Frequently Asked Questions
Book your float online directly through the website. Hit the Book Now button.
We do sell out most shuttles, but floats can be reserved on-site at Kinsmen Park, on a first come first serve basis.
Life jackets and paddles will be provided to all floaters. Children 12 years and younger are required to be accompanied by an adult, anyone under 18 must wear their lifejacket at all times as per federal law. If you are over 18 we still expect you to wear your life jacket while on the river. Having some paddling experience and swimming ability is recommended. You must exit the river at the designated exit point under the Walterdale Bridge and are responsible for doing so. There are staff but no lifeguards on site, and all floaters enter and exit the river at their own risk. If you miss the exit, you are responsible for exiting the river on your own and returning your gear. A staff safety demonstration is provided before entering the river.
All non-swimmers and anyone not comfortable around open water should not float the North Saskatchewan.
See below for more safety info.
We provide round trip shuttle service and everything you need to have a fun and safe time on the river. All floaters will receive round trip shuttle service, a premium tube complete with backrest and cup holder, lifejacket, paddle, safety demonstration and fun.
It is highly likely that you will be getting wet especially when entering and exiting the river, we recommend wearing river/beach appropriate clothing and footwear. Drinking water, beverages and a ziplock/dry bag to keep valuables dry are also encouraged. Some nice to haves are snacks, coolers with ice, music and a towel.
Edmonton River Float’s home base is at Kinsmen Park. Our staff are set up on the north east side of the parking lot, near the Walterdale museum and bridge. Even if you’re not floating, come by and say hi! This is where everyone must check in, and meet the shuttle. Please arrive at our check in table 15min before your scheduled shuttle. The shuttle brings floaters up river to Laurier Boat Launch. This is where you will enter the river. Exiting the river back at Kinsmen Park under the Walterdale bridge at the beach.
You must be at the Kinsmen Park check in location 15min prior to your reservation time. Please allow time for parking. Here you will check in with staff, ensure documentation is completed, and hop on the shuttle.
There are parking lots throughout Kinsmen park but it can get busy, please allow extra time for parking. If the main lots infront of the sports complex are full, you can check overflow by the tennis courts or up by the pitch and putt.
Other options are to get dropped off, taxi, bike, car share or scooter down to Kinsmen.
Float times vary depending on a number of factors including river flow, and amount of paddling done during the float. The average float time is 2-3 hours. Last floats of the day are limited to 3 hours, and floaters are encouraged to stay in the current.
You can totally explore the river banks, and get out at some of the sand bars. However, we want to keep the float to a maximum of 3 hours. No extended stops for picnics or similar.
Yes! we have Velcro teathers so you can connect tubes together. You can even connect rafts to tubes.
Party Island anyone?
Absolutely. However, you have to book the raft and tube separately. Just be sure to select the same timeslot, and your group will all be together.
If you do not know how to swim, or are uncomfortable around water, we recommend booking one of our guided rafts.
We require at least one person in every group to be considered a strong swimmer.
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. Those canceling 48 hours prior to their reservation will receive a full refund. Those canceling under 48 hours prior to their reservation will receive a credit that can be used at a later date. “No Shows” or same day cancellations will not be refunded or provided a credit.
To cancel, please email info@edmontonriverfloat.com or call us with your reservation number and name used to book.
EVERYONE that is floating is required to fill out a waiver. You will receive a waiver link in your confirmation email, you must forward this to everyone in your group that is floating to be completed. Floaters 18 years or younger, will require a parent or guardian to sign the waiver for them.
You are required to arrive at check in 15min prior to your shuttle to prevent delays. If you miss your scheduled shuttle, you will not be able to float with us that day. No credit or refunds are provided for missed shuttles.
Everyone will be provided a life jacket and anyone under 18 must wear it for the entire float. If you are over 18 you are not required to wear the life jacket, but you must have it with you (you can sit on it or strap it to your tube) If you are over 18 and choose not to wear a life jacket, we expect you to be a strong swimmer.
For children 8 and younger, we have a limited number of small life jackets, and encourage you to bring your own when possible.
We would love to float every day, but we understand the weather is unpredictable and some days just aren’t float days. Our general rule is that we don’t float if it is going to be cold and/or rainy, we may head out with light rain if its hot enough. If our team deems it not a float day, we will reach out to you up to 2hrs before your float to reschedule, provide a credit or a refund.
We only go out on the river when river flows are deemed safe by EPS. But like any water activity, no matter how safe the water, you must be alert at all times. Main things to be aware of on the river. Other water crafts, we share the river with many others including motor boats and other paddlers. Be aware of other boats, and try to give them lots of room. The next thing we want to be aware of are the bridges, during your float, you will go under 4 bridges. Do your best to float through the middle of the bridges and keep away from the bridge pillars. The North Saskatchewan River is generally considered a safe waterway in the summer months. We prioritize safety, so if you have any questions or hesitations please speak with staff or contact us.
Please contact us for a copy of our terms and conditions.
Once you see the Highlevel Bridge (big black one), floaters need to make their way over to the right (south) side of the river (opposite of downtown). You will be exiting directly under the Walterdale Bridge back at Kinsmen park, where staff will be stationed. This is the required exit point. If you miss this point, you need to exit the river as soon as possible, and walk or transit back to Kinsmen. It is the floaters responsibility to exit the river, if they miss the designated exit location, they are responsible to exit the river on their own, return their gear, and could be charged a $100 fee
Yes, you can absolutely bring food and beverages on the float, in fact we encourage it. The one thing we ask is that you pack out all your garbage, and don’t let any of it get into the river.
*Alcohol is prohibited on the river as per federal law.
Our tubes have a maximum weight of 320lbs. Our rafts can accommodate 1800lbs up to 8 people.
We do recommend floating with others, it’s generally more fun. But if you are comfortable around open water and the river, then yes you can float solo.
All floaters are required to be at least 5 years of age.
