Raft + Chairlift Package
Starts atCA$ 170US$ 128€ 112£ 96A$ 184
Duration: 6+ Hours
Age: 5+
Departure: See tour details
Season: Jun-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
Combo Package; raft along the family-friendly Kananaskis River then soar to 7,000 for spectacular views over Banff.
Included: Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting (1:30pm – 5:30pm)
This river offers the novice a thrilling and fun intro to whitewater rafting on a half-day afternoon tour. Winding through the picturesque landscape of Kananaskis Country, the class 2-3 Kananaskis River is a great whitewater experience for families or as a group outing. Conveniently located 45 minutes from Calgary and Banff in the front ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Included: Banff Sightseeing Chairlift (various times available)
Take an 8 minute chairlift ride over a natural bear habitat up to 7,000 feet at Mt Norquay with breathtaking views of Banff and the Bow Valley. At the top, wander along the interpretive walkway or enjoy the spectacular views over a drink or meal at the Cliffhouse Bistro with the stunning jagged edges of Mt Rundle as a feature for all your photos. Located at Mt Norquay, just a 15 minute drive or shuttle from downtown Banff.
Activities in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.
Highlights
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
1.5 - 2 Hours on the Kananaskis River
Free Photos
Optional river swim
Ride to the summit of Mount Norquay
Mountain top dining and facilitiesTour Details
Tour Duration
6+ Hours
Departure Time
See tour details
Age Required
5+
Season
Jun-Sep
Rafting
- Light refreshments
- Professional river guide on each raft
- Safety instruction and practice paddle
- River fee
- River time 1.5-2hrs
- Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
- Complimentary photos (online)
Chairlift
- Banff Mt Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
- Free shuttle bus
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour?+
The tour starts at the Chinook Rafting Base at 1:30pm (meet time 1:15pm) and finishes at 5:30pm, approximately 4 hours. This includes a short drive to the river and 1.5 to 2 hours on the water.
What does the Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour include?+
The tour includes 1.5 – 2 hours on the river (including a 20 minute river float to finish up), a professional river guide with each boat, an optional river swim and free professional photos. All safety equipment including clean and dry wetsuits, wetsuit booties, fleece, spray jacket, life jacket and a helmet is provided. The tour winds through scenic views of the front range of the Rocky Mountain Ranges and occasionally we see wildlife such as osprey, bald eagles, deer and bears.The Nakoda Lakeside Lodge has clean port-a-potties and ample free parking
Where is the meeting point for the rafting tour?+
The meeting point is at the Chinook Rafting Base, located on Highway 1A approximately 25 minutes from Canmore and 45 minutes from Banff and Calgary. Detailed driving directions are included in your booking confirmation. There is ample free parking at the riverbase and you will brought back to your vehicle at the end of the tour.
What should I wear/bring for the rafting tour?+
Please wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring warm clothes and a towel in a bag for after the tour. We also suggest bringing a toque or hat for colder days, to wear under the helmet. Your belongings can be stored in the bus or your own car while you are on the river.You can wear sunglasses/glasses as long as these are secured with a strap or piece of string, and contact lenses are usually okay if you are comfortable swimming with them and tell your guide. Sunscreen is great on a hot day for any areas not covered by the wetsuit, but avoid putting it above or near your eyes. You can bring your own waterproof camera or GoPro which can be secured with your own chest harness or on a helmet with a GoPro mount, but we are not responsible for loss or damage of your equipment.
What shouldn't I bring for the rafting tour?+
Anything else! It isn’t recommended to bring your camera and rafters aren’t permitted to wear their own wetsuit or to wear anything that could cause a hazard while on the tour.
I have some medical concerns for the rafting tour, 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/swimming experience?+
No rafting experience is necessary, and we provide a Professional River Guide with each boat who will explain and demonstrate paddle, safety and emergency techniques. This includes dryland safety instructions and practicing paddling on the river before the waves. This tour is ideal for anyone that has never rafted before or does not know how to swim, as the rapids and river are not as strong as the other tours. On the day please inform your guide if you are a non or weak swimmer.
