Calgary River Users Alliance

The Calgary Rivers Users’ Alliance (CRUA) was formed to improve recreational, non-motorized boating access to the Bow and Elbow Rivers in Calgary.

Learn more about who we are here.

Latest News

- West Baker Park – River Access Closure
  July 9, 2019NewsWest Baker Park, Calgary River Access Strategy Development Site will undergo a complete makeover this summer. The very popular hand launch site will be closed from late July to October 2019 to accommodate for instream work and upgrades to river access. Calgarians will not be able to access the boat launch and portions of the adjacent parking lot and regional pathway during construction. Detours on the pathway will be in place. The paddle community are encouraged to use alternate hand launch sites at Bowness Park or Shouldice Park during construction. The development plans for 2019: Add a new Emergency Services Boat Ramp upstream of the pump house. Expand the existing boat ramp to accommodate hand and trailered boat access. Add a new staging area immediately above the boat ramp. A walkway between the new parking lot and the staging area is also likely to be built this year. All parking in close proximity to the boat ramp is expected to be eliminated. Once this year’s construction is complete West Baker Park will be open to both hand and trailered boat use. Further details can be found on the City of Calgary River Access Strategy web page: River Access Strategy Sandwich Boards will be placed on site to update people on the upcoming closure. Discussions are taking place to keep the existing launch open for August Long Weekend and try to phase construction accordingly. It is important to be aware that changes can take place during civil engineering projects. The City of Calgary will issue updates in advance of changes taking place. ...
- Graves Bridge – Temporary River Access
  July 9, 2019NewsThe Heritage Drive SE Flood Barrier Project is under construction. Details of the project can be found at: http://www.calgary.ca/heritagefloodbarrier. The City of Calgary consulted with river users to develop a plan to retain public access to the Bow River during construction. The following is the latest update: The purpose of the project is to ensure that Heritage Drive SE remains passable during a Bow River flood event up to the 100-year flood. The project includes stabilization of the riverbank, construction of a flood barrier, and the last segment of the regional pathway on the west bank of the Bow River connecting downtown and the southern City limits. The Construction Staging Plan details the changes that will take place at the Graves Bridge Parking Lot: TEMPORARY ACCESS to the Boat Launch during construction from the middle of July to the end of September 2019 TEMPORARY CLOSURE of the parking lot under the Graves Bridge from the middle of July to the end of September 2019 PERMANENT CLOSURE of the east entrance/driveway to the area from Heritage Dr. SE The west entrance to the area/parking lot will remain OPEN during construction Pathway will remain OPEN and Pathway access will be MAINTAINED A new ramp will extend out of the parking lot, across the pathway and down the bank to the gravel bar. It is important to be aware that changes can take place during civil engineering projects. The City of Calgary has assured us that updates will be issued in advance of changes to river access and parking at the site. ...

Link to

Calgary River Access Website

Map of Boat Launches in Calgary

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Link to River Float Times