|
Whitewater Rafting in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are world-renown for their raging rivers cut through towering mountains and the fun they provide water sport enthusiasts throughout the summer months. Perhaps the most popular activity is the adrenalin pumping sport of whitewater rafting.
There is excellent rafting opportunities on the upper Bow, lower Kicking Horse, Kananaskis, Yoho, Maligne, Fraser, Columbia and Whirlpool rivers. This means regardless of your destination, you're not far from all the exciting action. There are usually two high-water levels - one in late spring, and the other at the peak of the glacial melt season in early August. While these are the optimum times for extreme water conditions, excellent rafting is available from mid-May to mid-September. Whether your interests are challenging white water, family rafting, or an extended wilderness adventure, each river offers a whitewater rafting experience second to none.
Whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River between Golden, BC and Lake Louise, Alberta in Yoho National Park is the most popular river section and is serviced by several excellent outfitters. The Kicking Horse is a world class whitewater river, and it is the big draw as most people are after thrills and excitement when they consider river rafting. The river starts slowly at first, a perfect 'lay out' as rafters can get their rafting legs before heading in to the big rapids like Portage, and Shotgun.
Whitewater Rafting Adventures
Whitewater rafting trips are one of the most enjoyable and affordable ways to spend a day in the Canadian Rockies. Ultimate Rockies is the best way to book your whitewater rafting experience in the Canadian Rockies. With so many guides available, don't take any chances - we'll make sure you get the best outfitters and the most suitable trips for all your whitewater desires (and it doesn't cost you anything extra). If you're looking for a great group activity, be sure to ask us about our variety of group and corporate team building programs built around a whitewater rafting adventure.
| Tour |
Description |
Departs |
Duration |
Price ($ Cdn) |
The Whitewater Exciter
Kicking Horse River
(Class II - IV)
|
In all, you'll splash through 14 sets of rapids class II to IV while on the river for 1¼ to 1½ hours! Some rapids consist of a number of rolling waves which provide a gentle roller-coaster style ride while other rapids consist of one or two large breaking waves, which douse rafters with gallons of liquid fun! Between rapids, the gentler flow allows you to view the surrounding mountains with pine trees sweeping up their steep sides.
Your trip begins in Lake Louise, aboard luxury buses bound for the "RiverBase". Your on-board guide will entertain and inform you about Banff and Yoho National Parks, as you pass over the Great Divide and down The Big Hill to the famous Kicking Horse River. At the "RiverBase" you'll be outfitted with the latest in river rafting equipment in modern, comfortable change rooms. Following a thorough safety briefing by your trip leader, you'll meet your guide for the trip and practice paddling, security maneuvers, and emergency rescue techniques before reaching the first exhilarating waves.
At the conclusion of your trip, fresh pastries are served with hot and cold drinks following a short transfer back to the "RiverBase" and then on your way back to Lake Louise filled with great, lasting memories of your trip.
|
Departs Lake Louise hotels daily
Morning trip is from 8:15am to 1:00pm
Afternoon trip is from 1:30pm to 6:15pm
|
4.75 hrs
|
$80 per person with luxury transportation
$72 per person meeting at river base
Minimum age / weight of 12 years and 90 lbs
|
The Classic Adventurer
Kicking Horse River
(Class II - IV+)
|
This exhilarating trip combines the excellent rapids of this famous whitewater trip with the scenic, gentler upper section of the Kicking Horse River. You'll enjoy over 25kms, and 2½ to 3 hours of rafting time.
You'll start your trip by enjoying a narrated drive through Banff National park aboard a comfortable mini-coach with your expert driver and escort. (If you prefer, you may choose to be more independent and self-drive to the RiverBase, saving $15 per rafter.) At the newly built RiverBase, you'll meet your guides as they assist you in selecting your personal and safety gear. After changing in our warm, indoor changerooms, you'll be shuttled to your starting point on the river, where your rafts are ready and waiting for you! As with all our trips, you'll receive a thorough safety briefing, preparing you for your journey, first-timer or experienced rafting veteran! Then, some final paddling instruction from your guide and away you go!
"Alarm Clock" is your first taste of action and it is an aptly named rapid…it wakes you up in a hurry! A few more smaller rapids (class II) are enjoyed before the river widens and you enjoy the spectacular views and some informative tidbits from your guide. The second half of the trip on the river offers the best of the river! Plenty of rapids provide a natural roller-coaster ride not soon forgotten! The rapids range to class IV+ and their continuity is most impressive.
