River Rafting
Nahatlatch River, Boston Bar (Reo Rafting Resort/Ryan Robinson photo)
With millions of hectares of mountains and over 100 major river systems, British Columbia has no shortage of excellent river and whitewater rafting opportunities.
Old-growth forest, glacier-capped peaks and isolated waterfalls are just a few of the natural marvels that might be seen on a guided rafting expedition.
Three kinds of river rafting experiences are offered by British Columbia's licensed operators: paddle trips, motor-powered trips, and float trips.
Paddle trips require the most active involvement as guests must paddle the raft as the guide steers. Motor-powered trips, available on some deeper rivers, require no paddling, though guests must be able to hold on tight. On a float trip, paddling is usually optional as guides often propel and steer the raft with large oars; float trips are often accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Guided trips will range in length from several hours to several days. On multi-day trips, accommodation may range from a simple tent in the woods to a cabin at a dedicated rafting resort.
Read More
Learn more about river rafting in BC's regions
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Home to the mighty Fraser Canyon, the "Rafting Capital of Canada," and great whitewater around Squamish and Whistler.
Vancouver Island: Tackle more than 40 sets of Class II and III rapids over 20km/12.4mi on the Lower Nimpkish River.
Thompson Okanagan: Warm waters and reliably sunny weather make this region's famous rafting hotspots – the Thompson, Adams and Clearwater rivers – even more appealing.
Kootenay Rockies: Visit premier whitewater rafting destinations like the Kicking Horse and Kootenay rivers.
Northern British Columbia: See grizzlies and glaciers from the Tatshenshini, Babine, or Bulkley rivers.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Glacier-fed river systems like the Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser are dominated by rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV.
When to Go Rafting
BC is a large province – roughly the size of France and Germany combined – and climate varies greatly by region. In southern parts of the province the rafting season generally runs from May or June to September, but in the north, the window is much smaller – usually just July and August. Check with individual operators for precise seasons.
Practical Points and Rafting Safety
- Whitewater rafting poses inherent risks, but with proper guidance, preparation and common sense, these risks are greatly diminished. Nonetheless, companies will require participants to sign a waiver and release of liability prior to setting out.
- Rafting in BC is strictly regulated, and rafting companies will provide certified and experienced guides who ensure that trips are as safe and enjoyable as possible. Always arrange your trip with a licensed river rafting company.
- Generally, kids age 10 and older can participate in most rafting trips, though more difficult runs require stronger paddling and may have a minimum age of 15 or 16. Some of the more low-key motorized and float trips are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Age and fitness restrictions will vary by operating company and by route, so always check with the company in advance.
- All specialized gear — including wetsuits, lifejackets, waterproof jackets, helmets and paddles — is typically provided by the operating company. Guests are usually advised to bring a few items; check with the individual company before you go.
- Always book your rafting trip in advance.
River and Whitewater Rafting Highlight Areas
Fraser River (Thompson Okanagan / Vancouver, Coast & Mountains)
Rising near Mount Robson in the Canadian Rockies and emptying into the Pacific Ocean almost 1,400km/870mi later, BC's longest river is home to a huge variety of scenic rafting opportunities, from the intensity of the Fraser Canyon to the peacefulness of its wider sections.
Stein River (Vancouver, Coast & Mountains)
The steepest commercially-rafted river in Canada (with a drop of 27 metres per kilometre, or 145 feet per mile) is also one of BC's only commercially-rafted Class Vs — a big draw for extreme paddlers the world over.
Tatshenshini-Alsek River System (Northern BC)
Raft past the glaciers and grizzlies that inhabit this majestic bio-reserve, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lytton (Vancouver, Coast & Mountains)
The town of Lytton is known as the "Rafting Capital of Canada" thanks to its location at the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson rivers, two of BC's largest.
Brackendale (Vancouver, Coast & Mountains)
In winter, head to Brackendale (just north of Squamish) and take a float trip to see bald eagles lured by the local rivers' spawning salmon.
The International Rapid Rating Scale
BC's diverse rivers present rafters with varying degrees of difficulty. When choosing a river rafting trip that's right for you, consider the international rapid rating scale.
Had a Great BC Rafting Experience?
We want to know about it! Let other visitors in on what you think are the best whitewater/river rafting spots in the province. Write a short blog about it and share your tips and stories!
Read Less
Show me River Rafting close to:
or

