About Chinook Rafting

About Us

Chinook Rafting is THE family rafting company!

Since 1983

THE Family Rafting Company

Chinook Rafting is THE family rafting company!
Kids raft for free on their birthday.
We have rivers ranging from MILD to WILD. Something for every level of adventure seeker!
We know you will come back for another visit after rafting with us – just check out our TripAdvisor reviews!

Watch Our Story

Why Raft With Chinook

40+ Years of Experience

We have 40+ years of experience, so we know our rivers and we know how to have fun.

No Hidden Extra Costs

No hidden extra costs after you book: all of your personal and safety equipment, an experienced guide, and even photos for your social media are included in the price.

Exceptional Guest Service

We offer exceptional levels of guest interaction and service, and provide adventure, entertainment, interpretation, team building and education.

Top Quality Modern Equipment

We use top quality modern equipment and have industry-leading risk management strategies and safety standards in place.

Meet Our Team – About Our Guides

Guides are essential to the enjoyment of your trip, so we choose our team carefully. Many have been guiding internationally for over 10 years now.
We are highly trained professionals committed to showing you a great time on the water.
Every guide possesses the Professional Rivers Outfitters Association of Alberta (PROAOA) rafting license, along with First Aid, CPR & River Rescue qualifications as minimum standards.
We will share our knowledge, local stories, enthusiasm, skills and passion for rafting with you and leave the most lasting memories for you to tell your friends and family.

Richard - Netherlands

Raft Guide (Operations Manager). During his time studying mechanical engineering, Richard took every opportunity to sneak off and play in the water. Summers were spent guiding in beautiful Slovenia with rafting on the Soca river and also heaps of canyoning and caving. Expeditions, work and randomness brought him to Canada, La Reunion, Italy, Sri Lanka, Tropical Belgium, New Zealand, Honduras and other gems. With over 20 years of experience in outdoor tourism, he’s now a full-time guide. When he’s not around the flowing waters outside, it is highly likely you can find him running in the forest with Eddy the dog, discussing which Taylor Swift song is best (Wildest Dreams!) or daydreaming about ice cream, pizza, cookies, and cat videos, but in no particular order.

Alex - New Zealand

Raft Guide (Trip Leader). Hi, I’m Alex, I’m From New Zealand. I’ve spend time rafting on the West coast of New Zealand as well as guiding on the Shotover and Kawarau river near Queenstown. In recent year’s I’ve been based in the small mountainous town of Arthur’s Pass (NZ) where I was instructing at an outdoor education center. I’m all about the outdoors, hiking, kayaking, you name it I’ll be there.

Rachel - Canada

Raft Guide (Trip Leader). Rachel has been an outdoor educator and adventure tourism guide for over 10 years, leading canoeing, sea kayaking, cycling, and hiking trips, but whitewater has become her mainstay. In her time off, Rachel likes taking glorified pool toys (pack rafts) on outrageous adventures, climbing in the alpine, and doodling as an illustrator for outdoor companies. Winter keeps her busy, working in Ski Patrol and studying to become a paramedic. As one of Chinook’s token Canadians, she always carries a small bottle of maple syrup in her PFD for emergencies.

Dani - New Zealand

Raft Guide (Trip Leader). I’m Dani! Born and raised in New Zealand, I’ve spent the last 7 years working and travelling all around the world. I’ve worked on rivers in NZ, Norway, Slovenia, and Chile. If I’m not working on the river, you’ll find me up in the mountains playing in the snow, or out in the ocean surfing.

Georgia - New Zealand

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). Kia ora! I’m Georgia, and I’m from New Zealand. I’m thrilled to join the Chinook Rafting crew again. I have rafted on many beautiful rivers in Aotearoa, including the Kawarau, Shotover, and Buller rivers. I am excited to experience and share more amazing whitewater adventures with everyone in Canada! I love water in all forms; fresh, salty, and frozen! If I’m not out playing in the whitewater, you can find me sea kayaking, surfing, or skiing. I’m also a fan of hiking and rock climbing … anything outside really!

Tim - Australia

Raft Guide - (Senior Raft Guide). G’DAY MATE! I’m known around the rafting scene for my long hair, poor sentence structures and loud Australian energy on the river. Rafting has been my happy place for 10 seasons across New Zealand, Canada, India and Australia. This is my fifth season back at Chinook, and I can’t wait to have you aboard so you can paddle my boat for me.

