Steve Capp: The Visionary Behind Urban River Adventures
Steve Capp: The Visionary Behind Urban River Adventures
In the midst of the global chaos brought on by the Covid era, some saw challenges, while others, like Steve Capp, saw opportunity. As the world shifted and people began seeking new ways to reconnect with nature, Steve seized the moment and introduced a bold eco-tourism concept that would redefine glamping in Canada. His brainchild, Urban River Adventures, quickly became a beacon for those craving sustainable outdoor experiences in the heart of nature, while still maintaining the comforts of modern luxury.
A Bold Pivot: Launching Urban River Adventures
Steve Capp’s journey to launch Urban River Adventures began with a deep love for the North Saskatchewan River and a passion for creating experiences that allowed people to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. During the Covid era, Steve recognized a growing demand for luxury camping—or glamping—where guests could enjoy the serenity of the wilderness without the discomforts traditionally associated with camping.
In 2021, he boldly launched Urban River Adventures on an island in the North Saskatchewan River, offering fully equipped, eco-friendly geodesic domes that allowed guests to enjoy nature while leaving a minimal environmental footprint. It was an instant success. Over 4,000 guests flocked to the site to experience a unique blend of outdoor adventure and luxury accommodations, from kayaking on the river to stargazing under the expansive Alberta night sky.
The 2021 season was a triumph for Steve and his team, and they quickly realized they had tapped into something special. The success solidified Steve's commitment to sustainable tourism, and he knew this venture could be even bigger.
The Transition to Parkland County
Buoyed by the success of 2021, Steve set his sights on expanding Urban River Adventures and found the perfect spot on a private property in Parkland County for the 2022 season. The property offered exciting potential for a new phase of the business. Steve envisioned expanding the site’s offerings, with larger domes, more immersive eco-friendly accommodations, and deeper connections to nature.
However, the transition was not without challenges. As the 2022 season progressed, Steve found himself facing compliance issues with Parkland County’s regulations. The county flagged problems with the existing road, structures on the property, and the geodome accommodations, all of which required modifications to align with local bylaws. Steve, ever the optimist, was confident that with some adjustments, Urban River Adventures could open for the 2023 season.
Setbacks and Financial Challenges in 2023
While Steve worked tirelessly to meet the county’s requirements, the timelines for resolving the compliance issues became longer and more complex than anticipated. Despite investing significant time and resources into consultations with engineers, engaging investors, and hiring consultants to help navigate the legal and regulatory challenges, it became clear that opening for the 2023 season was not possible.
For Steve, this was an incredibly difficult moment. Urban River Adventures had guests booked for the 2023 season, but with the ongoing challenges, he had no choice but to refund all bookings. It was a massive blow, not only to his business but also to his vision for what Urban River Adventures could be. The financial strain was immense—funds had been exhausted in the attempt to satisfy county requirements, leaving Steve grappling with the possibility that the dream he had worked so hard to build might not come to fruition.
Refusing to Give Up
But if there’s one thing that defines Steve Capp, it’s his resilience and determination. Even as the obstacles mounted, Steve refused to give up. He explored every option available to him, from seeking out experienced partners who could provide the expertise needed to meet the county’s regulations, to engaging potential investors who could help with the financial burdens.
He collaborated with engineers to assess the property’s infrastructure, brainstormed with consultants to navigate the county’s legal requirements, and even explored alternative locations to continue the glamping venture. Steve's tenacity was evident—he was willing to try every route in the hope of reopening Urban River Adventures.
Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, none of these attempts led to the desired result. The regulatory and financial challenges were too significant to overcome within the time frame Steve had hoped for, and he was forced to make the heartbreaking decision not to open for the 2023 season.
A Legacy of Resilience
While the path of Urban River Adventures has been filled with triumphs and setbacks, Steve Capp’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a refusal to let adversity define him. His success in 2021 with over 4,000 happy guests is a testament to his vision and ability to provide something truly special: a way for people to reconnect with nature in a sustainable and luxurious way.
Though the challenges of 2022 and 2023 have been significant, Steve remains optimistic about the future. His experience navigating complex regulations and financial hardships has only made him stronger, and he is committed to using these lessons to guide whatever comes next.
For Steve Capp, Urban River Adventures is more than just a business—it’s a passion for providing unforgettable experiences in the heart of nature while championing the values of sustainability and responsible tourism. Though the journey has been difficult, Steve’s belief in his vision remains as strong as ever, and his resilience will no doubt continue to shape the future of eco-tourism in Canada.
