Canada · WHITEWATER RAFTING

Whitewater Rafting in Canada: The 15 Best Runs

44 tours  ·  from $16

Glacier melt makes for cold water and a short season, and the grade changes week to week with the runoff. These 15 compare the Kicking Horse, the Athabasca, the Elaho and the Rouge on price, grade and whether the trip suits children.

Wet and Wild Elaho Exhilarator Rafting - The drive to the river is part of the timing
Squamish Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Wet and Wild Elaho Exhilarator Rafting

1.Wet and Wild Elaho Exhilarator Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 625 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183Our pick

Ride the Elaho and Squamish Rivers through Class III and IV rapids, including Devil’s Elbow, with professional guides and full rafting gear. Between rapids, look for glaciers, waterfalls, old-growth forest, deer, beavers, bears, and bald eagles. Pickup is available from Vancouver, Whistler, and Squamish.

“Amazing trip with our teenager daughter. Team was well organized and Pedro was a great guide. Amazing views and fun rapids.”

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Rafting Adventure on the Kicking Horse River - Picking between the three rafting styles
Horseback Rides in Revelstoke, Horses, Rafting Trips in Revelstoke, Revelstoke Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Rafting Adventure on the Kicking Horse River

2.Rafting Adventure on the Kicking Horse River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 590 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $82

Choose a 3 to 6.5-hour Kicking Horse River trip from Glacier Raft Company in Golden, BC. Guides such as Austin, Ryan, Steffi, and Carlos lead groups through Class III and IV rapids, with gear, shuttle service, snacks, and selected-trip lunch included.

“Loved the whole experiance. First time white water rafting. Felt safe the entire time. Alex was an awesome guide.”

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Half-Day Whitewater Rafting in Revelstoke - The ride through Rogers Pass to the river
Half-Day, Rafting Trips in Revelstoke, Revelstoke Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Half-Day Whitewater Rafting in Revelstoke

3.Half-Day Whitewater Rafting in Revelstoke

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 410 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $138

Spend four hours rafting the Illecillewaet River near Revelstoke, tackling Class II and III rapids with guides such as Jason, Graham, Cade, and Devon. You need no prior experience or swimming skills. Gear, transport, safety instruction, river photos, and a post-trip snack are included, with a pub discount waiting at the end.

“Fabulous time, very well organised from a professional team, with great humour. Thoroughly enjoyed our guide, Graham, and this experience will last long in the memory of our visit to Canada!”

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Montreal: Jet Boating on the Lachine Rapids - Choosing between the 20, 45, and 60-minute options
Montreal Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Montreal: Jet Boating on the Lachine Rapids

4.Montreal: Jet Boating on the Lachine Rapids

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 360 reviews · 20 minutes - 1 hour · from $33

From Old Montreal’s Jacques-Cartier Pier, choose a dry 45-minute panorama cruise, a 20-minute spin boat ride, or the full 60-minute jet boat run through the Lachine Rapids. Certified captains, life jackets, lockers, changing rooms, sandals, and ponchos are provided. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and spare shoes for the wet option.

“Wow, what an absolute blast! We would’ve done it three more times if we could (20-25 minute spin boat ride). Our driver… Justin? J something? (Sorry!) was the best, and showed us an awesome time! The highlight of our visit!”

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Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip - Calm water, small rapids, and plenty of scenery
Jasper Tours, Rafting Trips in Jasper, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip

5.Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 337 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $69

You’ll ride a guided raft through calm stretches and small rapids on the Athabasca River, following an old fur-trade route through Jasper National Park. Guides such as Finn, Dave, Owen, and Jacob keep the trip lively and safe. Expect about two to three hours, some splashing, provided ponchos, and a chance to buy a professional photo.

“Travelling the same route that the fur traders used and the most special experience seeing lightening striking the top of the mountain forest area.”

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Banff: Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour - Check-in near Stoney Nakoda Resort
Banff Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whitewater Rafting

Banff: Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour

6.Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 328 reviews · 4 hours · from $95

Spend four hours rafting the Kananaskis River near Banff and Canmore. You’ll punch through 10 or more Class 2 and 3 rapids, pass through an Olympic kayaking race course, and enjoy calmer water for games or an optional swim. Guides such as Sam, Geoff, Zac, and Eoghann are known for clear instruction, humor, and steady safety advice.

