County Waters Kayaking

Canoeheads of Edmonton

These people are awesome!!! Met the crew paddling down the North Saskatchewan and had a lovely chat with one of their crew. Super kind, shared info about our route, and some tidbits of shared interests between both our parties. They were guiding a group of canoes from Devon to Laurier Park in Edmonton.

Then, once we got to Laurier, we met two more of their crew in the most awkward way possible. You see, while picking up my kayak on shore to go load, i rolled off my ankle pretty harshly and rendered myself immobile. That's when Grayson (I'm so sorry if i misspelled your name), a clearly strong giant of a young man, came to the rescue. He assisted my group getting me to the car, hefted our heavy kayaks onto our racks, and got things strapped down. He didn't have to help us yet he did so with kindness and compassion. A true hero of the day for us.

Jason then came into the picture and we had a great conversation about how great his crew is and perhaps in the future creating a joint venture to benefit more people paddling on multiple rivers.

Overall, i cannot say enough good things about the crew of Canoeheads and their commitment to the safety of their clients and everyone else on the river.

Check them out.

As for me, Ive got a cranky ankle that will survive. Going to be hobbling for a bit but Ive got a great crew of my own to keep us paddling the lakes for the rest of the season. Likeky won't be able to do more river trips this season though.

Tuesday Aug 25 and Wednesday Aug 26 sunset paddling 7pm on Lacombe Lake. $60/single, $90/tandem, $40/BYOKayak.
Call for information and booking. 780-605-3688
Ps... we only use real photos, unedited, no AI, the way it should be. Come experience real life with us on the water.

Sunsets anyone? Lacombe County has some of the PRETTIEST sunsets anywhere. Come discover their beauty by kayak with a fully guided tour with us.

Thursday Magee Lake 7pm-9pm
Friday Lacombe Lake 7pm-9pm

Next week
Thursday Middle Chain Lake 7pm-9pm

Beginner kayaking suitable for everyone. We supply the kayak, pfd, safety equipment, guide, waterproof phone case, waterproof bag for belongings, and give you the basic instructions needed to enjoy the tour. No swimming or silly shenanigans, only peaceful, relaxing paddling.

Call 780-605-3688 for information and to book.

Check out our other services like Red Deer River excursions, kayak camping, rentals, and Glow Nights. Over 40 high-end kayaks in the fleet. Childrens, adult, and tandems available.

Lake paddling this week...

-Monday closed (i need a night off)
-Tuesday Lacombe Lake 630pm room for 4 to join.
-Wednesday im off to Tolman/Trenville for shuttles
-Thursday 7pm we have our August Nights group paddle on Magee Lake. Open to our June Nights group participants to join.
-Friday Lacombe Lake 7pm sunset tour. Room for 6 more to join.

Tours fill up fast. Call 780-605-3688 to get your paddling in.

We make every tour extra.
Dinner at DNA Gardens after paddling the incredible Red Deer River? Absolutely!
What a wonderful way to round out a day. Artisan pizzas, fresh picked salads, homemade pie, and even fancy beverages straight from their distillery. Spectacular!

Headed to the river again this weekend. Seven of us paddling from Content to Tolman. Approximately 62km of beautful scenery and spectacular rock formations. We will be staying overnight at Trenville Park Campground, our favorite place to camp. A special visit to DNA Gardens for a self guided tour followed by an exceptional meal will make this trip even better.
Be advised cell range is sketchy so I'll likely only be able to get your messages sporadically. If i don't get back to you right away, it's likely because I'm out of range.
If youre also out on the water this weekend, be safe, remember your safety gear, wear your pfd, and have fun.
Happy paddling!

I never leave shore without a few things. Not just for me, not just what's required by law, but a few extra things to ensure my guests and myself can stay safe on the water and focus on having fun.

This weekend one particular item I bring along proved invaluable for a search and rescue group on the water that was looking for people that were not members of our party. Our Garmin Inreach Explorer+ emergency satellite communication device was the item. A bit bulkier than other models, it has better texting ease and I find it more durable too. Maps, way points, email, text, weather, and more, the unit is my best choice for assisting navigation in remote areas as well as staying connected with civilization.

Ill save the details of events on the river because the persons in need of assistance were not ours, nor is it any of our business. We respect people's privacy. What i can share, is that when we saw the low flying RCMP helicopter sweeping the river and then saw the amazing South Eastern Alberta Search and Rescue Association vessel, we were concerned they were not just doing a training exercise, but rather someone was in trouble somewhere and in need of help. Indeed, that was the case.

We paddled over, offered to assist (we were on the river all weekend and saw many paddlers the day before and as many know, I know that section of the Red Deer River like the back of my hand) The wonderful Search and Rescue Team were having a bit of communication troubles to the command center with their satalite device I offered the use of my trusty Garmin. It worked. Simple texting using the Garmin Explorer+, the S&R crew were able to get a better description of persons needing help, get updates on search progress, and instructions carrying on. Feels good to be a teeny part in a big operation like that.

Safety on the river and other remote areas starts with being prepared.

You can find used, affordable Garmin devices and other similar makes on Marketplace. Subscription costs are as low a $20/month. We keep is with us paddling, camping, hiking, skiing, and even in the glove box of the pickup when driving in the winter. You may not have cell range, but you'll almost always have satellite range. Be safe. Be able to call for help.

Make the investment. Carry an emergency communication device. It could save your, or sometime else's life.