Little Bow Provincial Park is a relaxing beach getaway only two hours from Calgary. The water is warm, the sand is perfect for building sand castles, and there’s great boating and fishing on the Travers Reservoir.
A Weekend at Little Bow Provincial Park
The girls squeal as I clamber onto the stand-up paddleboard (SUP) with them and stand up. After a few wobbly seconds, we find our balance and paddle to the floating dock. Melissa and MJ are also trying stand-up paddleboarding for the first time and doing great. The swimming area is the perfect place to learn to SUP as the small bay’s waters are calm save for the occasional wake from powerboats. Miya (8 years old) is even able to stand up on her first try!
We spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, building sand castles, and relaxing. Of course, we get an ice cream at the Concession too! When we’ve had enough sun, we retreat to the shade of large balsam poplars along the beach.
Dinner finds us back at camp where the girls work together to start a fire without matches. Emi gathers balsam poplar fluff and shapes it into a little nest, then Miya strikes a ferro rod to make a shower of sparks over the nest. The fluff bursts into flame and in short order, the kindling and bigger pieces start to burn.
After a good supper and too many marshmallows, it’s fishing time. We walk past the beach to the marina, which is quite busy at this time of night. Some boats are returning and some are heading out, while several people fish from the dock. A man pulls a large walleye from the water and tells us it’s his 29th fish of the day! Many more walleye are caught (and released) that evening with jigheads and minnows, as well as a little pike.
In the morning, we enjoy more sandy, splashy fun before checking out. It’s been fun and relaxing. We plan to bring our canoe next time so we can explore the reservoir!
Little Bow Provincial Park Campground
This well maintained, prairie campground has 1 loop with power (Loop B), 2 unserviced loops (A & C), and a Group Camping Area. A loop is closest to the beach, but B & C are closer to the showers and flush toilets.
Most of the campsites are partially shaded by cottonwood trees with minimal privacy. Sites on the outer side of each loop tend to be larger and more shaded.
Amenities: Showers, flush toilets (in shower building only), concession, SUP and fishing boat rentals, boat launch, marina, picnic area, fish cleaning station, firewood.
Know Before You Go
- There is no lifeguard on duty. Keep children within arm’s reach!
- The Concession takes cash only and the nearest ATM is in Champion, 19 km away.
- Fishing boat and stand up paddleboard (SUP) rentals are available at the Concession stand.
Getting There
Little Elbow Provincial Park is located two hours southeast of Calgary. We drove down on Highways 2 & 529 (fastest) and returned via AB 23 & 24 to stop in Vulcan.
En route, check out the Okotoks Erratic, Nanton Grain Elevators (free!), or Claresholm Museum via Highway 2. Return on Hwy 23 & 24 to check out the Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station and try on Star Trek outfits!
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- Alberta Parks’ Best Lakeside Campgrounds
- The Best Beaches In & Around Calgary
- Where to SUP In & Around Calgary
- Fun things to do in Lethbridge this Summer
- Exploring Dinosaur Provincial Park
