Calgary Rafting

Calgary Whitewater Rafting

Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip in the Canadian Rockies
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35 Years of Rafting
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Choose from these Two Exhilarating Calgary Rafting Trips on The Kananaskis or Bow Rivers 

From $120

Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Experience fabulous family fun on the Kananaskis River! With an easy and fun intensity. It's perfect for everyone.

Tends to sell out
Departs daily at 1:30pm · 4 Hrs · Ages 5+
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From $125

Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip

Ride the thrilling rapids through Horseshoe Canyon. Experience exhilarating whitewater on the Bow River with an optional cliff jump.

Departs daily at 8:15am · 4 Hrs · Ages 12+
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Experience The Thrill of Whitewater Rafting in Calgary

Immerse yourself in an exhilarating Calgary rafting journey down the rivers of the Canadian Rockies that offer an adrenaline rush for first-time rafters as well as seasoned river rafting veterans.

Choose from two rivers—the Kananaskis River trip, with its fun and splashy class 1-3 rapids, or the moderate, wilder class 1-4 rapid Horseshoe Canyon trip on the Bow River.  Whichever you choose, you're in for an action-packed day. While meandering through the rapids, enjoy the sights of picturesque plant life, trees, and wildlife, and take the time to stop and appreciate your breathtaking surroundings only seen from the river.  With a river rafting Calgary trip, create unforgettable memories with your loved ones that will last a lifetime.

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Directions from Calgary

Chinook Rafting offers the most accessible whitewater rafting tours closest to Calgary and Canmore. Your rafting trip planning is easy. Simply book and arrive at our Riverbase location. We'll set you up with all the equipment and safety preparation you need for an outstanding day of adventure!

Kananaskis River & Horseshoe Canyon Rafting: Directions from Calgary

Meet us at the river base near the nearest landmark nearby called Nakoda Lakeside Lodge— approximately 50 minutes from the west-end of Calgary

  • Travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway (labelled Highway #1 ) towards the Rocky Mountains (you can't miss them!) 
  • Approximately 63 km into your drive, you'll cross over the Kananaskis River, and just after, take Exit 114 onto Highway 1X. 
  • The exit road curves to the right onto Highway 1X towards Seebe/Exshaw.
  • Continue to drive 3 km north on Highway 1X and then turn right (east) on the 1A Highway towards Cochrane / Calgary.
  • Our boat launch is located next to the closed Nakoda Lakeside Lodge located 6 km from the turnoff on the right-hand side.

Everything You Need To Know About Your Calgary Rafting Trip

Rafting Guides

Safety starts with our guides. Our rafting team prides itself on employing knowledgeable, enthusiastic, qualified, and experienced tour guides. Our guides are certified through the Professional River Outfitters Association of Alberta and have successfully passed written and practical exams. They are also comprehensively trained in Swiftwater Rescue, first aid, and CPR. All our guides partake in comprehensive in-house training over and above industry standards. In addition, some of our guides have accumulated over a decade of international rafting experience. Our team conducts regular safety meetings and reviews our risk management procedures regularly to guarantee maximum safety. Learn more about our team.

No prior rafting knowledge is required, as our expert river guides will lead each raft. You will receive careful safety instructions, including how to correctly put on the safety equipment provided (wetsuit, helmet, and life jacket), how to sit in the raft, and how to row with the paddle. You will learn what to do in an emergency before we start on the river. If any part of the briefing does not feel comfortable, opt out and receive a full refund.

Age: 5 years +
Weight: 40lbs – 350lbs

Age: 12 years +
Weight: 90lbs – 350lbs

We are extremely firm on age and weight restrictions regarding all our Calgary white water rafting trips. Before boarding, each participant must thoroughly read and agree to the conditions stated on the waiver. Please complete the waiver 24 hours before your journey begins.

Bring your swimsuit and wear it under your clothes. Remember warm clothes and a towel to keep you comfortable post-tour. For cooler days of river rafting in Calgary, we suggest bringing a hat that will fit under your helmet. If you are prone to feeling cold, we advise packing a warm sweater too. Store your personal belongings on the bus or in your car during the trip.

For those who need their glasses, bring them and secure them with a sports band strap or piece of string provided by us. Those who can see without glasses are encouraged to leave them in the car to avoid loss or damage during the trip. Contact lenses are typically allowed, but please alert your guide beforehand.

Sunscreen is helpful on a hot day; however, avoid putting it above or near your eyes, as our rafting equipment should keep your body mostly covered.

Our trips rain or shine. Riding in the rain’s a lot of fun, and you will get wet anyway. We just give you the necessary equipment to enjoy your trip with us.

Get ready for a rafting Calgary experience of a lifetime! See you on the rapids.