Is the rafting tour safe?+
The tour is run by Chinook Rafting who have been operating whitewater rafting tours as a licensed company in the province of Alberta since 1983 and all of the rafting guides are trained in Swiftwater Rescue and First Aid & CPR. What this means for you is that they are confident that they can manage, not eliminate, the risks today to offer you an exciting and fun day on the river, creating as safe a framework as they can, given what we are doing. However, it is important to remember that we are not on a track, this isn’t Disneyland! The fact that we’re not on a track adds excitement to what we’re doing, but it also adds inherent risks.
What is the cancellation policy for the rafting tour?+
There is a 24 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change, cancel, or refund your booking up to 24 hours prior to your tour (or up to 7 days prior for group bookings).
Should I tip my guide on the rafting tour?+
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.
Where is the meeting point for the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift?+
The North American Lodge at Mount Norquay is located on Mt Norquay Road in Banff, only a five minute drive from downtown. Detailed driving instructions will be provided in your booking confirmation and there is ample car parking available. Guests can also take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs hourly from Banff.
When does the free shuttle bus run for the chairlift?+
The free shuttle bus runs throughout the day from Banff with several pick-up locations. Free Shuttle Bus Schedule (Valid from middle of June to beginning of October)
When does the chairlift operate?+
During the summer, the chairlift runs from 9am to 6:30pm, with the last ride down at 7:30pm. In the fall, the chairlift runs from 10am to 6pm, with the last ride down at 6:30pm. Please refer to your booking confirmation for seasonal operating hours.
When is the last ride up the chairlift?+
During the summer, the chairlift runs from 9am to 6:30pm, with the last ride down at 7:30pm. In the fall, the chairlift runs from 10am to 6pm, with the last ride down at 6:30pm. Please refer to your booking confirmation for seasonal operating hours.
How long is the chairlift ride?+
The chairlift ride is approximately eight minutes each way. Plenty of time to spot some wildlife!
What's an open-air chairlift?+
Unlike an enclosed Gondola, an open-air chairlift allows you to ride up the mountain with your legs dangling freely below you. Each chair is outfitted with a safety bar so you aren’t in any danger of falling out.
What's at the top of the chairlift?+
Jaw dropping vistas, high-alpine dining in an avalanche proof restaurant, Cliffhouse Bistro, hand carved into the side of the mountain, breathtaking views of Banff and the Bow Valley, mountain climbing on the Via Ferrata, an interpretive walkway, and bighorn sheep.
What hiking trails are at Mt Norquay?+
There are two main trails from the Mt Norquay main car park. Stoney Squaw Mountain Distance: 4.2 km return Elevation Gain: 190m Time Required: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate Hike through a beautiful lodgepole pine and spruce tree forest for a unique view of Cascade Mountain, and peaks of the Fairholme Range. During the ascent, hikers will enjoy unique views of Banff, Vermilion Lakes and surrounding mountain ranges. This trail is also popular for mountain biking. Cascade Amphitheatre Distance: 15.4 km return Elevation Gain: 640m Time Required: 4-6 hours Difficulty: Moderate The hike begins at the Mt. Norquay ski area, crosses a bridge over Forty Mile Creek, and then zigzags its way through the dense forest to Cascade Amphitheatre. As you emerge into the amphitheatre, impressively enclosed by limestone cliffs, keep your eyes out for wildflowers.
What is the cancellation policy for the chairlift?+
Sightseeing tickets are sold as non-transferable and non-refundable. Tickets are good to be used on any day during the summer season in which they were purchased.
Booking Terms
- Activities in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.
- The minimum age is 5 years and the minimum weight per person is 20kgs (40lbs). If the guest is unaccompanied by an adult then the minimum age is 16 years old.
- The maximum weight per person is 350 lbs, and the maximum combined weight is 226kg (500lbs) per chair on the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift.
- A waiver must be completed prior to rafting and is a condition of participation, this will be sent through upon booking. In addition, a Parental Consent form must be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any child under the age of 18 years prior to arrival at the riverbase. This is especially important if you are bringing someone else’s child (under 18 years old) rafting.
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
- Please note that the Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour requires a minimum of 8 participants, and we ask guests to please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
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