While driving to and from the RiverBase, for your Kicking Horse whitewater rafting adventure, plenty of stops can be made en route. Some stops may take only a few minutes, others a few hours! Driving to our RiverBase from Calgary, please allow at least 2 hours 30 minutes. Once you get here, shake of the car legs and get ready for the best river in proximity to Calagary rafting!
Don’t worry if you haven’t booked your trip yet, there’s still time. Check out a couple of our most popular trips and find the one that suits you and your crew’s desire for adventure!
CANMORE: A fun and funky mountain town with plenty of shopping, hip and trendy restaurants and a vibrant downtown which is fun for wandering, window shopping or people watching. Streetside cafes are great places on a nice summer’s day. Gas (petrol) stations are easily accessible just off the highway and the prices tend to be a bit more reasonable than Banff or Lake Louise. If looking for accommodations, there are plenty of options from which to choose.
BANFF: Banff is one of the most popular tourist towns in North America and offers fine shopping, dining and sightseeing experiences. PLEASE NOTE: If planning to stop in Banff, Lake Louise or anywhere else within Banff National Park, visitors are required to purchase a Park Permit.
LAKE LOUISE: Seeing the iconic view of Lake Louise is a ‘must’ for many, along with historic Chateau Lake Louise. For an easy walk, follow the path behind the Canoe Docks up to a lovely viewpoint. If time allows, wander the shores of the Lake or head up to the Lake Agnes Tea House for tasty snacks and unbeatable views of both lakes, the Chateau and surrounding mountains. Wild Water has an office kiosk at the Chateau, just down the hall from the Front Lobby. Please drop by to say hello!
In the Village of Lake Louise, a small assortment of food and retail shops satisfy all sorts of appetites. If in the mood for a great breakfast, lunch or simply a latte, we highly recommend the Trailhead Café (the Trailhead Burrito is our favourite!). Laggan’s Bakery, just next door, offers plenty of tasty and quick options for breakfast to late lunch.
Driving to our headquarters for some Calgary rafting? When driving from Calgary to Wild Water Adventures RiverBase for your whitewater rafting adventure, allow approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Canada Olympic Park on the west side of Calgary. If driving from the South or SW of Calgary, allow 2.5hrs; or 2.75 hours if coming from Calgary International Airport.
Head west on the TransCanada Highway #1, passing turnoffs along the way to Kananaskis Country and the towns of Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Field. If you need to stop en route for fuel or personal needs, Canmore has plenty of gas stations and fast food options. Continue westward on TCH #1 towards Banff and Lake Louise.
Approximately 20 minutes after Lake Louise, past the town of Field (on the left). Continue on for another 20 minutes. Look for the overhead digital highway sign, just before the highway expands to four lanes. This is your cue to get into the far right-hand lane. Take the Beaverfoot Road exit, turning sharply to the right and then through a tunnel to a stop sign. Turn right and drive a short way uphill toward the Wild Water Adventures billboard. Turn left, cross a cattle guard and drive down the gravel laneway to the RiverBase. Park in the area on the right and get ready for a magnificent day on the Kicking Horse River!
Between Lake Louise and our RiverBase, there are plenty of things worth exploring. The town of Field is fun, funky and eclectic with lovely guesthouses and local artisans. If looking for a quick bite, try the General Store for tasty sandwiches and yummy baked goods!
Never been rafting before or been rafting before and want something more?
For the family or those seeking a milder river experience, this trip is ideal!
If you’ve got more time for the river, then “The Tradition” is for you.
When ONLY the best and most exciting will satisfy your adrenalin fix, this “Best of” the Kicking Horse River rafting experience will be your choice!
Stay for a night or two and enjoy two exceptional days of Banff river rafting in the Canadian Rockies, on the area’s best whitewater river.