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8 Best White Water Rafting Tours in Canada (2024)
Are you looking for some incredible white water rafting tours in Canada for your next nail-biting adventure?
I’ve lived in Canada for most of my life and know all the best spots for white water rafting!
White water rafting opportunities are all across the country, from the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia and Alberta to Ontario and Quebec.
Whether you’re looking for a full-day or half-day trip, or a multi-day experience over several days, I’ve got you covered!
And there are options for all experience levels. Canada’s best white water rafting tours range from mild, beginner rapids to wild whitewater rides.
Kicking Horse River is home to Canada’s most popular white water rafting, but there are many great options in other parts of the country, too.
My Top 3 Picks: White Water Rafting Tours in Canada
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
8 Best White Water Rafting Tours in Canada
1. Wet and Wild Elaho Exhilarator Rafting
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Deep in British Columbia’s Squamish Valley, the first tour on this list is on the Elaho River.
This Wet and Wild Rafting tour lasts 3 hours and takes you through about 10 miles of BC’s world-class countryside.
This is definitely not a beginner course, as you will be navigating class III and IV rapids throughout the river’s curves and rocks. It’s a challenge, but one of the most exhilarating white water rafting tours in Canada!
“White water rafting became an annual tradition a few years ago. We try to do a trip down a different river each year. This year it happened to be with the Canadian Outback Rafting Company. Our guide was fantastic! Thank you Austin, for a great adventure!” – Emily O (Read more reviews)
You can even swim in some of these wild waters, depending on the water levels.
The tour is through the Canadian Outback Rafting Company, which means that you are sure to have a group of highly trained (and talented!) professionals with decades of experience navigating these waters. They will monitor your progress throughout your trip to ensure the safety of all aboard the raft.
The rafting company will also provide all the necessary safety and rafting equipment, so it’s very convenient.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite for riding the rapids, this tour provides a delicious lunch on the river before heading for the shore.
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Location: 12825 Squamish Valley Rd, Squamish. (Pickup is available on request at various hotel locations.) Please arrive 30 minutes prior.
- Included: All required safety and rafting gear and snacks.
- Minimum Age: 13 years old
- Size of Tour: Maximum 40 participants
Note: Service animals are allowed.
2. Rafting Adventure on the Kicking Horse River
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: approx. 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Kicking Horse River near Golden, BC, is one of the most well known places to go white water rafting in Canada. It is a a thrilling destination with a range of options for both beginner and experienced rafters.
The four-hour Rafting Adventure on the Kicking Horse River includes twenty kilometers of rolling whitewater.
There are a mix of rapids, but it leans toward more experienced terrain.
The river starts out on calm water that is fairly easy to maneuver so that you can get your barrings before trying more difficult rapids. These Class IV rapids at the end of the trip, with fitting names such as Man Eater and Shot Gun, will definitely test your bravery.
“Amazing team for experiencing a rafting game in Canada. Will refer to a friend to play. We had a lot of fun.” – Bo X (Read more reviews)
Along the way, you will see spectacular parts of this canyon that cannot be seen from the road, as well as the Canadian Pacific Railway snaking its way through the canyon
This company prides itself in hiring some of the most experienced and entertaining guides. Their excellent rafting base offers hot showers and snacks (for purchase) after the tour.
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Location: 2936 Kicking Horse Rd, Golden, BC (east of Golden, just off Beaverfoot Road, right outside the park boundary).
- Included: All river raft equipment
- Minimum Age: 12 years old
- Minimum weight: 90 lbs
- Size of Tour: Maximum 64 participants
3. Rafting Adventure on the Kicking Horse River
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: approx. 5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Experience the thrill of a whitewater rafting adventure on this guided excursion in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Glacier Raft Company in Golden, BC’s original rafting company, is locally owned and operated.
This rafting Adventure on the Kicking Horse River is an unforgettable experience for any avid white water rafter. Nestled deep in the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Kicking Horse River boasts some of the most amazing views and powerful rapids in British Columbia.
People come from all over the world to experience this area. Discovered in 1858 by Dr. James Hector, named the pass after an incident that occurred when a horse kicked him in the chest, disabling him temporarily.
“What an amazing experience. Big rapids, bigger fun. Mustache Mike is an awesome guide. Great for everyone.” – Tim C (Read more reviews)
You will also see the historic Park Bridge, built over a decade ago, in the Kicking Horse Canyon.
