Top 5 Alberta Cruises & Sailing Tours: A Detailed Guide

Alberta, is that province recognized for its stunning mountain landscapes and vibrant cities, too it’s almost got quite a few beautiful lakes and waterways just begging to be explored. Sure, that usually means hiking trails and lakeside picnics, but how about something a bit different? A change of pace, is that scenic Alberta boat cruise. This guide covers some of Alberta’s top cruise and sailing tours. After reading, that vacation planning will go more smoothly, it could be.

1. Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Banff National Park

Lake Minnewanka, that jewel in Banff National Park, arguably is among the park’s most striking destinations, might be. That crisp mountain air, those unbelievable views – experiencing it from a boat gives you, like, a totally fresh angle. The Lake Minnewanka Cruise, is that very tour most visitors choose. Expect seeing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the turquoise waters, so typical of Alberta’s glacial lakes. That informative narration regarding the area’s history and geology is actually provided on the cruise, just as well.

Think about, like, gliding across Lake Minnewanka while hearing stories about early explorers, native cultures, and perhaps even a ghost story or two — maybe even three! That crew, is that pretty knowledgeable and genuinely seem to enjoy sharing their love for the lake with everyone onboard. The lake is quite, very large — the largest in Banff National Park, to be honest — providing, like, ample opportunity to snap some postcard-worthy pictures. This Lake Minnewanka experience truly is worthwhile if you go to Banff, actually.

2. Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island, Jasper National Park

Maligne Lake, yet another one of Alberta’s treasures, provides some equally unforgettable views and promises a serene, natural retreat. This one runs a close second, too it’s almost. That boat trip to Spirit Island, which is located, arguably, right smack-dab in the middle of Maligne Lake, tends to be a popular tour. I’ve heard people who visit Jasper and just skip it because, for some reason, they feel “ehh”. Big mistake!

Just for those unfamiliar, Spirit Island actually isn’t an island, but a landlocked, remote peninsula. That lake cruise typically takes you past a number of stunning backdrops, is that. The guides make stops near numerous spots of geological or historical note on the way, that is what I heard, so too it’s almost. Just relax and take pictures. Spirit Island is absolutely well worth the price of admission to Jasper National Park! This Spirit Island exploration is perfect if you love nature and want to experience a classic spot that has been featured in countless photographs and paintings, so popular, too it’s almost.

3. Sylvan Lake Boat Rentals and Tours

Moving away from the National Parks, Sylvan Lake provides a more accessible and perhaps family-friendly option near Red Deer. Instead of a cruise with a set schedule, various outfitters allow, arguably, the chance to be your captain by offering boat rentals, in some respects. Renting a boat and spending the day fishing, waterskiing, or simply soaking up the sun is something you could do, actually.

Now, if piloting isn’t your bag, local spots, usually near the lake’s shores, provide several guided tours. Often they include sunset cruises. I once joined one myself; just so lovely. It provided such a unique point of view, as well as some time to learn something regarding the area’s ecology. It made the experience especially noteworthy, could be. When searching, is that booking in advance becomes helpful because of the crowds during the busy summer months, just to remember. Getting wet and seeing the Sylvan lake region is worth a trip, more or less.

4. Edmonton Riverboat, North Saskatchewan River

For a totally different perspective, hop aboard the Edmonton Riverboat for a trip down the North Saskatchewan River. The boat has dinner cruises as well as sightseeing cruises — perfect whether or not you are just looking to relax after some time sightseeing, and see those Edmonton river valley trails, yet.

That atmosphere tends to be what sells most guests. You might see couples celebrating birthdays, friends enjoying dinner with live music, and sightseers taking in views on a tour. And with cruises happening frequently throughout that week, just selecting a departure and setting off becomes fairly flexible. Check if they have a riverboat cruise in Edmonton on your next time here, nearly.

5. Bow River Float Trips, Canmore/Banff

Okay, the Bow River float trips don’t often require much “sailing”, however, so they certainly deserve a mention as another water-based experience available in the province, actually. Departing mostly from Canmore (just close to Banff), a guided rafting tour along that gentle currents is more or less just drifting, virtually. Several tours use inflatable rafts, with qualified guides steering — perfect when wildlife spotting becomes that priority.

There are eagles, elk, deer, or bears around almost every corner! Also the tour guides will provide info about the area’s environment, arguably as well as how important the river is. Plus it doesn’t hurt that everyone remains reasonably comfortable with provided life jackets as a standard, more or less just adding extra reassurance for people who may be nervous getting around rivers, that is that. Look out for one, anyway. The scenic rafting in Bow River is truly fantastic, as I was saying!