Sophie - Canada

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). Hi! I’m Sophie, one of the local guides here at Chinook. I was born and raised in central Alberta in the prairies but there was always a draw to the mountains which is how I ended up here! This is my third season as a raft guide and I’m so excited to share the beauty of the Kananaskis area with you this summer. In my spare time can find me hiking, camping, or chillin’ in a hammock!

Prami - Nepal

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). Hi, my name is Prami. I’m from a small mountain village in Nepal and have been a river and rafting guide since 2011. Before coming to Canada, I guided in Nepal, India and Japan with plenty of experience on rivers up to class 4. My background includes guiding in rafting, kayaking, SUP, canyoning, shower climbing and ducky (inflatable kayaks) adventures. The outdoor is my passion, and in my free time you’ll find me camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, snowboarding or snowshoeing. I’m also excited to try rock climbing next. Catch you on the rivers!

Joe - Australia

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). G’day! My names Joe, I am an Aussie outdoor guide currently pursuing my passion for paddling whitewater here in Canada. I’ve paddled rivers all over Australia’s east and south coast. When I’m not in the river, you’ll find me Ultrarunning, Windsurfing or sitting in the sun outside the local coffee shop!

Giacomo - Italy

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). Hi! I’m Giacomo, Italian, and proudly obsessed with rivers. While studying fluvial geology, I jumped into rafting, and from that moment on, I never let go of the paddle. The current carried me through rivers in Italy, Slovenia, and Argentina, and now I’m ready to land in Canada. When I’m not in whitewater, I cook for anyone who’s hungry (classic Italian problem), and I tell stories around the fire… stop me before it turns into a full monologue. And when I’m off the river, I’m usually outdoors getting into something adventurous that keeps life interesting.

Ashiraf - Uganda

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). I’m Ashiraf! Born and raised in Jinja city Uganda, the city of outdoor activities. I have spent time rafting on the White River Nile in Uganda for over 14 years, as well as guided on the Tana River in Kenya and Rivers in Hokkaido Japan. I’m all about the outdoors, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, canyoning, zip lining. In my free time, I like watching rafting videos all over the world on YouTube, listening to country music, playing pool, and hanging out with people and learn new things.

Guy - Canada

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). Hi, my name is Guy, and I love just about any outdoor activity, but my greatest passion is being on a river especially a river in the mountains!!! I have completed many wilderness trips in remote settings across Canada. Guiding lets me share the river, the landscape around it, and enjoy a great day out with guests. When I’m not on the water, I’m usually outside rock or ice climbing, skiing, or mountain biking. I love traveling internationally and finding ways to work these outdoor pursuits into the trip, and I’m always on the lookout for a great coffee shop along the way.

Olly - UK

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). What’s up! I’m Olly from England. I’ve been rafting for three seasons in beautiful Norway and I’m now looking for a new adventure in Canada. Give me anything outdoors and I’ll give it a go, but my real passion is the river and the snow. I also enjoy relaxing with a fishing rod and trying to catch some dinner. See you on the river!

Xania - “Xan” - New Zealand

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). Kia ora, I’m Xan — an outdoor instructor from New Zealand who loves being on the water. I’ve spent plenty of time kayaking and rafting rivers around NZ, and I’m excited to explore new whitewater in Canada. When I’m not on the river, you’ll usually find me hiking, training at the gym, or searching for the best coffee. Always keen for new adventures, great views, and good food!

Maverick - “Jeff” - Canada

Raft Guide. Howdy! I am a hockey player originally from extremely rural Ontario. A trade introduced me to Alberta and working for Chinook is the perfect way to spend the off-season! I believe in always challenging yourself. You have to do your own growing, no matter how tall your Grandpa was, and good intentions have never plowed a field. You need to be tough in the corners and not afraid to go to the net. I love having a front row seat when people test and challenge their comfort zones and discover what they’re capable of, and that is why I love working at Chinook! Keep your stick on the ice! – Maverick

Jarrad - Australia

Raft Guide. I’m from Western Australia from a suburb called Mandurah, which is about an hour south of Perth. I am passionate about the outdoors, as growing up was all about surfing and camping! I have been thoroughly enjoying my first ever season snowboarding and I am super excited to continue my journey with Chinook!

