Kananaskis River
Starts atCA$ 144US$ 110€ 95£ 82A$ 155
Duration: 4 Hours
Age: 5+
Departure: 8:30am & 1:30pm
Season: Summer · May - Sept
Overview
Experience fabulous family fun on the Kananaskis River! With an easy and fun intensity, it's perfect for everyone.
The Kananaskis serves up splashy Class 2-3 rapids with plenty of waves to play in — and because the river is dam-controlled, water levels stay stable and reliable all season long. It’s the perfect first taste of whitewater for kids as young as 5, and a total blast for the grown-ups too.
Between the rapids, sit back and float through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Our photographers will be on the banks catching your biggest splashes — free professional photos are included with every trip.
Highlights
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
Family-friendly
1.5–2 hours on the river with an optional swim
Free PhotosTour Details
Tour Duration
4 Hours
Departure Time
8:30am & 1:30pm
Age Required
5+
Season
Summer · May - Sept
Transport Options
Self drive only
Included
- Light refreshments
- Professional river guide on each raft
- Safety instruction and practice paddle
- River fee
- Complimentary photos (online)
- River time 1.5-2 hrs
- Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, booties and gloves
What will disqualify me?
- Aged below 5 years old
- Arriving after your check-in time
- Arriving at the wrong meeting point
- Guests under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?+
Plan for about 4 hours total, with 1.5-2 hours of river time. The rest covers gearing up in wetsuits, safety instruction, a practice paddle, and shuttles.
Where do we meet?+
At our Riverbase on Hwy 1A near Nakoda Lodge — under 25 minutes from Canmore, 40 minutes from Banff, and about an hour from Calgary.
Do I need rafting experience?+
Nope! No experience is necessary. Your professional river guide gives full safety instruction and a practice paddle before you hit the rapids.
How wild are the rapids?+
The Kananaskis runs fun, splashy Class 2-3 rapids — exciting but family friendly, and great for ages 5 and up. Because the river is dam-controlled, water levels are stable all season.
How long has Chinook been rafting?+
We've been licensed and running the rivers of the Rockies since 1983 — over 40 years with an immaculate safety record.
Are photos really free?+
Yes! Our photographers shoot every Kananaskis trip and your professional photos are complimentary, delivered online.
What should I bring?+
Swimwear or quick-dry layers to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, and dry clothes for after. We supply wetsuits, lifejackets, helmets, rainjackets, booties and gloves.
What if the weather turns?+
We raft rain or shine — you're getting wet either way! Trips only cancel for unsafe conditions.
What is the cancellation policy?+
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
What if I don't have an epic time?+
If you ride the rapids with us and don't have an epic time, we'll refund your money. Yup, we're that confident you'll love it.
Booking Terms
- Guests must be at least 5 years old (Child rate applies ages 5-15; Adult 16+).
- Guests must check in at the River Base before the posted departure time.
- All adults must sign a waiver prior to the trip. A waiver must also be completed by the legal guardian of any guest under 18.
- Lifejackets and helmets are mandatory and provided.
- Guests under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted on the river.
- Trips run rain or shine; Chinook Rafting reserves the right to cancel for unsafe river or weather conditions.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.