Summer
Glaciers and snow melt, rivers rise, and rafting season is almost here again. Welcome to wet and wild adventures with whitewater rafting in the Canadian Rockies!
Whitewater rafting with Discover Banff Tours gives you 3 rivers to choose from, welcoming kids age 5 and up. Each rafting trip is accessible, affordable, and an action-packed adventure for the whole family for a half or full-day.
Is the water cold? Yes, but we provide the wetsuits and layers to keep you warm. Scenic? Absolutely – and we provide the time to enjoy that as well. Our 3 tours range in age limit, time on the river, and rapid class/strength.
So, which one is right for you? Let’s take a look!
Option 1: Rafting Class 2-3 Rapids on the Kananaskis River (Ages 5+)
Located just 45 minutes from Banff and Calgary, the Kananaskis River Rafting Trip is the perfect half-day option for families and novice rafters. Starting just outside Banff in Kananaskis Provincial Park, the river is dam controlled and an easy, gentle option for the whole family. Kids age 5 and up can join us on the Kananaskis River as the rafts glide through gentle class 2 – 3 rapids.
Jump into the water along the trip, enjoy the interpretive experience from your guide, and of course, the Rocky Mountain scenery that you come to expect. This is a special part of the Rockies rarely explored by out of country guests, and somewhat of a local’s spot for Albertans.
Play around, surf the raft, and get wet on our most accessible rafting trip with Discover Banff Tours.
Option 2: Rafting Class 3-4 Rapids on the Horseshoe Canyon (Ages 12+)
Looking for a more exciting half-day whitewater rafting option? This Horseshoe Canyon rafting trip is also just 45 minutes from Banff and Calgary and our only tour to offer cliff jumping combined with action-packed class 3-4 rapids.
The Bow River starts at Bow Glacier in Banff National Park and if you drive the Icefields Parkway, you’ll see it. Winding through the Bow Valley and eventually making its way to Hudson’s Bay, this river is full of history, First Nations significance, and scenic spots where some Hollywood flicks have been filmed.
This Banff rafting trip along the Bow River will take you just outside Banff National Park to the exact spot where some films have recently been filmed.
RAFTING FROM BANFF
Kananaskis Whitewater Rafting
Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater Rafting
Kicking Horse River Classic Whitewater Rafting
Option 3: Rafting Class 1-4 rapids on the Kicking Horse River (Ages 12+)
Finally, there is the mighty Kicking Horse River near Golden, in British Columbia (1.5 hours from Banff). This river is rough, tough, and a ton of fun! Class 4 rapids are met with fresh glacial meltwater and incredible, dramatic scenery. Few canyons are carved out in ways that the Kicking Horse has been through thousands of years.
The guides will give you the know-how for the experience you need and making it safe, accessible, and fun. And who could pass up a BBQ lunch at one of the most scenic picnic areas around?!
The Kicking Horse River whitewater rafting adventure will take you through unforgettable aquatic terrain and provide an experience that you surely won’t forget.
