ghost Lake Reservoir
Take a road trip to a place where the exquisite Rockies meet the waters- a sight to behold, just 45 minutes from Calgary.
A reservoir created from the Ghost Dam back in 1929, this serves as a great spot for boating, swimming and fishing. Along with the rocky beaches, deep waters from the Bow River provide a refreshing swim in the hot summer weather, though the cold temperature requires caution.
Photo by TrshFsh at Wikimedia Commons under CC-BY-SA-4.0
With docks, boat launches, and camping spots available, it's heaven for water sports fans. The lakeโs steady winds also make it ideal for sailing.
- Features: Rocky beaches, boat launches, camping, and fishing.
- Safety Tip: Cold water; swim in July/August and wear a life jacket.
4. Pearce Estate Park
Discover the natural beauty of Pearce Estate Park, where the Bow River meanders through a 15-hectare reconstructed wetland in southeast Calgary. This park features some small zones that have calmer and slower waters for wading and a quick dip to cool off.
Home to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and Bow Habitat Visitor Centre, it provides educational exhibits on local wildlife.
Pathways, picnic spots, and streams create a serene setting, perfect for nature lovers, though swimming is limited due to stronger currents in other areas.
- Features: Wetlands, fish hatchery, picnic areas, interpretive trails.
- Safety Tip: Stick to designated wading areas; no lifeguards present.
Bow River Nearby Swimming Spots
Beyond the Bow River, the Calgary region and nearby Rockies offer exceptional swimming spots, from man-made beaches to crystal-clear mountain lakes.
5. Sikome Lake (SE Calgary)
Sikome Lake, nestled in Fish Creek Provincial Park, is Calgaryโs premier family-friendly beach destination. It is a man-made lake with a supply of three freshwater wells, containing calm shallow waters for children to splash and play.
It has a small admission cost (family pass: $19) and is open from June till September. They also have picnic tables, action stands, change rooms, and a playground.
Photo by Qyd at Wikimedia Commons under CC-BY-2.5
Its location within one of North Americaโs largest urban parks adds over 100 km of trails for exploration.
- Features: Sandy beach, shallow water, playgrounds, lifeguards.
- Safety Tip: Keep children within armโs reach; no lifeguards in some areas.
6. Quarry Lake (Canmore)
Quarry Lake is the perfect destination for any swimmer as it is only an hour away from Calgary and features stunning mountain views.
This mining quarried lake has an underground spring and is 100m deep in some regions, but swimming is ideal between July and August, thanks to a sandy-bottom beach area.
Photo by rachaelology at Flickr under CC-BY-2.5
The surrounding park features picnic tables, toilets, and a dog park, making it ideal for a full day out.
- Features: Sandy beach, deep waters, picnic areas, dog park.
- Safety Tip: Water deepens quickly; stay within marked swimming areas.
7. Elbow River - Sandy Beach Park (Calgary)
Sandy Beach Park is an urban oasis along the Elbow River. Its rocky beach and shallow wading area are popular with families and dogs, offering a safe spot to cool off.
Photo by JMacPherson at Flickr under CC-BY-2.0
Amenities include washrooms, picnic areas, fire pits, BBQs, and playgrounds, with a nearby off-leash dog park at River Park. Itโs also a launch point for rafting, but water quality advisories may apply, so check before wading.
- Features: Rocky beach, wading area, playgrounds, rafting launch.
- Safety Tip: Check Alberta Health Services for water quality advisories.
Elevate Your Time on the Bow River with Scenic Floats
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Our lightweight, dropstitch material ensures durability, while welded seams guarantee long-lasting use.
Photo: iROCKER
The modular design lets you mix and match, like pairing an iLANDยฎ Bar with Adjustable Chairs for a floating paradise with cold drinks at hand.
MAGTITEโข accessories keep snacks and speakers secure, enhancing your experience.
Easy to inflate (6-8 PSI) and pack, our floats are perfect for Harvie Passage or Bowness Lagoon.
Perfect Relaxation On Bow River with iROCKER
Exploring Bow river swimming spots is a summer must, and iROCKER Canada elevates every moment with our premium, durable water gear. With over 320,000 satisfied customers, our gear transforms your river escapes into unforgettable experiences.
Photo: iROCKER
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