Lennox - New Zealand

Raft Guide. Kia Ora! I’m Lennox from New Zealand. After growing up around a life of city and sports, I escaped into the back country. Over the past few years, I have spent a lot of time on rivers kayaking and rafting throughout beautiful Aotearoa. When I’m not on the river, you’ll find me in the in the bush or up a mountain. I’m looking forward to bringing some Kiwi energy to the rivers in Canada this season.

Shakaiya - “Shak” - New Zealand

Raft Guide. Kia ora! My name is Shak, and I’m from beautiful Aotearoa, New Zealand. I’ve spent the past three summers exploring Vermont’s green hills and silver waters, hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail and paddling its lakes with my campers. I’m excited to be joining the team at Chinook Rafting, and I’m looking forward to exploring the Rockies on horseback. Last winter, I was based in British Columbia, snowboarding (and attempting to ski) at SilverStar Resort. I’m also always on the hunt for a new lunch obsession, though dumplings might not survive river life.

Maria - UK/Canada

Off-River Assistant. Hi, I’m Maria, originally from blighty (UK) but have spent close to 20 years here in the Bow Valley. I love the outdoors and spend most of my summers mountain biking and hiking in the majestic Rockies. I have travelled to many countries all over the world, my favorite being New Zealand and Chile.

Juli - Canada

Off-River Assistant. I grew up in Ontario and moved to BC four years ago for university and winters. I have spent four separate summer seasons in Banff working outdoors and living in my van! I did one season of guiding on the Bow River and Kananaskis and two summers of off-river work – all of which grew my love of being near and on the water. I love hiking and I hope to get out this summer for more backpacking trips in the mountains, as well as climbing. I am completing my degree in Creative Writing and am looking forward to documenting my travels once I am out of school. In my free time I love singing, songwriting, skiing, writing, and being outside any way I can.

Sophia - Canada

Off-River Assistant. Hi! I’m Sophia, I’m from Canada and one of the rare Chinook employees who was raised in the Bow Valley. I am an avid traveller, and I love to experience different cultures, but one of the great things about living here is that I always get to come home to this spectacular place. I’m big into sports and the outdoors, and in my spare time I’m either hiking, golfing, playing in the water, or chilling with my books. I’m excited to share this amazing place with visitors from all over the world!

Lyle - Canada

Driver & Trip Assistant. I’m a farm boy who loves kayaking, camping, bacon ‘n eggs and cowboy coffee. Does anything smell better than a campfire?

Reid - Canada

Driver & Trip Assistant. Reid loves driving!

Nathan - Tropical Belgium

Driver & Trip Assistant. I’m from Tropical Belgium and have been on the water for 13 years, starting out in canoe polo before discovering whitewater about 10 years ago. Since then, I’ve paddled mainly around the Alps and Pyrenees, while the rivers in the Belgian Ardennes will always feel like home. After finishing college, I spent a winter season working in the Alps. I’ve always been passionate about the outdoors and love spending as much time as possible on the river.

James - Australia

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). From Australia, I started working in the outdoors in 2013 as a bushwalking, rock climbing, & rafting guide! Leading 10 day expeditions all around Australia, I discovered that my passion for the wild rivers surpassed my other hobbies and I have since raft guided on the Snowy, Murrumbidgee and Barron Rivers. If I’m not out paddling I’ll be out surfing, climbing, or doing pretty much anything to stay outside.

Chris - UK/Canada

Raft Guide (Senior Raft Guide). Originally from the UK, Chris is at home on rivers worldwide having kayaked and rafted for over 25 years in places like the UK, France, Italy, Norway, Argentina, USA, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Nepal, India & Zambia. He is a rafting examiner for the BC and AB River Outfitters Association, a certified kayaking instructor, a Swiftwater & Ice Rescue Technical Instructor for Rescue 3 International, and is an Emergency Medical and Advanced Wilderness First Responder. In his spare time, he is also a Volunteer Firefighter with the Banff Fire Department

Eddy - Canada

Base Manager. Eddy joined Chinook Rafting in 2024. He loves himself some pets, naps and cuddles and now has found a lifetime supply of those! His favorite food is kibble with extra kibble, but he’s not at all fussy if anything else appears in front of him. Eddy loves long walks on the beach, pina colada mocktails with whipped cream and getting caught in the rain, doesn’t like yoga much though. He promoted himself to Base Manager and Eddy will welcome you warmly at out our river base!

Come Raft With Us

We want whitewater rafting to be the highlight of your trip to the Canadian Rockies, and will do everything we can to make sure you have a great day.

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