River Ambassador Eco-Float Trip - Calgary

Join RiverWatch Institute of Alberta for a FREE 10KM tour of the Bow River right in Calgary. Back by popular demand, this exceptional opportunity is a great way to get outdoors and into nature this summer!

On the float, RiverWatch will host an informal and up-close look at the Bow River, helping participants learn along the way about natural history, water quality, environmental health, flood recovery and stewardship actions. EcoFloat participants will travel in large, inflatable seventeen-passenger rafts, professionally guided by experienced RiverWatch staff.

River Ambassador events are made possible thanks to funding by the City of Calgary, and will increase your understanding of local waterways and personal actions that protect and manage water quality. Everyone will finish the day more connected to nature and the Bow River.

Program Outline

• 8:45 a.m. Participants park at Pearce Estate Park (see map)

• 9:00 Welcome, gear distribution and safety orientation for the rafting trip

• 9:30 Rafting begins

• 11:30 Rafting finishes at Graves Boat Landing under the Glenmore Trail Bridge

• 12:00 p.m. Participants board a shuttle bus back to their vehicles in Pearce Estate Park

Physical Expectations - Participants will be involved in some equipment lifting, walking and occasional paddling. Swimming ability is not required.

Hazards - River rafting includes all the usual risks associated with water activities at a swimming pool or beach, along with additional hazards because we are on moving water. Rafts pass between bridge pillars with guide instruction and paddling teamwork. Shoreline areas are characterized by uneven ground and slopes. Shoreline stops require walking up steep banks or across cobble rocks. Your guide will present a safety briefing on-site.

Things to Bring - Please dress for the weather with a hat, sunscreen and water. Please wear appropriate footwear that can get wet. Consider bringing gloves and a jacket on cool days. All paddling gear, lifejackets, and raincoats are provided. Children ages 6-12 must bring their own properly-fitting PFD.

Who Can Attend - The EcoFloat is limited to 45 participants. Children 6-18 years of age are welcome with their parents or a relative; children under 12 must bring their own properly-fitting PFD and will sit center-of-raft without paddling.

Fees - There is a $20 deposit to ensure attendance. The deposit will be refunded within 5 days following the trip, provided you were in attendance.

Poor Weather - This event is weather-permitting and may be rescheduled.

Highlights - Travelling by raft and paddling as a team, you'll have an up-close look at Calgary history, flood recovery, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, flora, fauna, birds, fish habitat and the environmental issues facing us in the future. A shoreline stop will allow everyone to collect and see the amazing aquatic insects that generate an entire river food web. Best of all, though, is the beauty and tranquility that can be found right in the center of Calgary!

Start Location - We’ll meet at the Pearce Estate Parking Lot just before 9:00 a.m. Rafting begins after gearing-up and an 800m walk to the Harvie Passage boat ramp.

Trip Cancellation - If for unforeseen circumstances the Eco-Float Trip must be cancelled, participants will be notified by email in advance of the planned trip date and will be issued a refund.

Collection of Personal Information - The personal information collected herein is authorized under Section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is collected for the purpose of gathering event feedback. If you have any questions about the use of the information on this form, please contact Reed Froklage at science@riverwatch.ab.ca.

We hope you can make it!

Cheers,

RiverWatch Institute of Alberta