Kananaskis Lakes

Trip Type:

Car Camping,  Flat Water

Detailed Trip Rating:

Grade B Click here for details on Trip Grade and Skills

Experience Level:

Comfortable Beginner

Water Class:

Flatwater, Class I-II. Some wind and waves can be expected

Trip Description:

Nestled at the edge of the Rockies, Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes are wonderful 4-5 hour paddles each. 

We will do one lake each day.  Wind conditions will determine which order. The wind often picks up in the afternoon so the plan would be to hit the water around 9AM Saturday and Sunday. Last summer the water temperature in July was about 12-13 degrees.  The lakes have also been at 6-7 degrees in previous years in July.  As always, plan to dress for immersion.  If you have a wetsuit, plan to bring just in case.

With lunch and breaks, we will be off the water by mid-afternoon.  There are several hiking trails nearby, so an afternoon trek might be in the cards for those who are inclined or a snooze back at camp.

We have 5 camp sites reserved in the Interlakes Campground so we can fit 10-12 tents.  6 Spots are spoken for already.

Participants will need to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.  A pass for Friday - Sunday is $31.50.  You can get them here. 

FYI, its about a 4 hour drive from Southgate Mall area to the Lower Lakes Campground (not counting snack and fluid exchange stops). So you may want to come all or part way Friday night.  Closer to the trip, we will figure out who is showing up when and who is in each site..

Suitable Boats

(see notes)

Open Canoe -Yes

Covered Canoe - Yes

Touring Kayak - Yes

Rec Kayak - With Trip Coordinator approval

Whitewater Kayak – No

Inflatable Kayak - No

SUP - No for the main lake paddles, but feel free to bring one to use in the evenings.

Meeting Point:

TBD

Trip Coordinator:

Mike Eaton

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ph: (780) 902-3953

Notes:

Please contact the Trip Coordinator no later than the Wednesday before the trip is schedule to start. Some trips may have space limitations or require early booking. Contact the Trip Coordinator.

Trips are open to all current Northwest Voyageurs Canoe and Kayak Club members.

You must provide your own boat or have prearranged a rental from the club to participate in the trip.

Touring Kayak - Typically 12 feet long or more and 24" wide or less, with front and rear water tight compartments for flotation and storage, defined keel

Rec Kayak - Typically less than 12 feet long, often greater than 24" wide, with one or no water tight compartments, may or may not have a keel

Whitewater Kayak - Typically less than 10', no watertight compartments, no keel