Pembina River Tubing Family-Friendly Guide (Updated for 2026)

Floating the Pembina River is a classic Alberta summer adventure - easygoing water, scenic forest views, and just enough excitement to keep the older kids entertained - while being slow enough to allow the adults to relax during the summer adventure.

Located bout an hour west of Edmonton, near Entwistle, the river tubing adventure is best in the last months of the summer when the river has slowed. The self-paced float takes about two hours - with extra shuttle time.

You could float the river yourself, but the all in on service at Pembina River Tubing provides you with a tube, shuttle service and an easy location to park and access the starting point with kids.

Find more places to go river tubing in and around Edmonton and more ways to pack as much fun as you can into summer in the 2026 Edmonton Summer Fun Guide.

Know Before You Go: Pembina River Tubing

  • Book ahead – Summer weekends fill up fast. Online reservations are the safest bet, especially for groups. Reservations are not required, but we suggest booking online; you won’t want to make the drive outside the city and be turned away on a busy weekend.

  • Check age & height rules – Participants must be at least five years old to take part in Pembina River Tubing Adventure

  • Plan for a half-day trip – Between check-in, shuttle ride, and float time, it’s usually 3–5 hours total.

  • Wear water-safe footwear – Skip the flip-flops that slip off; closed-toe sandals or water shoes are best.

  • Leave your valuables in your vehicle – Phones and keys should go in waterproof bags (or leave them behind).

  • Pack water – You’ll want to make sure the kids (and you) stay hydrated during the float down the river

  • Sun protection is non-negotiable – Hats, sunscreen, and reapplying often (the reflection off water is intense).

  • Use the Shuttle system – You’ll usually park at one point and get transported upstream to start the float. If you’re floating later in the day - note the last shuttle finishes at 7:45 p.m.

  • Go early in the day – Winds pick up later, and mornings are calmer for families.

  • Toilets - there are toilets on site in the form of portable toilets

Book your tubing adventure at Pembina River Tubing