Elbow River Boat Launch & Day Use Area - Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada

Kananaskis Alberta Canada Elbow River Boat Launch & Day Use Area  

Provincial Recreation Day Use - Picnic by the Elbow River

The Kananaskis Alberta Canada Elbow River Boat Launch & Day Use Area is perfect for a picnic. There are several sites with large picnic tables and fire pits with grills. The sites are good-sized and nice for large families or groups of friends to gather. Large parking lot where the washrooms are located as well as a Bear Proof garbage bin.

Learn how to open a Bear Proof Garbage Bin.

Kananaskis Alberta Canada Elbow River Boat Launch

The boat launch at the Elbow River Provincial Recreation Day Use Area is for launching Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddleboards. Plenty of parking and easy access. Fast-moving cold water so use caution.

Access to the Elbow River Picnic Spots

To access the picnic spots along the Elbow River, you will walk down fairly rocky pathways.
Watch your steps as you go. The picnic spots at the river are beautiful but very close to the edge of the river. Use caution as the Elbow River runs very fast and is very cold. Families with young children may want to use the picnic tables by the parking lot away from the water.The river's edge sites are not wheelchair accessible, however, the picnic sites by the parking lot are accessible.

How to find the Elbow River Boat Launch & Day Use Area

Elbow River Provincial Recreation Park is located only 20 km (12.5 miles) west of Bragg Creek, on Highway 66. From Calgary, the recreation area is around 65 km (45 miles) and it takes about an hour to get to the park’s main entrance.

From Calgary, get on Crowchild Trail southwest from 6 Ave, and Bow Trail. At the end of the Bow Trail, take Highway 8 West and Highway 22 to get on to Highway 66 in Rocky View County. Follow Highway 66 west, for a little over ten minutes, and your destination will be on your left.

A Kananaskis Park Pass is required - purchase yours online at Kananaskis Park Pass

Visit nearby Bragg Creek, Alberta, Canada

The nearby community of Bragg Creek is a wonderful town to visit and pick up any supplies you may need for your picnic, hike, or road trip. Bragg Creek has a real Western feel a wonderful selection of great restaurants, boutiques, and the not-to-be-missed Bragg Creek Trading Post. 

Explore Alberta Parks, Trails & Rivers

Kananaskis Alberta Canada Elbow River Boat Launch & Day Use Area