Main Address

Activity/Branch/Terminal

Visitor Centres
21 River Rafting in British Columbia
11 - 20 of 21 Results
11
440 Eden Rd
Clearwater, British Columbia
V0E 1N0
Websitehttp://www.liquidlifestyles.ca
Toll-free877-674-3307
Phone250-674-3307
Liquid Lifestyles Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking is a small, locally owned and operated company that focuses on all the details. We offer world-class rafting in Clearwater - home to the Wells Gray Park. Our highly experienced guides, small personal groups and top-of-the-line equipment help to create unparallelled outdoor adventures.
We offer whitewater rafting, tandem whitewater rafting, multi-day trips and kayaking instruction, as well as our newest "Waterfalls and Wells Gray" scenic non-whitewater adventures.
Whether you are an adrenaline junky or nature enthusiast, we provide the perfect mix of spectacular scenery, stunning waterfalls and heart pounding river rafting.
More Details
12
701 Lakeside Dr
Nelson, British Columbia
V1L 6G3
Websitehttp://www.nelsonwhitewaterrafting.com
Toll-free877-808-7238
Phone250-505-2689
June 1 to mid-July, join us for an incredible Whitewater Experience on the Salmo River. Class 3 and 4 Rapids and stunning scenery await you.
June 1 through September 1, your friends and family will enjoy the warm waters and beautiful scenery of the Slocan River. This trip starts with a relaxing float and finishes with fun and exciting grade 2 and 3 rapids.
We also offer a gentle float.
Transportation is provided to and from Nelson on our Funky and Retro outfitted bus 'The Woody'. Photo service is offered, so you can show everyone you did it!
More Details
13
17 Kms From Boston Bar On Nahatlatch River Rd
Boston Bar, British Columbia
V0K 1C0
Websitehttp://www.reorafting.com
Toll-free800-736-7238
Phone800-736-7238
REO is an adventure-style resort that overlooks the jade green Nahatlatch River, just 2.5 hrs drive from Vancouver. The resort offers wilderness seclusion in a spectacular setting on the edge of a canyon, surrounded by mountains of pine. REO offers all-inclusive, multi-sport vacations featuring whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock-rappelling, fishing, guided nature hikes & spa treatments. Trips include professional guides & delicious meals. For overnight stays, camp in your own tent or upgrade to a river's edge cabin tent. For unforgettable whitewater rafting trips & family adventure vacations near Vancouver, Whistler, Seattle & Vancouver Island, paddle with us on the Nahatlatch, Thompson, Stein & Fraser Rivers.
More Details
14
58 Young Rd Town Centre
Clearwater, British Columbia
V0E 1N2
Websitehttp://www.wellsgrayrafting.ca
Toll-free877-674-0001
Phone250-674-0001
Welcome to Riverside Adventures, the local rafting & fitness centre.
We operate a range of BC whitewater river adventures in the pristine wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park. Whitewater river rafting on the Clearwater River is our speciality, our livelihood & what we do in our spare time. We make your rafting experience authentic by offering you smaller diversified groups, personalized guiding & safety, challenging whitewater, spectacular canyon scenery, unique wilderness & wildlife & side hikes to waterfalls. Other services include a fitness centre at our river rafting meeting location, spectacular riverfront accommodation, canoe rental program, scenic rafting on the North Thompson & more.
More Details
15
Websitehttp://www.silversprayrafting.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-354-9235
The Slocan River is perfect for those want everything that whitewater rafting can offer. You can relax and take in the scenery through the first section of the trip. The water is crystal clear and by early summer becomes warm enough for swimming and floating along beside the raft. In the last section of the trip, the speed of the river increases. It's time to get ready for some action as we introduce you to some really great class II and III whitewater. A rafting trip on the Slocan River is a real treat for families and first timers alike.
More Details
16
70002 Squamish Valley Rd
Brackendale, British Columbia
V0N 1H0
Websitehttp://www.sunwolf.net
Toll-free877-806-8046
Phone604-898-1537
Summer Rafting - Elaho River Expedition:
Over 18 kms of whitewater! The Elaho valley is an unspoiled wilderness with old growth forests, hanging glaciers, cascading waterfalls & two mighty class IV rivers to conquer!
Summer Rafting - Cheakamus River Adventure:
Float on crystal clear waters through the Paradise Valley, a haven for wildlife. With stunning views of the Tantalus Mountains & a few fun splashes along the way!
Winter Eagle Viewing Floats:
Brackendale is the World Eagle Capital! Don't miss the opportunity to view our record breaking number of bald eagles from a remarkable vantage point - the river - with one of our knowledgeable guides.
More Details
17
1509 Lafontaine Rd
Golden, British Columbia
V0A 1H0
Websitehttp://www.wetnwild.bc.ca
Toll-free800-668-9119
Phone250-344-6546
Wet N' Wild Adventures offers unforgettable whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River in Golden, British Columbia, on the western edge of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Operating daily every May through September.
Divided into three 10 km sections, the Kicking Horse River allows for a variety of rafting experiences suitable for all ages. Choose the family friendly scenic float in the Upper Canyon to thrilling class 4 rapids in the Lower Canyon, while the middle canyon is a combination of class 3 and 4 rapids and is an exciting ride from start to finish.
More Details
18
2750 Beaverfoot Rd
Golden, British Columbia
V0A 1H0
Websitehttp://www.wildwater.com
Toll-free888-647-6444
Phone403-522-2211
Don't miss the fun this summer! Whether you are a couple, a family, a group or on your own, Wild Water Adventures has been putting smiles on faces & creating lasting memories for over 21 years, rafting on the famous Kicking Horse River. Not far from Banff or Lake Louise, Alberta & Golden, BC, Wild Water offers a variety of trips. Our Rafting Reservationists help you select the right trip & will make your planning easy. Half-day to full day trips are available, or combine 2 to make it a weekend 'river escape'. 'Splash' into our website for trips & special offers.
More Details
Other businesses with River Rafting
19
Bella Coola Mountain Lodge
Bella Coola, British Columbia
V0T 1C0
Websitehttp://www.bcmountainlodge.com
Toll-free866-982-2298
Phone250-982-2298
Join our tours with professional biologists to float tranquil rivers in search of wild grizzly & black bears. We may also see eagles, salmon, & other wildlife roaming & feeding in coastal streams & inlets from our expedition rafts & boats or on our ecological walking tours searching for grizzly bears. For something different & exciting, try our eco-rafting or salmon snorkel tours. Kynoch Adventures & