The Spray River is a 64-kilometre tributary of the Bow River in western Alberta, originating in the southern area of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The river flows into the Spray Lakes Reservoir, which was formed in 1951 following the construction of the Canyon Dam. Below the reservoir, the river's hydrology is heavily managed through a series of hydroelectric facilities, including the Three Sisters Dam, Goat Pond, and ultimately the Spray Powerhouse at Grassi Lakes — the second largest conventional hydroelectric facility in Alberta at 112MW — before water is eventually released into the Bow River.

The most notable whitewater paddling opportunity on the Spray River is the section above Spray Lake, accessed via the Mt. Shark trailhead parking lot. This run requires approximately a 6-kilometre hike to reach the put-in at the first bridge crossing a significant river, then continuing 100–200 metres further to take a left on a major trail toward Spray/Palliser Pass. The section is rated advanced and is described as comparable to a shorter, somewhat easier version of Boundary Creek, featuring repeated boof opportunities. The canyon begins with a 15-foot drop rolling into a pool with limited eddy options, followed by a 6-foot pourover leading into a 12–15-foot drop that requires careful line selection. Additional pourovers lead into a final section that transitions between boulder gardens and continuous whitewater depending on water level. The run is approximately 1.5 kilometres in length and ends back at the bridge. Due to the significant approach hike, this section sees very little traffic.

The Spray Lakes Reservoir, formed by the damming of the Spray River, stretches approximately 13 miles and offers stand-up paddleboarding opportunities, with campgrounds, picnic areas, and a boat launch available along its shores.