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Kayaking Banff/Lake Louise

So is it any wonder that Canadian Natives first developed the canoe and kayak. Early Inuit used these vessels for hunting, the craft they needed was one that could make trips along ice flows and back to the hunt. A craft that would allow an individual or two people to quickly traverse this harsh landscape. The kayak allowed the individuals to remain on board their crafts while navigating water and ice flows. Creating a fast and agile hunting. Early kayaks were constructed with wood frames lashed together with sinew and covered in sealskin. Today the materials differ, but the general shape of these water going craft have remained the same, apart from some specialized modifications.

The Banff Lake Louise plays an important role in the western watershed. In fact four major North American watersheds are in Alberta, and three are in the Lake Louise area, water from this area flows into the Arctic Ocean, Hudson Bay. Across the continental divide, minutes from Lake Louise just inside the British Columbia border, all water heads into the nearby Pacific Ocean. Many of these tributaries will take you through countryside that is still as wild and unchanged since the exploration by Canadian Pacific Railway. Best of all though, is that the geographic makeup of this area ensures waterways that offer challenges for all skill levels of aqua sport enthusiasts.

If you are one of those who thinks that pushing themselves to the limits of their skills, strength and endurance is a good way to spend a vacation, or if you are one wishing to try this wonderful sport than this is the part of the world you should come to!

Safety is a must in this sport; because of the constantly fluctuating river conditions (spring runoff, flooding, drought, etc.) it is always a good idea to check with local wardens or rangers of the parks or RCMP as to what the current conditions are.

Equipment may be rented from several retailers for reasonable rates ($20-30/day depending on what you need). Lessons in kayaking and canoeing may be taken through an assortment number of privately operated river sports companies, in the area offering all levels of canoe, kayak and rafting trips.

If you like pushing yourself to the limit in a small water craft, and you don't mind getting wet, the Lake Louise area is an excellent place for excursions to one of the best whitewater regions in the world. The challenging rivers, the unspoiled beauty of the landscape, and the wildlife combine to guarantee a fantastic vacation.

Rating System River Rapids:

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional manoeuvring may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class II+".

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex manoeuvres in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast manoeuvres under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate manoeuvres, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must'' moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long obstructed or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable Eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond class IV, Class 5 is an open ended, multiple level scale designated by Class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc... Each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. Example: Increasing difficulty from class 5.0 to class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from class IV to Class 5.0.

Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory. These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only: at favourable water levels after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not include drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include drops only occasionally run. After a Class VI rapids has been run many times, It's rating may be changed to an appropriate Class 5.X rating.

Banff/Lake Louise Kayak Rentals and Outfitters

Banff Adventures Unlimited
211 Bear Street
PO Box 778
Banff, Alberta
T1L 1A8
Web: Banff Adventures Unlimited
Phone: 403.762.4554
Toll Free: 1.800.644.8888
Fax: 403.760.3196

Banff/Lake Louise Tourist Information