One of the things Wild Current Outfitters offers is a guided canoe experience on Pyramid Lake in Jasper National Park.

Guided Canoe Experience Popular Questions

Our guided canoe experience in handcrafted canoes is the perfect way to explore Pyramid Lake with no experience necessary.

1. I’ve never been in a canoe before. Is it easy to tip over?

Not with us! Our canoes are custom, hand-crafted wooden vessels designed specifically for maximum stability. Unlike narrow racing canoes, our boats are wide and sturdy. Many of our reviews come from first-timers who were surprised by how safe and "solid" they felt on the water.

2. Do I have to be "athletic" or do all the paddling myself?

Not at all! This is a guided experience designed for relaxation, not a workout. You are welcome to paddle as much or as little as you like. Many of our guests choose to 'paddle lightly' while our guide handles the navigation. We often use the wind to glide across the water or stay close to the shoreline, where our guides can easily maneuver. It is perfectly okay to just sit back, take photos, and soak in the mountain views.

3. What kind of "treats" are included?

We believe in supporting local. We provide freshly baked goods from a local Jasper bakery along with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. In the autumn, we’ve even been known to light a small campfire to keep things cozy.

4. Do we spend the whole tour in the canoe?

We tailor this to the guest’s preference. We can access parts of the lake only accessible by canoe, and so we plan for a stop at a secret beach to enjoy these treats. The lakeside canoe stop is one of the most loved parts of the trip! We are focused on a high-quality, local experience.

Here’s what you can expect:

Treats: We proudly support local businesses by providing freshly baked goods from a Jasper bakery, Ottos Cache, along with fresh fruit and other snacks from local providers.
Beverages: We serve both cold and hot drinks, including hot chocolate, coffee, or tea.
The Setting: The snack break is a special moment, often enjoyed when we stretch our legs on a small, scenic beach. Or, if you prefer, we can serve you right in the canoe as you drift and dream. In October, we’ve even been known to light a small campfire to keep things extra cozy.

It’s an intimate service designed to let you relax and enjoy the incredible mountain views.

We stretch our legs on a small beach and we serve cold and hot drinks with snacks of baked goods and fruit. Many times we have this on the canoe or shore side.

5. Is this tour private or will I be with other travellers?

We specialize in intimacy. We offer Private Family Adventures and Private Couple Tours where the boat and the guide are yours alone. For our Small Group tours, we have made changes to ensure a more spacious and intimate experience. We used to host up to 3 or 4 couples in one canoe, but now we only take a maximum of two groups (one group of 2 or 3 and another of 2) in each canoe. This change ensures more room for guests, a better sightline for wildlife, and a more personal experience, which our guides and guests alike have been enjoying.

6. Can I bring my expensive camera?

Yes! Because our wooden canoes are so stable and we stay on the calm, flat waters of Pyramid Lake, it is a photographer's dream. We even provide binoculars for your use. For your camera, we provide a protected "camera bed" at your feet for easy access and security. We strongly recommend keeping nothing, including camera straps or binoculars, around your neck.

7. Where exactly do we meet?

Finding us is easy! We meet right at the Pyramid Lake bridge, about 12 minutes from town. Just plug 'Pyramid Lake Lodge' into your map and as you approach the resort, look for the parking area just before the lodge. You’ll see your WCO guide ready and waiting to welcome you to the lake!

8. What Should I Know About the Weather?

Jasper's weather is mostly predictable, but there are unpredictable days, and your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We monitor the weather hourly and daily. We provide high-quality rain gear, gloves, and "toques" (warm hats) if it gets chilly. If the wind makes the lake unsafe, we will offer to reschedule you or provide a 100% refund.

We take weather seriously and will communicate with you via SMS one or two days before your trip. The good news is that weather systems in Jasper move through quickly 96% of the time, allowing us to often start early or wait a little longer to miss a storm. In fact, some of the best views we’ve ever had over the last 10 years have been just after a storm has passed.

For example, we might text you to say: "Good morning! Please sleep in a little; this rain should be done by 9:00 am, and we will start your 8:30 trip at 9:30 today." In the ten years we’ve been operating, we have had to cancel/ refund approximately eight trips and only had to refund one group because we had to come off the water within the first 20 minutes due to weather, and they needed to drive to Banff that day. We do all we can to get you on the water safely!

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