Are you ready to live your adventure?
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours
- Location: Golden, BC
- Included: All necessary river raft equipment + lunch
- Minimum Age: 12 years old
- Minimum weight: 90 lbs
- Size of Tour: Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements. If this occurs, they will offer you an alternative or full refund.
4. Extreme Whitewater Rafting on Kicking Horse River
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: approx. 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Extreme Whitewater Rafting on Kicking Horse River is one of the top whitewater rafting trips in British Columbia.
Not only will you get to experience the adrenaline of world-class rapids, but you’ll also have an experienced and educated guide with you at every step.
In addition to enjoying all the thrills of whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River, this package also includes a BBQ lunch.
Suitable for all skill levels enjoy the thrill of white water rafting in the Canadian wilderness.
“Great rafting trip with a very nice guide who was friendly and knowledgeable. Beautiful scenery, an awesome way to spend an afternoon.” – Maureen M (Read more reviews)
The tour company will provide all necessary safety and rafting equipment and instructions so you can paddle confidently.
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Location: Kootenay River Runners Basecamp, Golden, BC
- Included: All necessary river raft equipment + BBQ lunch
- Minimum Age: 12 years old
- Minimum weight: 90 lbs
- Size of Tour: Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements. If this occurs, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
5. Jasper – Athabasca River Mile 5
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
Moving east, you will find the best white water rafting in Alberta in the Jasper area where the Athabasca River beckons thrill seekers from all over Canada.
Here we can discover some of the areas that the famous explorer, David Thompson, documented in his early travels to this part of Canada. You can raft down the exact terrain David Thompson had to canoe up!
“Fantastic trip! Our guide Nate was so fun! Great personality. Lots of laughs. Great trip for first-timers and those feeling a little nervous about rapids. They gave us all the gear needed on a cold rainy day. Kept us warm and dry, and really enjoyed the trip despite the weather. Highly recommend it!” – Danielle J (Read more reviews)
Put in at Mile 5 of the glacier-fed Athabasca River, a great introduction to river rafting with a 10-minute float ahead of the first Class II section of rapids.
This tour also includes round-trip transportation from Jasper.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Location: RV parking lot, Jasper, AB. Please arrive 15 minutes prior.
- Included: All necessary river raft equipment
- Minimum Age: 12 years old
- Minimum weight: 90 lbs
- Size of Tour: Maximum of 8 travellers.
Note: Souvenir photos are available to purchase.
6. Rafting on Athabasca River Mile 5 in Jasper
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: approx. 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
With its crystal clear rivers and gorgeous wilderness landscapes, there’s no better place to get your adrenaline rush than Rafting on Athabasca River Mile 5 in Jasper.
Choose between a morning or afternoon departure time. This white water rafting tour starts with a 10-minute float before heading into the most popular section, ‘Mile 5”, that features Class II rapids.
At the point where the Miette River joins the Athabasca, there is a very unique feature where you can observe the visible color difference between a rain and snow-fed river and a glacier-fed river.
“This was the first time I experienced rafting with my family of teenage sons. The whole trip was fantastic. We got to go down the river with Juan who was very laid back and took us to the rapids which were just big enough to make us laugh nervously and get wet ! Suitable for any age – it was fabulous!” – Jane L. (Read more reviews)
The guides for this tour are highly trained professionals with decades of experience and knowledge of the local area. They will successfully navigate the waters and monitor your progress throughout your trip to ensure your safety.
All necessary safety rafting equipment, such as wetsuits and helmets, is provided. The 8-person-guided rafts are a perfect size, ensuring your experience is up close and personal with your guide.
Suitable for all ages, this trip takes place rain or shine.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Location: RV parking lot, Jasper, AB. Please arrive 15 minutes prior.
- Included: All necessary river raft equipment
- Minimum Age: 5 years old (Children must be accompanied by an adult).
- Size of Tour: Maximum of 8 travellers.
7. Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ Book it!
The best water rafting in Ottawa is a riveting spot for white water rafting. If you’re looking for some hair-raising activity that combines scenic wilderness with just the right amount of adventure, you’ve come to the right place.
This two-hour Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River trip allows travellers to jump into small ten-person rafts and perfect their moves before heading out into the main section of the river. It offers an active outing for all skill levels, from beginner to expert rafters.
