Question 1

Do I need experience to Canoe or Kayak?

Accepted Answer

No you don't need experience, however being comfortable on the water and being able to swim is definitely advised

Question 2

When can we paddle the Sturgeon River and Big Lake?

Accepted Answer

The Season begins after the Lake and River have thawed in the Spring, certain parts thaw quicker than others every year and the conditions are always different. Follow us on social media for updates or subscribe to our newsletter for a pre-season booking notification!

Question 3

Are the tours wheelchair accessible ?

Accepted Answer

Due to the nature of (at times) intense physical requirements for different pieces of equipment and activities -  we are not fully accessible. In the future we hope to provide specialty equipment for people with disabilities - especially for the snow.

Question 4

Does the Sturgeon River have a strong current?

Accepted Answer

Earlier in the Spring and after lots of rain the conditions can get quite fast.

Question 5

Is Big Lake Deep?

Accepted Answer

Parts of the Lake can be as deep as 4 metres.

Question 6

Can I get to Big Lake from your Location?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the conditions and the water height, some years its quite easy and other years you have to portage a few times before you get on the actual lake.

Question 7

Can I paddle into downtown St. Albert?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the conditions, earlier in the Spring this may be possible and if we get consistent rain that timeline is extended into the Summer. However you must be able to paddle back to Riel Recreation Park to drop off your rentals!

Question 8

Can I come to your shop without booking beforehand?

Accepted Answer

Please come to the shop only if you have made bookings beforehand. Confirmation emails will let you know where you need to be for each rental type.

Question 9

Do you have public River access?

Accepted Answer

We operate the business on Private Property, our River access point is exclusive to our customers. Riel Recreation Park is a public park where we share the River access point witht the people of St. Albert.

Question 10

Can we bring our own boats to your river access point?

Accepted Answer

Yes by booking only, please check our Rural River Route. Bring your own boat options will be available for the River Bus which leaves from Riel Recreation Park and drops off at our shop location.

Question 11

Can children participate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, 1 child under 12 can fit on a canoe along with two adults. A tandem kayak can hold 1 adult and 1 youth. People renting single adult kayaks must be at least 16 years old and accompanied by an adult.

Question 12

Can we bring pets?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunatley pets aren't allowed on the River Bus / Rural River Route. However small pets are welcome on Riel Recreation Park Rentals.

Question 13

Can we bring food and drinks on the boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please no nuts due to allergies! Although we thoroughly clean our equipment it would help to eliminate the risk of someone having a reaction completely. Please don't litter and bring a bag for your garbage.

Question 14

What is the Cancellation Policy?

Accepted Answer

All rentals have free cancellation if its 24 hours or more before your booking time, if you cancel less than 24 hours before your rental then there will be a $10 fee per boat.

Question 15

Will a kayak fit inside my van?

Accepted Answer

Spinter van - yes, most other vans - no. If your van/vehicle has a roof rack you can most likely get a kayak up there.

Question 16

Can I put a boat on my roof without a roof rack?

Accepted Answer

We also provide foam blocks for transport (at no extra cost) if you do not have a roof rack. Straps will have to go through the interior of the vehicle.

Question 17

What is the max capacity of a Kayak & Canoe?

Accepted Answer

Kayaks - 275 lb - 124.74 kg
Canoe - 800 lb - 362.87 kg

Question 18

How long is a Kayak & Canoe?

Accepted Answer

Kayak - 10 feet / 120 inches
Canoe - 14.6 feet / 179 inches
           - 15.5 feet / 187 inches

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