Off the river, you'll be shuttled back to the RiverBase and warm up in dry clothes while your delicious barbecue lunch is being prepared for you. Tasty marinated chicken breast, wrapped between fresh, French rolls and complimented with salads, fresh fruit and tasty bakery treats satisfy your appetite at our lunch location overlooking the Kicking Horse Valley. Hot and cold beverages compliment your meal. After a short visit to our River's Edge gift shop for a few last minute souvenirs, it's back to the bus and your return to Banff or Lake Louise. |
Departs Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore daily
Canmore from 7:15am to 4:30pm
Banff from 7:45am to 4:00pm
Lake Louise from 8:30am to 3:00pm
|
6.5 -9.5 hrs depending on pick-up / drop-off location
|
$115 per person with luxury transportation
$99 per person meeting at river base
Minimum age / weight of 12 years and 90 lbs
|
The Gentle River Journey
Kicking Horse River
(Class II - III)
|
Your trip departs Lake Louise accommodations bound for our "RiverBase" base facility, located just 40 minutes west of Lake Louise, Alberta. From our private location, overlooking the Kicking Horse River valley, we have quick and easy access to the spectacularly beautiful upper reaches of the river.
A thorough, easy to understand safety talk is delivered by our friendly, professional guides prior to pushing off shore. Although you'll have your choice of paddling or not, you'll be shown all you'll need to know to assist your guide with the maneuvering of the raft and how to position yourself securely. Of course, as with all our trips, plentiful, quality equipment is included.
Shortly after departure, you'll enter the first rapid, class II, named the "Alarm Clock", as it will wake you up in a hurry! Splashes and playful waves are frequent during the first portion of the trip as you'll move quickly past the fragrant pine trees that line the shore. The river later mellows and widens and you'll be treated to awesome views of Mount Hunter and the entire Kicking Horse Valley. Your guide will inform you of the natural history and fascinating geographical features you'll see. The best rapids are saved for the final portion of your trip. "Cable Car", a series of rolling waves, and "Hopi Hole", a good bet to splash the whole crew, are class II and III. In all, you'll spend 1¼ to 1½ hours on the river and cover 11 kilometers (7 miles).
Hot and cold beverages, along with baked treats and fresh fruit, await you at the conclusion of your trip as well as warm, comfortable change rooms with your dry clothes! Return to Lake Louise follows.
|
Departs Lake Louise hotels daily
Morning trip is from 8:15am to 1:00pm
No afternoon trip available
|
4.75 hrs
|
$72 per person with luxury transportation
$64 per person meeting at river base
Youths aged 8-14 are $59 and $52 respectively
Minimum age is 8
|
2 Day River Escape
Kicking Horse and Spillimacheen River
(Class I - IV+)
|
A simply phenomenal two days of whitewater excitement unequaled in the Canadian Rockies, guaranteed to thrill and soak every rafter from head to toe. Only offered by Wild Water, this trip is second to none!
Day 1. Meeting at our RiverBase at 8:30am, you'll meet your guides, enjoy a continental breakfast, and be outfitted with your personal gear. We'll head to the remote Spillimacheen River and, after safety instructions and demonstrations, splash through this seldom journeyed river. Over 30 kms or rafting with rapids ranging up to class IV+ with names like, "Squeeze Box", "Devil's Cauldron" and "Short and Curly". Lunch will be enjoyed along the river. We'll conclude our day by floating into our private camp, set up by your team overlooking the Spillimacheen Valley. Your choice of "off-river" activities include relaxing at the campfire, exploring, snoozing, or finding out more about the area from our library of resource books.
Day 2. A hearty breakfast prepares us for the Kicking Horse River and it's famous rapids which range up to class IV+. We'll raft for 3 to 3½ hours today, enjoying lunch alongside the river. Paddling hard, we'll challenge rapids with colourful names like "Shotgun", "Tablesaw", "Roller Coaster" and the tricky "Town House Rock". When we are not crashing through the waves, the scenery will surely amaze you, with stands of pine and poplar trees sweeping up the valley sides to the mountain peaks high above. Your trip concludes back at our RiverBase at approximately 5:00pm.
