Bow River Fly Fishing
Calgary Alberta Canada
Float Trips  | Walk and Wade | Lake Trips | Alpine Lakes

Come Birding with Us

              
Bird Watching around Banff, Canmore and Calgary is spectacular, and what better way to see many of these birds than floating down the river in a Mackenzie style Drift Boat.  Spring and Fall Migrations are among the most impressive times for birding, however the entire summer is rich with avian life.  Whether it be spring sightings of families of Harlequin ducks in the Banff area, or the tremendous numbers of White Pelicans and Great Blue Herons south of Calgary, the Bow River is a great place to increase your life list, or just sit and relax while watching birds at play.

If there is a specific bird you are after, contact us and inquire if we have been seeing it lately.

All birding trips will be in a drift boat with padded seats in the front and back of the boat.  There are even knee locks for standing and steadying oneself for that once in a lifetime picture.

Watching birds is great from a boat as sometimes the birds allow us get into very close proximity without flying away.

All trips include transportation, food and drinks based on the duration of the trip.  If you have any allergies or food preferences, please discuss this with us prior to the trip in order for us to insure your satisfaction.  Please bring your favorite pair of binoculars and/or spotting scope, sunscreen, bug spray, polarized glasses, a rain coat, a rain hat, and an insulation layer.  This is Calgary, and the weather can change very quickly and dramatically!

Families are encouraged as bringing your son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter is a great way to introduce this great hobby to them and instill at a young age an appreciation for nature and the amazing diversity among our avian friends.

Birding Trip Information

We offer a first class experience with great food, professional guides, and field guides!  Trips begin with pickup from the location of your choice.  Pickup time will vary according to weather, time of year, and recent bird sightings.  A typical full day will last 10 - 12 hours, while a typical half day will last up to 6 hours.  We can always adjust these times to suit your needs.

Trips take place in a very comfortable Mackenzie style drift boat.  Our drift boats have padded front and rear seats, and front and rear knee locks to help stabilize yourself for that glimpse of a lifetime.  Your guide will choose between three sections on the breath taking Upper Bow River, and five sections on the Lower Bow River according to what birds have been seen lately, and any preferences you have.

Floating on the Upper Bow River is always a magical experience.  We share this part of the river with Elk, Eagles, Ospreys.  Harlequin Ducks are a spring treat, with American Dippers and Western Tanagers a common sight.  It is quite usual to see an Eagle, an Osprey, and a Kingfisher show up the fishermen on the river, and we have passed within 20 feet of an Osprey who couldn't fly away because the fish he was eating was too big! 

Drifting down the lower section of the Bow River takes us past large numbers of American White Pelicans, Great Blue Herron's, a plethora of Ducks and Geese, a few species of Woodpeckers, and the fun loving Kingfisher.  Come and see the goslings and baby ducks!

Birding Float Trips
Trips are for one or two bird watchers.

Prices do not include optional gratuities.

A 25% deposit is required upon booking, and payment in full is due in advance of, or on the day of your trip.  Payment for multi-day trips are due before or at the completion of each day.

Cancellation – Deposit is fully refundable with 30 days advance notice.  If less than 30 days notice is given, your deposit may be put toward another trip within the same calendar year.

Pick up and drop off will be discussed with you prior to your arrival.  Don't hesitate to call us to review times and places.

Family Packages - When you bring one person under 14 on the trip you will receive a 10% discount.  Teach a child to appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature.  Turn them on to the fastest growing hobby in the world: birding.

Multi-Day Bookings - When you book three or more days with us during one migratory year, you will receive a 10% discount on all trips.

We accept payment by Credit Card, Interac Email Money Transfer, or Certified Cheque .  To send a certified check, call 1-(403)-470-3474 for our mailing address.

Click here to make a credit card payment for your Deposit, Balance or Total Amount.

Click here to do an Interac email money transfer for your Deposit, Balance, or Total Amount.

Come Birding with Us

Back to top