“We had the best time! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized and everyone was so kind and helpful. Our guide was Eoghann. We had so much fun – he prepared us really well for the tour, shared so much knowledge about Canada and the area, and gave us great tips. We always felt completely taken care of and really enjoyed his fun and friendly personality. Overall, all the staff were incredibly nice and helpful. I would book here again anytime – definitely a highlight of our trip!”

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Clearwater, BC, Rafting, Finish in Canadas waterfall capital! - The Ready-Set-Go route brings the action
Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Whitewater Rafting

Clearwater, BC, Rafting, Finish in Canadas waterfall capital!

7.Clearwater, BC, Rafting, Finish in Canadas waterfall capital!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 321 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

Join Interior Whitewater Expeditions in Clearwater for a 14 km rafting run through Wells Gray Provincial Park. You get a professional guide, helmet, life jacket, safety briefing, and a mix of rapids, calm water, wildlife, and volcanic scenery. Guides may include Emma, Haley, Ryan, Travis, Mason, or Ken. The trip begins and ends in Clearwater.

“Very friendly and young team. Was lot's of fun. One of our highlight of the trip. We loved the swimming in the river!”

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Jasper National Park: 2-Hour Whitewater Rafting - From Jasper to the river put-in
2-Hour Experiences, Jasper Tours, National Park Tours in Jasper, National Parks, Rafting Trips in Jasper, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Jasper National Park: 2-Hour Whitewater Rafting

8.Jasper National Park: 2-Hour Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 310 reviews · 2 hours · from $80

Take a two-hour rafting trip from Jasper down the Athabasca River, only 8 km from town. You will get wetsuits, boots, jackets, transport, and a safety briefing before tackling gentle grade 2 rapids. Guides such as Jordan, Emily, Connor, and Alice have helped beginners feel safe and involved, while the clear mountain views and optional river swim add extra fun.

“great experience, easy to do for a first timer, the river was so cold but refreshing”

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Banff: Afternoon Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour - From Banff or Calgary to Nakoda Lakeside Lodge
Banff Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whitewater Rafting

Banff: Afternoon Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour

9.Afternoon Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 297 reviews · 4 hours · from $110

Meet at Nakoda Lakeside Lodge for a four-hour Kananaskis River adventure. You’ll learn paddling from an English-speaking guide, run gentle class 2 to 3 rapids, float, swim, and finish with snacks, hot drinks, and free online photos. Guides such as David, Hazel, Alex, and Rachel are known for clear instruction and good humor.

“We had a great ride. Oly was great on the raft and was an expert you can tell.”

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Jasper: Jasper National Park Easy 2-Hour Rafting Trip - Launching into the Athabasca River
2-Hour Experiences, Jasper Tours, National Park Tours in Jasper, National Parks, Rafting Trips in Jasper, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Jasper: Jasper National Park Easy 2-Hour Rafting Trip

10.Jasper National Park Easy 2-Hour Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 291 reviews · 2 hours · from $65

Meet at the Two Brothers Totem Pole at Jasper Train Station, then ride to the Athabasca River for a relaxed float in a 25-foot oar-powered raft. Your guide rows, tells stories about Jasper, and may splash the boat through gentle Class 2 rapids. Guides such as Luke, Joel, Finn, and Mark are known for lively commentary and good local tips.

“We had a lovely tourguide who provided a lot of intormation during the family friendly rafting tour. Great athmosphere on the boat. Everyone from the team was very kind. Defintitly a recommandation while in Jasper!!”

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Whitewater Rafting Adventure | Kicking Horse River - Starting at Hydra’s base beside the river
Horseback Rides in Revelstoke, Horses, Rafting Trips in Revelstoke, Revelstoke Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting Adventure | Kicking Horse River

11.Whitewater Rafting Adventure | Kicking Horse River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 291 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $123

Take a four-hour, 20 km rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River near Golden, starting with calm class-one water before tackling class-four rapids. Hydra supplies the raft, wetsuit, jacket, shoes, paddle, and certified guide. The base has hot showers and snacks, and guides such as Jaro, Kyle, Bill, and Hennessy are known for strong safety instruction and lively commentary.

“It was a fun ride. Easy start then some excitement in the second half. Jaro is knowledgeable and entertaining.”

