Bow River

The Bow River originates in the Canadian Rockies, with its headwaters at Bow Lake in Banff National Park. It flows 587 km (365 mi) south through Banff and east through Canmore and the foothills. The river offers world-class trout fishing, paddling and rafting opportunities, plus it's a magnet for people to cool off on a hot summer day — especially in Calgary. The river is often dotted with rafts and canoes bobbing along on the current. That current can be tricky in places, so life jackets are mandatory. Several Calgary parks are set on the banks of the river and offer a chance to wade or take a quick dip. Bow River eventually joins the Oldman River to form the South Saskatchewan River, which ultimately empties into Hudson's Bay.