Rafting in Banff

Banff National Park is well-known for its rivers where some of the most thrilling Rocky Mountains water adventures from Banff can be enjoyed.

Choose from a variety of rafting trips in Banff, ranging from “mild to wild”, to challenge the rapids of the Kananaskis and Kicking Horse Rivers.

It’s also a great opportunity to admire the beauty of the Rockies and see the region’s wildlife, including elk, deer, bears and mountain goats.

Here's all you need to know about rafting tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Banff.

What are the best rafting tours and trips in Banff?

Banff: afternoon Kananaskis River whitewater rafting tour

Paddle through the picturesque landscape of Kananaskis country in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies on this exciting rafting tour from Banff.

Experience the ideal whitewater rafting excursion for newcomers and families. Raft along family-friendly rapids and enjoy a leisurely scenic float to the finish as you explore the pristine waterways of the river.

Your meeting point is at the Nakoda Lakeside Lodge on Highway 1A, and your rafting adventure starts with a 45-minute drive from Banff.

You’ll be fitted with your wetsuits and other equipment and taken on a short ride in a comfortable bus to the Kananaskis River launching point.

Your guides will give you a safety briefing and teach you the rafting paddle techniques. Then board your raft, begin your trip and enjoy the lovely views during the tranquil sections of the river.

Scout for local wildlife such as eagles and deer along the banks of the river and enjoy the beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Then rush through Class II-III rapids as you paddle your raft along a lovely forested stretch of the river.

Near the end of the trip you can enjoy a scenic float, and at the finish, swim and splash in the river. Afterwards, head back to the river base for snacks and celebrations of your memorable rafting excursion.

Kicking Horse River: whitewater rafting half-day trip

Enjoy an exciting whitewater rafting tour on the wild Kicking Horse River from Banff as you take on Class II to Class IV/IV+ whitewaters.

You will be maneuvering tricky rapids with popular names such as Table Saw and Hopi's Hole, and the well-known Portage and Shotgun.

Apart from being equipped with the best rafting gear, you will find yourself on the river with world-class rafting professionals.

Meet your rafting group at the RiverBase at 2750 Beaverfoot Road situated on the TransCanada Highway. Here at the day lodge you will enjoy a hearty welcome before the rafting crew will provide you with top-of-the-range rafting gear.

This includes a wetsuit, booties and gloves, spray jackets and life jackets, and safety helmets.

You will have the comfort of heated change rooms where you can change into the rafting gear provided for the trip. This will be followed by a quick shuttle to the launching point on the Kicking Horse River.

Before plunging into the water, you will first receive an extensive safety briefing. The Kicking Horse River is the largest whitewater river in the Rockies, so expect to be hanging on tightly and getting splashed.

While on the river, admire the lovely canyon environment and be alert to a possible sighting of a bear, mountain goat, or wolf.

At the end of your memorable trip, you will be shuttled back to the comfort of the rafting base. When you’re dry and comfortable again, you can savor the snacks and selection of hot and cold beverages.

Also browse the gift shop for a photo or other souvenir of your thrilling rafting trip on the Kicking Horse.

Kicking Horse River: rafting trip with BBQ

Challenge the Kicking Horse River for a true rafting adventure from Banff and experience the thrills of Class II to IV rapids in one trip.

Relish the large whitewater rapids and the bouncy, splashing river waves, and admire the marvelous Rocky Mountains scenery when passing the float sections.

Then round off your experience with a gourmet packed BBQ lunch you’ll be served following the trip.

Meet your rafting team at the RiverBase at 2750 Beaverfoot Road, which is conveniently situated on the TransCanada Highway.

On checking in, you will be fitted with top-of-the-line rafting gear, including a wetsuit and booties, gloves, polar fleece sweater and helmet. Apart from the very best gear, you will also be rafting with world-class professionals.

You will be shuttled to the launching point on the Kicking Horse River and thoroughly briefed on safety. Once you’re on the river, experience all the thrills the river can offer – bouncy waves, large whitewater rapids and tranquil scenic float sections.

Start off on the upper, more tranquil scenic section of the Yoho National Park. For the next hour, you will be splashing through the waves before facing the more powerful sections downstream.

The second part of the trip takes about 1.5 hours and consists of 14 sets of rapids which range from Class II to Class IV+. You will surely get soaked along this section.

At the end of the trip, you are transferred back to the warmth and comfort of the DayLodge. Once changed into dry, warm clothes again, you can enjoy the delicious gourmet BBQ lunch.

How much do rafting tours and trips in Banff cost?

Rafting tours and trips from Banff cost around US$90 to US$100 while a double run of the Kicking Horse River of the big whitewater section costs US$180.

The Banff: afternoon Kananaskis River whitewater rafting tour costs about US$100 per person.

The Kicking Horse River: whitewater rafting half-day trip costs US$100 per person and the Kicking Horse River: rafting trip, including a BBQ lunch, about US$150 per person.

What is included?

The rafting tours on the Kananaskis and Kicking Horse Rivers include a professional river guide on each raft, a wetsuit and booties, and gloves.

Also included are a polar fleece sweater, spray jacket, life jacket, helmet, river fee, light snack and refreshment. Complimentary professional photos are available online after the tour.

Where does it start?

Banff rafting tours start from different meeting points. The meeting place for the Kananaskis River rafting tour is the Nakoda Lakeside Lodge (on Highway 1A between Exshaw and Morley).

The meeting point for the Kicking Horse half day and Kicking Horse rafting tour with BBQ is at the RiverBase at 2750 Beaverfoot Road on the TransCanada Highway.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of the Banff rafting tours is 2 to 3.5 hours, but the rafting trip on Kicking Horse River with BBQ lasts 5 hours.

When is the best time for a rafting tour in Banff?

The period between mid-May and mid-September is considered to be the best for whitewater rafting as weather conditions are excellent. During rafting trips, you will also admire the most scenic beauty of the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

Is it safe?

River rafting is safe if the safety precautions prescribed by your rafting guides are followed. However, these tours are not recommended for people with back or heart problems or other serious medical conditions, or people with mobility impairments.

Are children allowed?

The minimum age for the rafting tour on the Kananaskis River is 5 and for the Kicking Horse River tours it is 12.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Rafting trips are run come rain or shine, and participants will get wet from the river spray anyway. The tour operators provide a lot of gear to keep everyone warm and comfortable.

Which other water activities can be done in Banff?

• Boat tours in Banff
• Canyoning adventures in Banff

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your rafting tour in Banff in advance.
• Bring warm clothing, a jacket, swimwear, a towel, daypack and personal medication.
• Always wear a life jacket during rafting.
• Stay seated in the raft all the way.
• Follow your guide’s instructions.