CALGARY WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Bow-River Field School: A Week of Teen Science and Rafted Adventure in Calgary
A five-day, small-group day camp on Calgary’s Bow River where teens learn river ecology, test water quality, and build outdoor skills with RiverWatch guides.
Bow-River Field School: A Week of Teen Science and Rafted Adventure in Calgary.
RiverWatch EcoCamps run five-day, Monday–Friday day camps on Calgary’s Bow River that combine guided floats, hands-on environmental science and shoreline exploration in small groups led by certified RiverWatch guides.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Real rafts, real river skills
Campers spend multiple days floating sections of the Bow River in small, assigned rafts with certified guides, practicing paddling, teamwork and river safety while seeing parts of Calgary few people visit.
Hands‑on water quality & watershed study
Youth use authentic scientific tools and field journals to test water quality, study aquatic insects, and learn how urban infrastructure connects to river health through active, inquiry-based lessons.
Islands, birds and hidden shorelines
Within minutes on the water campers enter stretches rich with islands and birdlife—herons, eagles, pelicans and other species—learning about food webs, habitats and how the river shapes the landscape.
What the day feels like
What a week on the Bow feels like
Days begin at a river launch with team games and a safety briefing, then move onto guided floats punctuated by shore stops for lunch, hands‑on science, wildlife spotting and leadership challenges before returning to the takeout for daily reflection and journal time.
THE RIVER
Real rafts, real river skills
Campers spend multiple days floating sections of the Bow River in small, assigned rafts with certified guides, practicing paddling, teamwork and river safety while seeing parts of Calgary few people visit.
THE SCIENCE
Hands‑on water quality & watershed study
Youth use authentic scientific tools and field journals to test water quality, study aquatic insects, and learn how urban infrastructure connects to river health through active, inquiry-based lessons.
THE WILDLIFE
Islands, birds and hidden shorelines
Within minutes on the water campers enter stretches rich with islands and birdlife—herons, eagles, pelicans and other species—learning about food webs, habitats and how the river shapes the landscape.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this camp suits—and who should check first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Camps run Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; pre‑/post‑care may be available—contact RiverWatch to inquire.
Pack a small daypack with lunch, snacks, a reusable water bottle and weather‑appropriate clothing; RiverWatch provides rain gear and rubber boots when necessary.
Morning check‑in and parent drop‑off take place at Graves Landing Public Boat Launch; daily pickup occurs at the Fish Creek boat ramp area used as the end‑of‑day base.
Each week is limited to 30 campers and spaces are limited; RiverWatch posted a capacity update indicating additional spots were added but limited space remains—check availability before booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can attend RiverWatch EcoCamps?
The program is delivered for youth in the camp age range cited by RiverWatch; families should confirm the specific session age range when booking.
How long are the camp days and the session?
Camps are five‑day, Monday through Friday day camps with daily hours approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; pre/post care may be available—contact RiverWatch for details.
Where do I drop off and pick up my camper?
Morning drop‑off and check‑in take place at Graves Landing Public Boat Launch; daily pickup is at the Fish Creek boat ramp area, which serves as the end‑of‑day base.
What’s included in the camp fee?
The fee includes activities, necessary gear, an official RiverWatch t‑shirt and a personal scientific field journal; contact RiverWatch for current pricing and promotional details.
How large are the groups and what is the supervision ratio?
Each week has a maximum of 30 participants divided into three groups of 10; each group is led by two RiverWatch guides, maintaining a 1:5 guide‑to‑camper supervision balance.
Are there accessibility accommodations?
RiverWatch strives to be as accessible as possible but the physical nature of raft and trail activities may not be suitable for all campers; families are encouraged to email [email protected] to discuss individual needs.
How do I get answers to other questions or book a spot?
For booking, availability and other questions, email [email protected] to reach the RiverWatch EcoCamps team.