In the midst of the global chaos brought on by the Covid era, some saw challenges, while others, like Steve Capp, saw opportunity. As the world shifted and people began seeking new ways to reconnect with nature, Steve seized the moment and introduced a bold eco-tourism concept that would redefine glamping in Canada. His brainchild, Urban River Adventures, quickly became a beacon for those craving sustainable outdoor experiences in the heart of nature, while still maintaining the comforts of modern luxury.
A Bold Pivot: Launching Urban River Adventures
Steve Capp’s journey to launch Urban River Adventures began with a deep love for the North Saskatchewan River and a passion for creating experiences that allowed people to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. During the Covid era, Steve recognized a growing demand for luxury camping—or glamping—where guests could enjoy the serenity of the wilderness without the discomforts traditionally associated with camping.
In 2021, he boldly launched Urban River Adventures on an island in the North Saskatchewan River, offering fully equipped, eco-friendly geodesic domes that allowed guests to enjoy nature while leaving a minimal environmental footprint. It was an instant success. Over 4,000 guests flocked to the site to experience a unique blend of outdoor adventure and luxury accommodations, from kayaking on the river to stargazing under the expansive Alberta night sky.
The 2021 season was a triumph for Steve and his team, and they quickly realized they had tapped into something special. The success solidified Steve's commitment to sustainable tourism, and he knew this venture could be even bigger.
The Transition to Parkland County
Buoyed by the success of 2021, Steve set his sights on expanding Urban River Adventures and found the perfect spot on a private property in Parkland County for the 2022 season. The property offered exciting potential for a new phase of the business. Steve envisioned expanding the site’s offerings, with larger domes, more immersive eco-friendly accommodations, and deeper connections to nature.
However, the transition was not without challenges. As the 2022 season progressed, Steve found himself facing compliance issues with Parkland County’s regulations. The county flagged problems with the existing road, structures on the property, and the geodome accommodations, all of which required modifications to align with local bylaws. Steve, ever the optimist, was confident that with some adjustments, Urban River Adventures could open for the 2023 season.
Setbacks and Financial Challenges in 2023
While Steve worked tirelessly to meet the county’s requirements, the timelines for resolving the compliance issues became longer and more complex than anticipated. Despite investing significant time and resources into consultations with engineers, engaging investors, and hiring consultants to help navigate the legal and regulatory challenges, it became clear that opening for the 2023 season was not possible.
For Steve, this was an incredibly difficult moment. Urban River Adventures had guests booked for the 2023 season, but with the ongoing challenges, he had no choice but to refund all bookings. It was a massive blow, not only to his business but also to his vision for what Urban River Adventures could be. The financial strain was immense—funds had been exhausted in the attempt to satisfy county requirements, leaving Steve grappling with the possibility that the dream he had worked so hard to build might not come to fruition.
Refusing to Give Up
But if there’s one thing that defines Steve Capp, it’s his resilience and determination. Even as the obstacles mounted, Steve refused to give up. He explored every option available to him, from seeking out experienced partners who could provide the expertise needed to meet the county’s regulations, to engaging potential investors who could help with the financial burdens.
He collaborated with engineers to assess the property’s infrastructure, brainstormed with consultants to navigate the county’s legal requirements, and even explored alternative locations to continue the glamping venture. Steve's tenacity was evident—he was willing to try every route in the hope of reopening Urban River Adventures.
Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, none of these attempts led to the desired result. The regulatory and financial challenges were too significant to overcome within the time frame Steve had hoped for, and he was forced to make the heartbreaking decision not to open for the 2023 season.
A Legacy of Resilience
While the path of Urban River Adventures has been filled with triumphs and setbacks, Steve Capp’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a refusal to let adversity define him. His success in 2021 with over 4,000 happy guests is a testament to his vision and ability to provide something truly special: a way for people to reconnect with nature in a sustainable and luxurious way.
Though the challenges of 2022 and 2023 have been significant, Steve remains optimistic about the future. His experience navigating complex regulations and financial hardships has only made him stronger, and he is committed to using these lessons to guide whatever comes next.
For Steve Capp, Urban River Adventures is more than just a business—it’s a passion for providing unforgettable experiences in the heart of nature while championing the values of sustainability and responsible tourism. Though the journey has been difficult, Steve’s belief in his vision remains as strong as ever, and his resilience will no doubt continue to shape the future of eco-tourism in Canada.
Steve Capp
Steve Capp
Steve Capp
Steve Capp
Steve Capp
Steve Capp
Steve Capp
Steve Capp
