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.

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Latest News

- St Patrick’s Island Boat Ramp Opened
  June 13, 2019NewsCalgary River Users’ Alliance has negotiated an agreement with the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation to improve Bow River access at St. Patrick’s Island. St. Patrick’s Island Boat Ramp is perfectly positioned to offer river users a takeout point above Harvie Passage. Although canoeists and rafters have always been able to use St. Patrick’s Island and other hand launch sites upstream, a boat ramp has not been available for larger trailered recreation river craft. Now it will be possible for the drift boat fishing community and large paddle craft to float the inner city reach of the Bow River. Vehicles will be able to use the boat ramp to drive their trailers down to the Cove Lagoon. Parking Currently assigned truck-trailer parking is not available. For those individuals who use only a truck to ferry their boats or rafts to and from St. Patrick’s Island, the adjacent Zoo Parking Lot 8302 can be used. For trailered-boat users there will be the challenge as to where to park vehicles while floating down the river to St Patrick’s Island. It is recommended that vehicles be parked at Shouldice Park Boat Ramp until close to the time of take-out at St. Patrick’s Island. And if the boat is launched at St. Patrick’s Island the vehicle could be shuttled almost immediately downstream to a take-out site. There is also street permit parking in Inglewood on the 1200 block of 8th Ave SW in Zone 5295 or free two-hour parking further west on the same road from Monday to Friday between 7 AM and 5 PM. Although not as convenient as the zoo parking lot, the 10-minute walk is manageable. On behalf of the recreational river user community, Calgary River Users’ Alliance wished to thank the support from within our ranks that made the project happen and to the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation for securing the funds needed to complete the project. June 13, 2019 ...
- Ricardo Ranch Area Structure Plan – A Proposal for a New River Access Site
  June 5, 2019NewsRICARDO RANCH AREA STRUCTURE PLAN The Ricardo Ranch Area Structure Plan provides a vision and framework for the future development of approximately 635 hectares (1,570 acres) of land in southeast Calgary. The lands in the Plan are bound by the community of Seton to the north, Deerfoot Trail S.E. to the west, the Bow River to the south and 88 Street S.E. to the east. Ricardo Ranch will be home to approximately 16,000 to 20,000. The community will incorporate public amenities within walking distance for all residents. Pedestrian connections, public transportation and cycling facilities will provide access to parks, employment, retail, leisure, and cultural destinations. Conservation of natural environments within the Bow River valley will enable residents, workers and visitors to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle and protect biodiversity within the city. The importance of river access has been recognized in the Area Structure Plan with the proposal to expand the Calgary River Access Strategy to include a new river access site and day use area at Ricardo Ranch. The River Access Proposal will expand readily accessible river access to the south-east quadrant of Calgary. ...

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Calgary River Access Website

Map of Boat Launches in Calgary

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Link to River Float Times