All rafting equipment & camping equipment, transportation, and meals are included. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag and personal effects. |
Meet at RiverBase in Yoho National Park at 8:00am
Available most weekends from late June to mid August
|
2 days
|
$399 per person
Minimum age is 18
|
Kananaskis Whitewater Adventure
Kananaskis River
(Class I-III)
|
Rainbow Riders runs exciting introductory Whitewater Rafting trips on the scenic Kananaskis River. As you paddle along this glacier fed river our guides provide you with an exciting interpretive whitewater rafting experience through pristine mountain wilderness. No experience necessary. Friendly, certified, professional river guides provide you with all the equipment you need and instruction in safety and paddling techniques.
|
Departs from Rafter Six Ranch in Kananaskis Country (20 minutes east of Canmore) at 9am and 1pm daily
|
3 hrs
|
$55 per person (ages 6 and up)
|
Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater Adventure
Bow River
(Class II-IV)
|
Rainbow Riders runs exciting Whitewater Rafting trips on the scenic Bow River through Horseshoe Canyon. As you paddle along this glacier fed river our guides provide you with an exciting interpretive whitewater rafting experience through pristine mountain wilderness. No experience necessary. Friendly, certified, professional river guides provide you with all the equipment you need and instruction in safety and paddling techniques. |
Departs from Rafter Six Ranch in Kananaskis Country (20 minutes east of Canmore) at 9am and 1pm daily
|
3 hrs
|
$69 per person (ages 12 and up and min weight of 90 lbs)
|
Jasper Novice Rafting Trip
Athabasca River
(Class I)
|
Ideal for novice rafters and those that don't want to elevate their heart rate too high, these paddle trips take place on the Athabasca River. Designated as a Canadian Heritage River because of it's scenic beauty and history of fur trade exploration, the Atha-B is a river that all can enjoy.
Under your guide's expert direction you will travel in 6 to 10 passenger, self-bailing rafts through calm stretches and small but lively rapids. Transportation to and from the river is provided, as well as lifejackets, wetsuits, paddle jackets, booties and paddles.
No experience is needed, only a desire to have fun, experience the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and get wet. |
Departs from river base near Jasper
2 hour trip departs at 9am, 3pm and 5pm daily
3 hour trip departs at 11:30am daily
|
2 -3 hrs
|
2 Hour Trip: $47 for adults; $23.50 for children under 13
3 Hour Trip: $60 for adults; $30 for children under 13
|
Jasper Intermediate Rafting Trip
Sunwapta and Fraser River
(Class III)
|
The best whitewater adventure in Jasper National Park, we offer paddle assist trips on two class 3 rivers: The Sunwapta River and the Fraser River.
All rivers are unpredictable, with water levels fluctuating according to season and weather. These two great rivers are both located within a one hour drive of Jasper, but on different sides of the continental divide. Which ever river offers the best ride on any given day is the river we raft on that day. A Unique rear mount rowing frame is used, giving our guides optimal control of our specially designed self-bailing rafts.
These trips do not require any previous experience and are suited for physically active individuals who weigh 90 lbs (41 kgs) or more and are looking for an exhilarating ride. Transportation to and from the river is provided, as well as lifejackets, wetsuits, paddle jackets, booties and paddles.
|
Departs from Jasper at 9:30am daily and returns between 1pm and 1:30pm
|
4-5 hrs
|
4 Hour Trip: $70 per person
5 Hour Trip: $70 per person
No persons under 90 lbs permitted
|
* Prices do not include 6% GST
**Exclusive to accommodation guests only
Other exciting rafting and float trips are available departing from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Golden, Radium Hot Springs, Panorama and Kimberley. Please contact us to inquire about details and prices.
Booking Request Form
Whitewater Rapid Ratings
Despite what Hollywood would like to have you believe, rivers are not all like the movie "The River Wild"! In reality, each river varies in the number and intensity of rapids. Between rapids, there is often plenty of opportunity to relax, view the scenery, enjoy the information about the area that your guide will share with you, or take photos.
Class I - "Wild Water definition: Very relaxing." Gentle, moving water. Very small waves requiring little or no maneuvering.
Class II - "Wild Water definition: You may get splashed." Regular waves, easy to see, may reach 3 to 4 feet in height. Avoiding rocks, river bends or other obstacles may require simple maneuvering.
Class III - "Wild Water definition: You will get wet!" Large, continuous series or sets of waves, some in excess of 6 feet. "Holes" or "hydraulics" may be present, and can be run or avoided. Small drops, ledges or waterfalls may be present. Scouting the rapids is suggested for all but the most experienced of river persons.
Class IV - "Wild Water definition: You'll get soaked… like a 9 or 10 on the "fun scale"! Confused and erratic waves or holes. Large obstructions need to be avoided in what are referred to as "must moves". Risk of injury if swimming without benefit of a raft! Very difficult and scouting is required.
Class V - "Wild Water definition: Adrenaline junkies only! For most people, class V goes off the "fun" scale and enters the "kinda scary" scale! Very challenging for even the most experienced river persons. High risk of capsize or injury. Limit of navigation and scouting is essential.
Class VI - "Wild Water definition: Niagara Falls in a barrel!" Virtually non-navigable, or navigable only at particularly favorable river levels.
|
|
|
