Just 15 minutes from Northwest Calgary, Bearspaw Marina is an idyllic and affordable destination designed for families and anyone looking to reconnect with nature. Founded by a local resident who has spent over 30 years building roots in the community, Bearspaw Marina was designed to bring people together in the beauty of nature. The founder envisioned a space where families can bond, break away from screens, and enjoy the great outdoors together. Since opening in June 2024, the marina has become a favourite destination for locals seeking family-friendly outdoor adventures.One of the most appealing aspects of Bearspaw Marina is its affordability. Whether you're heading out on the water or exploring the trails, the pricing is designed to ensure that everyone can participate. No need to bring your own equipment—just show up, and you're ready to go!
Starting at just $20 per hour ($5 for every additional 15 minutes), families can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, pedal boats, or rowboats. All rentals include top-notch safety gear. For just $30, you can explore on an e-bike for up to two hours. The trail spans an incredible 38 km, winding through wildflowers, rolling hills, and breathtaking views along the Bearspaw Reservoir.
Whether you're paddling across the reservoir or cycling the trails, the marina spares no expense to keep visitors safe. Every rental includes high-quality life jackets equipped with AirTags to ensure they’re properly monitored. Safety patrols are conducted every 45 minutes using speedboats, keeping an eye on all activity. The crew is proactive, ensuring visitors steer clear of hazardous areas like the nearby dam.
Visitors are kept informed through an intuitive traffic light system, visible across the water, that signals water safety conditions.
- Green: Conditions are safe, so you’re good to go.
- Yellow: Exercise caution and hold off for updates.
- Red: The water is temporarily closed for safety reasons.
Safety is so prioritized that when winds exceed 21 km/hour, all boating activities are paused.
To make waiting lines more pleasant, the friendly staff even hands out bottled water, sunscreen, and hats for the kids.
Bearspaw Marina is where city dwellers come to reconnect with nature. Emma Jane Lindsey, who manages community outreach for the marina, says visitors are consistently amazed by the tranquil beauty of the area.
“People always say the same thing when they arrive, ‘I had no idea this was here!’” Lindsey shares. “It was a hidden gem, but now it’s open to everyone.”
Bearspaw Marina offers all the ingredients for a perfect day outdoors—whether it’s a sunset paddle, a family picnic, or an adventurous e-bike trail ride. With its prime location, affordable rates, and unbeatable safety measures, it’s no wonder this destination is becoming a favourite among locals. So, put down those screens and make magical moments with your family once again, outdoors in the beauty of nature.
Learn more online and follow @bearspawmarina on social media for updates.
