12:30pm
Departure Time
4 Hours
Duration
12+
Age
Class 1-4
River Rapids
May-Sep
Season

The Kicking Horse River is the Rockies’ most thrilling whitewater rafting with Class 1-4 rapids.

Located 1.5 hours from Banff near Golden, BC, this rafting tour is a popular whitewater journey combines a mix of exciting class 1-4 rapids that the Kicking Horse River is famous for.

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.

If you have energy to burn afterwards, try out the beach volleyball court with new friends or just relax and enjoy the scene. This tour is recommended for adventurous first-time rafters as well as seasoned paddlers.

Included
  • Professional river guide on each raft
  • Safety instruction and practice paddle
  • River fee
  • Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
Meal
  • BBQ Lunch (Rafting)
Transport Options
  • + Transport (Banff/Lake Louise)
  • Meet At River Base
Guide Quote

Dean's Pick

"If you're adrenaline junkie, this river is for you." - Dean , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours

The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:

1

2 hours on the Kicking Horse River

Paddle 20 kilometres of mighty rapids in the upper and middle canyon. This popular whitewater journey combines a mix of class 1 – 4 rapids.
2

A delicious barbecue lunch

Choose from an Alberta Angus Beef or vegetarian burger with assorted salads, dessert, and drinks.
3

Everything is provided!

The tour includes all equipment, professional guides, lunch, instruction and facilities.
Included
  • Professional river guide on each raft
  • Safety instruction and practice paddle
  • River fee
  • Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
Meal
  • BBQ Lunch (Rafting)
Transport Options
  • + Transport (Banff/Lake Louise)
  • Meet At River Base
Guide Quote

Dean's Pick

"If you're adrenaline junkie, this river is for you." - Dean , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours

How long is the tour?

The tour starts at 12:30pm from the river base in Golden, British Columbia, and runs for approximately 4 hours. Check-in starts at 12:15pm, please arrive on time. The 4 hour tour includes 2 hours on the water and guests will finish the afternoon tour at around 4:30pm.

The tour includes 2 hours on the river, a professional river guide with each boat, and a riverside barbecue lunch. All safety equipment including a wetsuit, fleece, spray jacket, life jacket, neoprene booties and helmet is provided. On the lunch menu is juicy Alberta Angus beef or vegetarian burgers, fresh, baked, local buns, assorted salads, chocolate brownies and cold beverages served prior to the rafting trip.

The riverbase is fully equipped with on-site facilities such as private washrooms, change rooms and outdoor showers.

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.

Transportation is available from Banff (approximately 10:30am-10:45am) and Lake Louise (approximately 11:30am – 11:45am) for $20 per person from select locations. Guests will arrive back in Lake Louise at 5:30pm and Banff at around 6:00pm – 6:30pm.

Please 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There is a 48 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 48 hours outside your booked tour (up to 7 days for group bookings).

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.
Included
  • Professional river guide on each raft
  • Safety instruction and practice paddle
  • River fee
  • Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
Meal
  • BBQ Lunch (Rafting)
Transport Options
  • + Transport (Banff/Lake Louise)
  • Meet At River Base
Guide Quote

Dean's Pick

"If you're adrenaline junkie, this river is for you." - Dean , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours

  • 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.
  • Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 12 participants and transport requires a minimum of 4 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
Included
  • Professional river guide on each raft
  • Safety instruction and practice paddle
  • River fee
  • Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
Meal
  • BBQ Lunch (Rafting)
Transport Options
  • + Transport (Banff/Lake Louise)
  • Meet At River Base
Guide Quote

Dean's Pick

"If you're adrenaline junkie, this river is for you." - Dean , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours

Hydra Kicking Horse Classic Whitewater Rafting
Hydra Kicking Horse Classic Whitewater Rafting
Hydra Kicking Horse Classic Whitewater Rafting
Hydra Kicking Horse Classic Whitewater Rafting
Hydra Kicking Horse Classic Whitewater Rafting Lunch

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