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Sunwapta River Self-Drive Rafting Trip - Paddling through Class 3 water
Jasper Tours, Rafting Trips in Jasper, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Sunwapta River Self-Drive Rafting Trip

12.Sunwapta River Self-Drive Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 235 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $107

Drive 40 minutes south of Jasper, suit up, and join a six-person raft for a guided run through Sunwapta River rapids. Your certified guide handles safety and commands while you paddle toward a takeout above Sunwapta Falls. Guides such as Nate, Luke, Erin, and Joe are known for keeping the mood lively and the instruction clear.

“Had a great time! We were in Nate’s raft. He was ‘Amazing’! Energetic, personable and knowledgeable. This was a great experience and was well run.”

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Athabasca Canyon Run Family Rafting: Class II Plus Rapids - Getting suited up without the usual fuss
Canyon Tours, Jasper Tours, Rafting Trips in Jasper, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting, Workshops

Athabasca Canyon Run Family Rafting: Class II Plus Rapids

13.Athabasca Canyon Run Family Rafting: Class II Plus Rapids

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 193 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $95

This half-day rafting trip takes you from downtown Jasper to Athabasca Falls, where a certified guide such as Collin, Eric, or Chris leads a six-person raft through Class II rapids and Athabasca Canyon. You’ll wear a supplied wetsuit, paddle jacket, booties, and life jacket, then finish with a calm river stretch and a bus ride back to Jasper.

“Fantastic rafting through the beautiful Jasper wilderness. Amazing mountain views. Wonderful guides, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Perfect tour for families even with youngsters.”

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Private Self-guided River Rafting Tour in Calgary - West Baker Park: where the float begins
Calgary Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whitewater Rafting

Private Self-guided River Rafting Tour in Calgary

14.Private Self-guided River Rafting Tour in Calgary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 182 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

You and your private group of 2 to 12 people float the Bow River from West Baker Park toward central Calgary. Lazy Day Raft Rentals provides a sanitized raft, PFDs, paddles, and a safety kit. No guide or rafting experience is needed. The float takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on river flow, with an optional $9 shuttle to the launch point.

“Great way to be outdoors! Excellent customer service from all the staff we interacted with. Highly recommend.”

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Elaho Whitewater Experience - The ride from base to the river
Squamish Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Elaho Whitewater Experience

15.Elaho Whitewater Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Raft the Elaho River with Squamish Rafting Powered by Canadian Outback. You’ll get wetsuits, booties, safety gear, a guide, practice time, rapids, a mid-trip snack, and views through the Squamish valley. Meet in Squamish or arrange pickup from Vancouver or Whistler. Guides may include Mariano, Theo, Connor, or Pedro.

“Just do it! It was so much fun that I plan to book another trip! The guides were awesome and the scenery was breathtaking!”

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New in Whitewater Rafting

★ 4.5Half-Day White Water Rafting on the Rouge RiverFrom $1038 reviews
★ 5.0Whitewater Rafting on Jasper’s Fraser RiverFrom $10459 reviews
★ 5.0Class 3 Sunwapta River Rafting Adventure in JasperFrom $11033 reviews
★ 5.0Rafting on Athabasca River Mile 5 in JasperFrom $7582 reviews
★ 5.0Rafting Athabasca Falls Run in JasperFrom $9844 reviews
★ 5.0Athabasca Expressway Whitewater RaftingFrom $7846 reviews
★ 5.03.5 Hour Whitewater Rafting and Waterfall AdventureFrom $14048 reviews
★ 5.0Family Friendly Whitewater RaftingFrom $14032 reviews
★ 4.8Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting in JasperFrom $10031 reviews
★ 4.9Canyon Run Family Whitewater RaftingFrom $9255 reviews
★ 4.9Athabasca River Mile 5 Whitewater Rafting TourFrom $7512 reviews
★ 4.8Mont-Tremblant: Half-Day White Water RaftingFrom $9542 reviews
★ 5.05-Hour Fraser River Rafting in Jasper National ParkFrom $10839 reviews
★ 4.7Clearwater BC Rafting with time for a waterfall TourFrom $10787 reviews
★ 4.8Morning Whitewater Rafting Tour in Horseshoe CanyonFrom $10989 reviews

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