Kicking Horse White Water Rafting

$128–$138

per person

Wild

9:15am, 1:15pm

Departure Time

3 Hrs

Duration

12+

Age

River Class

May-Sep

Season

Conquer The Rapids In The Rockies! The Most Thrilling River Rafting in Golden, British Columbia.

Kicking Horse Rafting are an experience like no other! This tour is a fun-filled day of soaking waves on world-class white water rapids west of Banff in the Rocky Mountains.

You’ll cover a distance of 20km and head downstream on a variety of class 2,3, and 4 whitewater spectacular landscapes featuring vast icefields, gorges, cliffs, and mountains towering amongst the highest in the Canadian Rockies.In between the focus paddling time and calm waters, look out for wildlife! The “goat rapid” was nicknamed for the mountain goats that can be seen leaping up the canyon walls near this rapid.

The Canyons & Famous Rapids

Your Kicking Horse River rafting trip will start in the super scenic Upper Canyon to ease into your ride with fun and splashy sections.

The Middle Canyon is 12km of exciting whitewater rafting and continuous rapids, and it’s what the Kicking Horse is known for! The canyon narrows, the waves build, and we enter rapids like ManEater and Roller Coaster rapids. The Shot Gun and Portage stretch of rapids is a class 4 and are favourites named after the 1970 landslide that allows paddlers to run the rapid instead of having to portage around it. Book your tour today!

A Special River

In 1986, the Kicking Horse River was recognized as a Canadian Heritage River for its history, culture, and recreational value and honored as one of the three rivers of the thousands of rivers in British Columbia.

The Kicking Horse River Rafting Summary

You’ll meet at the river base, get suited up, and get comfortable with the raft, paddles, and the guide’s commands.
Predominantly class 4 with several larger class 4 rapids, as well as 1, 2, and 3 rapids along the way.
This river runs on snowmelt, and water levels can change at different times of the season, and environmental changes can lower the rapid class.
Intensity Level: moderate to difficult

Check out the Whitewater Rafting Rapids Classification Guide, to learn more about the rapid classes.

All riders must be a minimum of 12 years of age

View the Kicking Horse River Rafting Trip in the video below:

Included	Professional river guide on each raft Safety instruction and practice paddle River fee River time 2 hrs Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
Transport Options	Meet At River Base

The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:

2 action-packed hours on the river

A Kicking Horse Rafting feels like multiple trips in one as you raft through various sections of canyons, surrounded by the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

Everything is provided!

The Kicking Horse rafting tour includes professional guiding, instruction, equipment, and practice as well use of all our facilities.

The relaxing river base!

Get ready for comfort and relaxation after your Kicking Horse rafting trip at the 6 acres riverbank, which includes flush toilets, change rooms, and hot beach-style showers.

Included	Professional river guide on each raft Safety instruction and practice paddle River fee River time 2 hrs Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
Transport Options	Meet At River Base

How long is the tour?

The Kicking Horse raft trip is approximately three hours. The tours start at 9:15am and 1:15pm from the river base in Golden, British Columbia. This includes two hours on the water, and will conclude at the river base at around 12:15pm and 4:15pm.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes 2 hours on the river, a professional river guide with each boat, and all safety equipment, including a wetsuit, fleece, spray jacket, life jacket, neoprene booties and helmet is provided. Please note that lunch and transport are not provided at this time, all guests will need to self-drive to the river base in Golden, BC. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase, or you may like to bring drinks and snacks to have in your vehicle after the trip.

The Kicking Horse river base is fully equipped with on-site facilities such as private washrooms, change rooms and outdoor showers.

Where is the meeting point? Is transport available?

Meet At the Kicking Horse River Rafting Base. (Just 40 min west of Lake Louise and 1hr 15min from Banff) at the Hydra River Base on Kicking Horse Road near Golden in BC, located 1.5 hours west of Banff. Detailed driving directions will be provided in your booking confirmation. Transport is not available this year; all guests must self-drive to the riverbase.

What should I wear/bring?

Please bring a piece of ID (all rafters are required to show ID), wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring warm clothes and a towel in a bag after the tour. A locked storage box is available on site. It’s recommended that you wear contacts but if you need your glasses, secure them with a sunglass strap.

What shouldn't I bring?

Anything else! There is secure storage for your personal belongings on site at the private river base. You don’t need to take anything on the raft, unless it is medication such as inhalers that must be kept with you. The guides have a dry bag onboard where these can be kept safe.

I have some medical concerns, 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 experience?

No you don’t. Most of the guests are first time rafters and the trips, equipment and briefings are designed to put the novice rafter at ease. The guides so will provide a thorough safety talk before getting into the water. No experience is required for any trip.

How big are the rapids? Is it safe?

Rafting Kicking Horse includes class 1 – 4 rapids. This popular whitewater journey is the longest and most exciting trip and is ideal for thrill seekers. Wondering what the rapids classifications mean? Check out our Whitewater Rafting Rapids Classification Guide.

The tour is run by Hydra River Guides, our preferred partner, who have been rafting the Kicking Horse River for over 30 years. With time comes experience and Hydra prides itself on its qualified staff and impressive safety record. Each year they refine our trips, organization and guest experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

The standard cancellation policy has always been flexible and allowed you to cancel up to 2 days before your trip for a full refund. If you need to cancel within 48 hours (due only to covid related issues – and you must provide proof), get in touch with our team prior to your tour, to arrange a rafting credit for use later in the season. (sorry, no refunds will be issued within 48 hours). If you are a group of 8 or more rafters or “Book a boat”, a 7 day cancellation policy applies (instead of 48 hours).

What are Class 4 rapids?

Class IV rapids refer to a powerful river that requires an experienced guide or rafter to navigate. These rivers are difficult to maneuver with unavoidable waves and they require significant boat control. Your experienced guide will tell you everything you need to do for a fun and safe experience!

Should I tip my guide?

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.

Included	Professional river guide on each raft Safety instruction and practice paddle River fee River time 2 hrs Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
Transport Options	Meet At River Base

The minimum age is 12 years and the minimum weight per person is 90 lbs.
The maximum weight per person is 350 lbs.
Every guest needs to sign a waiver form. Parents will co-sign for children under 18 years of age.
Please note that the Kicking Horse is a glacier fed river and water levels fluctuate. As the season progresses, the rapids can change from Class 4 to Class 3.
Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 12 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.

Included	Professional river guide on each raft Safety instruction and practice paddle River fee River time 2 hrs Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
Transport Options	Meet At River Base