Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the World Famous Kicking Horse River.
Rafting since 1976, we're the original company on the Kicking Horse River! Meet at our private riverside basecamp with easy access for this must do activity for travellers from Golden, Banff & Lake Louise.
Get geared up & ready for an adventure with more time outdoors and less time on the bus. We supply wetsuits, neoprene river booties, a splash jacket, helmet & lifejacket, as well as the best rafts in the industry!
Enjoy small, personalized trips led by experienced guides. No experience necessary — just be ready to paddle into your adventure. The trip allows the perfect combination of a short section of calm waters, then picks up until you’re getting soaked in continuous class III to IV+ rapids.
Just bring a swimsuit and towel — we’ll take care of the rest. Photos and souvenirs are available to help you remember the adventure.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 12 years old
Minimum weight 90 lbs (41 kg)
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
What To Expect
Kicking Horse River
Our guides will meet you at Kootenay River Runners basecamp and then take you down the upper and middle canyon of the Kicking Horse River... ensuring you hit every good rapid along the way.
Options
Extreme Whitewater Rafting on Kicking Horse River
What‘s Included
Professional guide
River Booties
Driver/guide
River gear & Equipment
Wetsuit
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
We are focusing on rafting, but feel free to pack a lunch and enjoy it before or after your trip at our private basecamp
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
77 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great family adventure!
c leibel80,Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our group of 8, two families with teens, had such a blast! Our guide, Bill, was so knowledgeable and knew the river inside and out. He made sure we had a great time on the rapids! If you’re feeling nervous, please know we all felt completely safe the whole time. You won’t regret this adventure!
Amazing, exciting g and exhilarating!!
W1802KVkellyb,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00While I had a little trepidation about this Whitewater rafting trip, my husband convinced me that it would be fun. He could not have been more right. The trip started out slow and eased into some light rapids, which gave us a good feel for what was to come. Once we got into the bigger rapids, it was super exhilarating! Our guide (Curtis) was super knowledgeable about the area and navigated us through the rapids with such ease. We felt very comfortable and Curtis‘s hands and thank him for providing us such a an amazing experience!! Would highly recommend this adventure! 5+stars
A Splash of Adventure, a Rush of Beauty
fabeatz,Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fun rafting trip with great views offering a different perspective on the river and mountains. Peter was a fantastic tour guide. Actual time on the river was only about 90 minutes and it flew by. The rapids were exciting and the river was fast, but never felt dangerous (this comment is geared towards folks like my wife who was a little nervous about it).
Rafting the kicking horse river
120chrish120,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic afternoon riding the kicking horse rapids The location is easy to find (I would recommend following the directions on the web site) whether you are traveling up or down the highway. All the equipment you need is provided with clear instructions on its use There are two tents make/ female in which to change which are just that open with a bench Once kitted up there is an informative safety briefing covering all eventualities. Then it’s to the rafts where you go through additional safety precautions. The river guides make the whole trip fun and enjoyable while being knowledgeable on the surrounding area All in all a really great adventure
Great fun
Fiona C,Aug 26, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was so great very knowledgeable but made us all laugh.. It was exhilarating and fun and very very wet!!
Amazing ride
Passenger24057953977,Aug 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a trip…. Amazing ride. The scenery was astounding and rapids were great. Guides (ours was Dave) were great and made us feel very safe (two 48 year olds and a 17 year old. Highly recommended. You even get to jump in the ice cold water at the end.
Splash mountain on steroid
W1899SIalexanderj,Aug 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great time! Our guide, Bill, said he had been guiding for 13 seasons. He was fun and made it enjoyable but challenging for us. It was definitely a real rapid!
Awesome Experience!
Mattpayne123,Jul 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic time Rafting! The team were awesome, great energy and made the whole trip. Big shout out to Curtis who was a great guide and a lot of fun! Thank you to everyone at Kootenay River Runners 😁
The highlight of our trip
Michelle Y,Jul 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent time on the river. Our guide made us feel safe and comfortable, and the river was beautiful. There was a lot of opportunity to practice and gain confidence before the rapids began. Also, moments to enjoy the scenery between intense waves.
Excellent rafting experience
Kisoo L,Aug 28, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00The rafting guide, Ben, was very professional and witty to help my family enjoy the rafting. The rafting itself suited well the level of my family including one minor.
Related Experiences
Operated by Kootenay River Runners