Harvie Passage
Passage features
The Passage has two channels:
- The right (south) channel features class 2 whitewater and a series of drops; it is the area mainly used for recreation.
- The left (north) channel features high volume, Class 3+ whitewater, which generally isn’t considered safe for recreating.
Nearby amenities
Visitors will find the following amenities located near the passage in Pearce Estate Park:
- Seasonal life jacket loaning station in partnership with the Alberta Whitewater Association
- Seasonal porta-potties
- Seasonal change rooms
Safety information
Harvie Passage has become an increasingly popular spot to cool off and have fun on a hot summer day. However, it’s very important to remember that Harvie Passage is not a lazy river feature – it is a channel on the Bow River with sharp rocks and hard concrete, slippery surfaces and very cold and fast-moving water that empties directly back into the open river. Harvie Passage can be dangerous even for experienced river users.
Always be prepared to stay safe when having fun on Harvie Passage:
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Wear Your PFD
Wear a properly fitted personal floatation device (PFD)/life jacket – Pick the correct size, fasten all buckles, straps and zippers, lift shoulders to check fit.
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Adults Stay Close
Keep watch and stay close to kids – Adults must stay within arm’s reach and supervise kids, tweens and teens at all times; be close enough to help quickly if they get into trouble.
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Know Your Limits
Risks vary throughout the Passage: don’t go further than your skill or comfort level.
Other important safety tips
Bring the right equipment to ensure a safe day on or in the water:
- Clothing: Wear helmets, proper water shoes, rash guards, wetsuits or surf clothing (meant for use on the water) – proper clothing will help protect from rocky terrain, rough concrete and slip/trip hazards, plus it will add extra warmth. Water shoes should have hard soles and not be crocs or flip flops as these can (and often do) fall off easily, especially when going over the drops.
- Float with a sturdy watercraft and oars/paddles: Novelty beach/pool floaties or floating only in a PFD/life jacket increase the risk of injury.
Be respectful of others - Make sure it’s clear before going through the drops so you don’t hit or land on anyone.
Learn more about staying safe on the river at calgary.ca/riversafety.
Check out the Alberta Whitewater Association’s free Online River Safety Course.
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Learn about the improvements to Harvie Passage.