Rafting down the Ottawa River is an adrenaline rush with its powerful rapids, sharp turns, and high waves that will rock your boat! With Class I-III rapids, there are plenty of opportunities to test your skills while still having a safe and fun time.
“Guide was excellent. The scenery is outstanding. The weather was perfect. The length of the outing was just right to make us feel like we really did something. The number of high adrenalin waves, holes and rapids was perfect. It could not have been a better experience!” – Tripadvisor (Read more reviews)
The scenery along the banks of the Ottawa River is magnificent and unforgettable.
Recharge when your trip has concluded with a hearty, delicious and filling lunch. You’ll be dining alfresco.
- Duration: Roughly 5 hours
- Location: OWL Rafting, Foresters Falls, ON
- Included: Life jacket, helmet and paddle. Lunch.
- Size of Tour: Maximum of 10 travellers.
8. Tremblant White Water Rafting – Full day with Transport
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Tremblant White Water Rafting – Full day with Transport is the best whitewater rafting in Quebec. It is a fully inclusive experience, with transportation to and from the starting and end points.
Before boarding your shared raft with 6 – 10 other people, you’ll begin with a safety briefing. Your guide will demonstrate the basic rafting maneuvers to ensure all participants are comfortable.
Suitable for all skill levels, even first-time rafters can join in on the fun under the careful guidance of rafting professionals who ensure your safety is their number one priority.
Everything you need will be provided, right down to the necessary instructions on paddling. Enjoy a mid-day picnic lunch alongside the river, in between the two 4-hour descents of the day.
Returning to the base camp, relax in the two large hot tubs and pool. There are also hot showers, lockers and a snack bar.
Conclude the day’s activity with your choice of salmon or steak dinner and a multimedia presentation of your adventure.
- Duration: Approximately 8 hours
- Location: Mont Tremblant Activity Centre (Basecamp)
- Included: All necessary river raft equipment
- Minimum Age: 12 years old (youth 16 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult).
- Size of Tour: 6 – 10 people per raft
FAQs About White Water Rafting in Canada
What is the best month for rafting?
Go during either July or August, when the weather is the best, and the water level is at its highest. This is Canada, after all, and all that snow melting from the mountains translates to wicked rapids.
What is Class 5 White Water rafting in Canada?
Class 5 rapids are the most severe rapids on a river. They are meant for experienced rafters only.
Where can you go white water rafting in Canada?
There are many locations and rivers to go white water rafting across Canada. If you’re already planning a trip to Canada, finding a convenient location nearby will be easy.
If you’re coming to Canada for white water rafting, I recommend Kicking Horse River in British Columbia, near Golden, BC. It is touted as one of the world’s best white water rafting experiences.
What month is best for white water rafting?
July and August are the best because of the warm weather, but they can also be the most crowded because of the many tourists.
September is still warm, however, and the crowds start to thin once school is back in.
What to wear on white water rafting?
You’ll want to wear something comfortable and minimal, like a bathing suit. You will wear a wetsuit overtop anyway.
What to bring white water rafting?
Packaging a bag for after the white water rafting trip is finished is a good idea. A towel, a dry set of clothes, a snack and a water bottle, are just some of the things you’ll need.
Final Thoughts: Best White Water Rafting in Canada
If you’re seeking a thrilling and memorable outdoor adventure, white water rafting in Canada is the perfect activity!
With a wide variety of different rivers to choose from, ranging from beginner-level rapids to hair-raising expert rapids, there’s something here for every comfort level.
Pick one of the top river rafting Canadian tours from this list, and you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
So, grab your friends and family, hop on the river, and enjoy some of the best white water rafting in Canada! It’s an excellent way to soak up the scenery of the Canadian Rockies.
As a certified Canadian, I highly recommend the Wet and Wild Elaho Exhilarator Rafting with class III and IV rapids. If you are not a beginner in water rafting, this tour would be perfect for you!
More Rafting in Canada
- Best Ontario White Water Rafting Tours
- Best White Water Rafting Vancouver Tours
- Best Quebec White Water Rafting Tours
- Where to Kayak in Vancouver, BC: 23 Best Places
- Best Places to Go Kayaking Near Toronto
- Best Places to Go Kayaking in Ottawa
- Best Places to Go Kayaking in Canada
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
