Floating down the Bow River ...

Canmore Rockies Rafting company (with the Three Sisters in the background)

During our time hanging out in Calgary, we saw several groups of people floating down the Bow River on rafts, which is a common summer time activity.  Mum decided that this was something she wanted to do while she was here, so I began investigating how to go about it.  Since the river was flowing quite quickly (thanks to the big June rains and the mountain run off), I wasn't comfortable just jumping into a raft and setting off.  So, we chose the safer (and more expensive) option of going with a guided group in nearby Canmore.  We were still going to be floating down the Bow, admiring the sights but in a slightly more relaxed fashion. 

Mum surveys the Bow River from the raft

Beaver lodge

It was an evening trip which meant that C could join us as well.  It was a perfect evening with a pleasant temperature, a little cloud cover and the sun peeking out frequently.  We were on the river for about an hour and a half and during that time, we floated at a pace that seemed about half the speed of the fairly fast flowing river, which was surprising.  Along the way, we kept our eyes peeled for wildlife and our group was lucky enough to spot several beavers (my first ever beaver sighting ... they kind of look like water wombats!) and a few bald headed eagles perched up high in the trees.

The second boat behind us with the mountains behind Canmore in the background

C and Mum watch out for wildlife

Our guide, a young guy from Chile, was super knowledgeable and a lot of fun.  If you are looking for a unique way to see the Rockies and have some time one summer evening after work, I can highly recommend a trip with the Canmore Rockies Rafting Company.  The next Canadian water activity on my list is whitewater rafting, but I'll have to wait until next spring because right now, the water levels are at their lowest, which makes for smaller and less fun (less scary too?!) rapids!

My first ever beaver sighting!

Coming up for air (and so that I can get a better look at him!)

... and there he goes!

Beautiful light on the Bow River

The second boat in the beautiful light