October 2, 2025
Planning an adventure for your friends, coworkers, or family? If you’re looking for something exciting, outdoorsy, and just a short drive from Banff, a whitewater rafting trip on the Kicking...
Kicking Horse River Rafting Trips
Wild Water Adventures has called the banks of the Kicking Horse River home since 1992. Our River Base sits just 45 minutes west of Lake Louise and 1.5 hours from Banff, making us the closest rafting outfitter to Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies. We offer trips ranging from Class II to Class IV+ whitewater, from gentle family floats to full-day canyon adventures, running daily from mid-May through mid-September. We are proud to be ranked the #1 outdoor activity in the Canadian Rockies on TripAdvisor, and we intend to keep it that way.
SAFETY
Well trained guides, high quality equipment and a solid risk management plan are all part of what we do here. Safety is our top priority.
EXPERIENCE
We have over 30 years of experience rafting the best white water in the area, the Kicking Horse River! Be ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
LOCATION
We have the closest River Base to Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore and Calgary which means less driving for you. Our River Base is fully serviced for your comfort and enjoyment.
MOST POPULAR RAFTING TRIPS
Most Popular
Whitewater Exciter
Whitewater Exciter
Our most popular half-day excursion features the biggest and best whitewater rapids in the Canadian Rockies. An exhilarating adventure awaits with unforgettable whitewater experiences!
- Adults: $139
- 3 Hours
- Ages 12+ & 90lbs (41kg)
Great for Families
Gentle
Gentle
Ideal for families and those looking for a milder river journey. This trip offers scenic sections, paired with fun, splashy whitewater, through the beautiful Kicking Horse River Valley.
- Adults: $115 | Child: $89
- 3 Hours
- Ages 8+ & 50lbs (23kg)
The Complete Experience
The Tradition
The Tradition
Experience the ultimate adventure on this trip, combining stunning Kicking Horse River Valley scenery with the thrill of the Rockies’ biggest rapids. A complete package of beauty and excitement!
- Adults: $199
- 5 Hours
- Ages 12+ & 90lbs (41kg)
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RAFTING TRIPS
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Create the ultimate Canadian Rockies experience! Combine your rafting trip with another exciting outdoor adventure.
REVIEWS
Wild Water Adventures: Whitewater Rafting Near Banff and Lake Louise
Wild Water Adventures has operated on the Kicking Horse River since 1992, offering whitewater rafting trips from our River Base at 2750 Beaverfoot Road, Golden, BC. The Kicking Horse River is a Canadian Heritage River designated in 1990, running through Yoho and Banff National Parks in the Canadian Rockies.
It features rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV+, making it one of the premier commercially rafted rivers in Canada. Our trips are available daily from mid-May through mid-September and are suitable for guests aged 8 to 88, with options ranging from gentle family floats to full-day Class IV+ adventures. Wild Water Adventures is ranked the #1 outdoor activity in the Canadian Rockies on TripAdvisor.
- Location: Golden, BC, 45 min from Lake Louise, 1.5 hrs from Banff
- Season: Mid-May through mid-September, daily
- Trips: Gentle (Class II-III, ages 8+), Whitewater Exciter (Class IV+, ages 12+), The Tradition (Class IV+, ages 12+)
- Duration: 3 hours (half-day) or 5 hours (full-day)
- Price: From $89 CAD to $199 CAD
- Included: Wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, spray jacket, certified guide, bus shuttle
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June 25, 2025
Tucked between six national parks and surrounded by towering peaks, Golden, British Columbia is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or seeking scenic moments, this small mountain...
June 2, 2025
Discover the best family activities in Banff and Lake Louise — from gentle rafting trips to scenic hikes and wildlife spotting, here’s how to explore the Canadian Rockies with your...