The Kananaskis River in Alberta is a dam-controlled waterway managed by TransAlta for hydroelectric generation, which has significant implications for paddlers. Because flow is regulated, water levels can change rapidly — when the river is "off," channels may appear shallow and easy to cross, but a sudden release can strand paddlers on the far side of a channel until it is safe to cross again. This dam-controlled nature means paddlers should always check flow schedules before launching and avoid crossing channels when uncertain about upcoming releases.

One Seebe Reservoir access point serves as both a put-in and take-out for at least one paddling route. The Canoe Meadows Campground, operated in association with the Alberta Whitewater Association, provides a base for paddlers and includes a public parking area. Vehicles are restricted to designated roadways and cleared field areas within the campground, and unauthorized vehicles are not permitted beyond the main meadow or down to the river. The campground speed limit is 15 km/hr. Gates, wires, and strings are present in the river — likely associated with a whitewater slalom course — and damaged or dragging lines pose a serious hazard to paddlers and rafters. Any problems with these structures should be reported to the campground host, the AWA at 1-403-479-8017, or a Parks Conservation Officer.

The river includes at least one family-friendly section that is slow-moving enough to be paddled upstream on a stand-up paddleboard, with gravel banks providing stopping points along the way. Children require close supervision near the water at all times given the unpredictable nature of dam-controlled flow.