River Reflections Scenic Float + Photo Tour
Book NowCapture a different side of the North Saskatchewan River valley on this adventure as we explore oxbow lakes, smaller channels and viewpoints accessible from the river.
This full-day tour includes lots of stops in places that can only be reached from the river. Our guides know the river well and will take you to some of the best locations for photography, from small lakes to islands covered in wildflowers with glaciers as the backdrop. We cover a short section of the river on this tour to give you plenty of time to explore along the way.
The River Reflections Scenic Float + Photo Tour starts in the Thompson Creek area. Your guide takes care of the rowing so that you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Highlights
- Capture some amazing views of glaciers, mountains and the river.
- Experience a peaceful float surrounded by the mountains.
Perfect for: Anybody who enjoys photography. This tour can be adapted for a wide range of photography experience and equipment.
Tour Overview
- Activity: Float tour on a raft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time on the River: ~6 hours
- Duration: ~7 hours
Available daily at 7 am and 2 pm from May to September.
The Adventure
The Raft
We use full-size rafts with oars on our scenic floats. That means plenty of room for you to relax and enjoy the views while your guide takes care of the rowing.
The River
There's something special about getting on the river and slowing down to enjoy the views all around us.
The Mountains
This section of the North Saskatchewan River flows through the Main Range of the Canadian Rockies, giving us spectacular landscapes in all directions.
The Lakes
Oxbow lakes and smaller channels gave us calmer water and mountain reflections. We get to explore a few of them on this tour.
The Flowers
The area is colourful throughout the summer and fall, from individual flowers earlier on in the season to the fireweed in August and the fall colours later on.
Book Now
Which option is right for you?
Our private tours are the best option when you have a group of four or more, or when you want the flexibility and personal touches that come with having a guide just for yourself.
The Explorer Series, aka our public tours, is a great option when you have flexible dates and prefer to join others on your adventure. Departures are offered on select dates throughout the season.
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The Details
When and where does the tour start?
You'll meet your guide at the Wildhorse Creek Camping Area at 7 am or 2 pm. Get Directions >
Return time varies based on the river conditions but you can expect to be back at your vehicle within approximately 7 hours.
The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.
What do I need to bring?
Be prepared for the mountain weather and conditions that can change quickly.
Camera Equipment
This tour can be adapted to a wide range of cameras, from phones to professional equipment. Let us know what you will be bringing when you book and reach out if you have any questions.
For DSLR and mirrorless cameras we recommend a wide-angle and a telephoto lens along with a tripod. Polarizer and ND filters are a good addition for this tour.
Drones are allowed in most of the areas we visit on this tour. You are responsible for following all applicable regulations and you must provide us with a copy of your pilot license (if applicable).
Space is somewhat limited on the raft and we recommend bringing only the equipment you need. Some guests choose to only use their regular backpack or camera case. This is usually fine since we are not likely to get wet on this tour but we recommend using a waterproof bag or case.
We can't guarantee that the dry bags we have are fully waterproof and as such recommend that you bring your own dry bag for your camera.
Required Items
- Proper footwear (sandals or shoes, no flip-flops or slides)
- Appropriate clothing for the weather
- A windbreaker, shell and/or rain jacket
- A warm sweater (conditions can change quickly)
- A water bottle
- Sunhat
- Tuque and gloves (spring and fall floats)
While we don't usually get wet on our float tours we sometimes get wet feet from light splashing in the rafts and when walking on the shore. We provide a shared dry bag for guests to store additional clothing or items while on the float.
What's Included?
- We provide the rafts and all related equipment.
- PFDs are provided and must be worn at all times. Guests must use the PFDs we provide.
- A professional guide.
- Guides carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits and satellite communicators on all tours.
We provide a shared dry bag for guests to store additional clothing or items while on the float. We can't guarantee that they are fully waterproof and as such recommend that you bring your own dry bag if you wish to bring a camera or other water-sensitive equipment.
What's Not Included
- Appropriate clothes and footwear for the weather conditions.
- Water bottles and camera.
What kind of lunch and snacks are included?
Lunch includes a sandwich, snacks, dessert and juice on this tour.
Please make sure to mention any dietary requirements when you book your adventure and we will try to accommodate whenever possible.
What kind of transportation is provided?
Transportation is provided from the take-out location at the river to the put-in at the start of your tour. Please note that this short drive (10 to 15 minutes) may be shared with other guests even if you booked a private tour.
Contact us if you would like to arrange transportation from Nordegg for your group.
What's the group size?
This tour is available for groups of 1 to 16 guests, with up to 10 guests per raft. Contact us if you are planning for a larger group.
This day trip is open to all ability levels. Your guide will be rowing the raft, no prior paddling or river experience is necessary.
What are the terms and conditions?
Advance Booking
This tour requires bookings to be made at least 2 days prior to departure. Please contact us at (403) 986-6190 for a last-minute booking.
Cancellation Policy
All bookings are non-refundable but we will offer you a credit for a future adventure if you cancel a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure.
Terms & Conditions
Waivers are required for all participants. You can review the waiver here.
Please review our complete terms & conditions prior to booking.
The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.
A Few More Things To Know
We get to play outside on our tours and that means you’ll want to come prepared for the weather. Make sure to dress in layers and come prepared for the unpredictable weather we often get in Alberta. We rarely cancel tours due to weather, as long as we can have a safe adventure. You’ll be amazed at how warm we get snowshoeing at -20C or how much fun hiking in the rain can be!
Need help with your booking or have a few more questions? Stop by the Nordegg Canteen or give us a call at 403 986-6190.