Paddle, bike, and unwind at this hidden marina just 20 minutes from Calgary

Some summer days don’t need a big plan, just a place to go and something simple to do outside.

About 20 minutes from Calgary, Bearspaw Marina is one of those spots that makes it really easy to do exactly that. It sits right on the edge of the Bearspaw Reservoir, and throughout the summer, it quickly turns into a spot filled with things to do.

A closer look at the marina

Once you’re there, there are a few different ways to spend your time depending on the kind of day you’re looking for. According to Bearspaw Marina, on sunny days, most people typically head straight for the water, where you can rent canoes, paddleboards, pedal boats and kayaks, depending on how active you want to be.

If you’d rather stay on land, e-bikes are also available for rent, making it really easy to explore the surrounding reservoir trails. You can take a step-through or regular e-bike and cruise along the paths for a couple of hours.

What’s also noteworthy is the wildlife. The reservoir is full of birds, so it’s not uncommon to spot ospreys flying overhead, herons standing right along the water, and even deer moving across the shoreline.

And if you end up getting hungry after a long day of activities, lucky for you, there’s a food truck on-site serving up simple summer foods like burgers, wraps, fresh lemonade, ice cream, and snacks.

What to know before you go

If you’re planning a visit to the marina, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before you head out.

Parking is located at Haskayne Legacy Park. To get there, take Woodland Road off Highway 1A and follow it to the designated parking area. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the marina and rental area.

The marina is designed to be family-friendly, with lifejackets available in all sizes and options like pedal boats that work well for groups and families spending the day together. Everything is set up so you don’t need to bring your own gear or book in advance, making it easy to plan last-minute.

Rentals start at around $20, depending on what you choose, with plenty of options available like paddleboards, kayaks, and more. The last boat rentals of the day go out at 6:30 p.m., and all other rentals close shortly after, so it’s best to visit earlier in the day.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that the operation can change depending on the weather conditions. For safety, the marina may close during high winds, thunderstorms, or severe weather, and updates are usually shared on its social media channels.

As the weather gets nicer and you’re searching for hidden gems around Calgary, Bearspaw Marina is one of those spots worth adding to your list. It’s close to the city, and with so much to see and do, it’s an easy place to spend a few hours outside without needing much planning.

When: Opens Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time:  12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Enter through Haskayne Legacy Park, 9000 149 St. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Rentals starting at $20 per hour

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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