As a kid, I loved being out on the water. I got to attend summer camps in the Rockies with a canoeing focus, so I still love to get on the water whenever I get a chance. I don’t own my own canoe or paddleboard, so these days I’m happy to join friends with their own or rent gear for the day. Recently, I got to spend a day out at Two Jack Lake for a morning paddle in Banff. If you’re looking to get out on the water, here are my tips for paddling at Two Jack Lake (and generally!).
If you have little to no experience paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing, I recommend joining a class before going out on your own. In Calgary, the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre offers programs at various levels for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Beginner groups are generally held in Bowness Park. In Banff, Bow Valley SUP & Surf offers both lake and river stand-up paddleboarding lessons. Lake lessons are at Johnson or Two Jack Lake while river paddles are on the Bow River starting in Canmore.
Where to Park at Two Jack Lake
Two Jack Lake has a couple boat launch spots. One is at the main parking lot, where the red chair are. This puts you in the middle of the lake, on the west side. The other option is just off Johnson Lake Road. There is a small parking area immediately after the intersection with Lake Minnewanka Road.
We parked at the second location. There is a short path from the road to the boat launch area. Here, you are launching onto the narrower Cascade Canal which connects to Two Jack Lake.
Both parking lots fill up in the summer, especially on the weekends. I recommend getting out early in the morning or going on a weekday to avoid the busyness. We got to the launch around 10:00 am on a Sunday and there was still plenty of parking.
Paddling Route on Two Jack Lake
We started at the boat launch on the Cascade Canal and paddled north to meet Two Jack Lake. We circumnavigated the lake, staying closer to the shoreline and paddling in a counter-clockwise direction. The total paddle is around 7 km and took us around an hour and a half. You get incredible views of the mountains surrounding the lake, with Cascade to the west, Mount Aylmer to the north, Mount Inglismadlie to the east and Rundle to the south (visible from certain angles along the canal).
Although Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka are neighbours, and the water is shared between them, there is a dam separating the two. It is not possible to paddle directly between Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka.
Navigating the Bridge Crossing Between Cascade Canal and Two Jack Lake
There is one obstacle between the Cascade Canal and Two Jack Lake: an old, low bridge spanning the canal. To cross, you’ll need to sit on your board and push yourself along. When we were there, everyone was using the east side (right side when paddling towards Two Jack Lake), as there was a piece of metal hanging on the other side. The middle is lower, so try to stick to the side.
Overall, crossing under this bridge was easy; however, weather conditions and water levels could make it less accessible. Make sure to check the conditions before you go out and always turn back if you feel uncomfortable.
Boating Safety: What to Bring and Park Regulations
Paddling is a fantastic way to get outside during the summer. Being on the water keeps you cooler, the mountain lakes are stunning, and the vibes are immaculate. However, it is important to follow the park and provincial rules and regulations in order to stay safe, avoid fines, and protect these environments.
In Banff, paddling is only allow on waterbodies within the Water Recreation Zone as defined by Parks Canada. This helps prevent detrimental concerns like whirling disease from entering sensitive ecosystems. Parks Canada also has a Self-Certification permit available on their website that all paddlers should print, fill out, and bring with them. Individuals who do not follow the Clean, Drain, Dry, and Certain guidelines or paddle outside of approved water recreation areas can face fines up to $25,000.
You are also required to have a personal flotation device (PFD, aka life jacket) for each person on your boat. Generally, you should wear your PFD while paddling. As well, you should have a whistle, paddle, and water shoes (or shoes you can wear while in the water).
I recommend getting a dry bag for any items you want to bring in the boat, such as your phone, additional layers, sunscreen, etc.) All items should be tied down to the boat, or board in case you capsize.
Responsible Water Recreation in National Parks
Responsible water recreation includes both caring for your own health and safety and respecting the ecosystem you’re recreating on.
Make sure to follow leave-no-trace principles and avoid losing anything in the lake. Tie down your items, keep track of any garbage or food wrappers and place them inside zippered pockets or dry bags in case the wind picks up.
Make sure to bring a water bottle, wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The weather may feel cooler on the water, but you can still get dehydrated easily. As well, the reflection off the water can make you more susceptible to sunburns. Make sure to wait at least 15 minutes after applying sunscreen before entering the water to limit the amount that enters the ecosystem. Where shoes in the water to avoid injuring yourself on sharp rocks or debris underwater while getting in and out of your boat.
Water in the mountains is extremely cold. Even experienced swimmers can struggle to stay afloat if they accidently enter the water from a boat (i.e., boat tipping or capsizing). Your muscles can seize and cramp from the extreme temperature swing, which can put you at risk of drowning. Always paddle with another person in case of emergencies. I also suggest wearing your PFD as a precaution against freezing up and being unable to swim in the case of an accident.
Finally, make sure to check the weather on the day you go out. When on the water, keep an eye on the clouds and exit the water immediately in the case of thunder or lightening. You should keep an eye on the ideal exit points on any body of water in case you need to get off the lake quickly.
Paddleboard and Boat Rental Options in Banff
If you do not have your own boat, but are interested in going paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing for a day, there are several places in Banff, Canmore, and Calgary where you can rent items.
Many lakes and water recreation areas do not have boats for rent onsite, and the lakes that do are often more expensive. If you are able to transport your own watercraft, renting from town is usually a more cost-effective option.
Paddleboards are especially popular because many of them are inflatable, making them an easily transportable option for almost any vehicle.
In Banff and Canmore, you can rent boats from:
- Bow Valley SUP & Surf: SUP rates are $68/day. Kayaks are $96/day and both SUPs and kayaks are inflatable. PFDs are included.
- Banff Canoe Club: SUP rates are $35/hour. Canoes and kayaks are $70 for the first hour, and $35 for every additional hour. PFDs included.
- Adventure Hub: SUP rates are $69/day. Inflatable kayaks are $119/day. PFDs are included.
In Calgary, you can rent from:
- UCalgary Outdoor Centre: SUP rates are $42/day. Canoes and kayaks are $40/day. PFDs are rented separately.
- Sports Rent: SUP rates are $56/day. Kayaks are $56/day for singles and $76/day for doubles. Canoes are $76/day. PFDs are rented separately.