Banff in Alberta
by
guest-paddler
The section from Vermillion (downstream) to the Bow is short and interesting. It defines the west side of the mountain resort of Banff.
Once I got to the Bow, I found that many tourists were getting into the Vermillion River from Banff for the easy paddle to Vermillion Lakes (the reverse direction from where I came). Upstream this probably took 15 minutes.
At the Bow intersection, we turned upstream into the very green Bow River. Bow River is glacier fed so it is opaque green, very cold, large, and fast running. I paddled up the Bow for about 1/2 hour and it was relatively easy paddling against a stiff current. I would not do this if big rivers make you nervous but it seemed okay in this 1/2 hour.
Then I reversed direction to Banff and back up the river that connects to Vermillion Lakes.
This trip is easy. Bow to Vermillion Lakes on small river is very easy with little risk of getting lost and would be easy to get out if overturned.
The section upstream on Bow from Banff is also easy paddling but I would not want to tip given its speed and temperature.
This is a fun activity in Banff Park.