Kicking Horse River Classic Whitewater Rafting
Starts atCA$ 139US$ 104€ 91£ 78A$ 151
Duration: 3 Hours
Age: 12+
Departure: 9:15am, 1:15pm
Season: May-Sep
Guaranteed departure. This tour runs as scheduled with no minimum group size — book with confidence, it won’t be cancelled for low numbers.
Overview
What to expect from Kicking Horse—Canadian Rockies Rafting
Located 1.5 hours from Banff near Golden, BC, this rafting tour is a popular whitewater journey that combines a mix of exciting rapids that the Kicking Horse River is famous for.
Intensity Level: Moderate to Difficult
- This rafting trip is predominantly class 4 with several larger class 4 rapids, as well as 2, 3, rapids along the way. Starting at a relaxing pace you can perfect your rafting skills with your teammates and guide and enjoy the views of the serene upper section. As the canyon narrows, the waves build, drenching rafters in continuous rapids such as Shot Gun, Man Eater and Roller Coaster.
Highlights
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
2 hours on the Kicking Horse River
Everything is provided!Tour Details
Tour Duration
3 Hours
Departure Time
9:15am, 1:15pm
Age Required
12+
Season
May-Sep
Transport Options
Meet At River Base
Included
- River time 2 hours
- Professional river guide on each raft
- Safety instruction and practice paddle
- River fee
- Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?+
The tour starts at 9:15am and 1:15pm from the river base in Golden, British Columbia, and runs for approximately three hours. The tour includes two hours on the water and guests will finish the morning tour at around 12:15pm and the afternoon tour at around 4:15pm.
What does the tour include?+
The tour includes 2 hours on the river, a professional river guide with each boat, and all safety equipment including a wetsuit, fleece, spray jacket, life jacket, neoprene booties and helmet is provided. Please note that lunch and transport are not provided, all guests will need to self-drive to the riverbase in Golden, BC. Snacks and refreshments will be available to purchase, or you may like to bring drinks and snacks to have in your vehicle after the trip.
The riverbase is fully equipped with on-site facilities such as private washrooms, change rooms and outdoor showers.
Where is the meeting point? Is transport available?+
The meeting point is at the Hydra River Base on Kicking Horse Road near Golden in BC, located 1.5 hours west of Banff. Detailed driving directions will be provided in your booking confirmation. Transport is not available, all guests will need to self-drive to the riverbase.
What should I wear/bring?+
Please bring a piece of ID (all rafters are required to show ID), wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring warm clothes and a towel in a bag for after the tour. A locked storage box is available on site. It’s recommended that you wear contacts but if you need your glasses, secure them with a sunglass strap.
What shouldn't I bring?+
Anything else! There is secure storage for your personal belongings on site at the private river base. You don’t need to take anything on the raft, unless it is medication such as inhalers that must be kept with you. The guides have a dry bag onboard where these can be kept safe.
I have some medical concerns, what should I do?+
When you are making your reservation please let the agent know and they will check with the rafting team. On the day please bring any medication you may need and inform your guide of any medical conditions.
Do you need any rafting experience?+
No you don’t. Most of the guests are first time rafters and the trips, equipment and briefings are designed to put the novice rafter at ease. The guides so will provide a thorough safety talk before getting into the water. No experience is required for any trip.
How big are the rapids? Is it safe?+
This popular whitewater journey combines a mix of class 1 – 4 rapids and is the most exciting whitewater rafting trip.
The tour is run by Hydra River Guides, who have been rafting the Kicking Horse River for over 30 years. With time comes experience and Hydra prides itself on its qualified staff and impressive safety record. Each year they refine our trips, organization and guest experience.
What is the cancellation policy?+
The standard cancellation policy has always been flexible and allowed you to cancel up to 2 days before your trip for a full refund. If you need to cancel within 48 hours (due only to covid related issues – and you must provide proof), get in touch with our team prior to your tour, to arrange a rafting credit for use later in the season. (sorry, no refunds will be issued within 48 hours). If you are a group of 8 or more rafters or “Book a boat”, a 7 day cancellation policy applies (instead of 48 hours).
Should I tip my guide?+
Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.
Booking Terms
- The minimum age is 12 years and the minimum weight per person is 90 lbs.
- The maximum weight per person is 350 lbs.
- Every guest needs to sign a waiver form. Parents will co-sign for children under 18 years of age.
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
- Please note that the Kicking Horse is a glacier fed river and water levels fluctuate. As the season progresses, the rapids can change from Class 4 to Class 3.
- Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 12 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Real, verified reviews from guests who explored the Canadian Rockies with us.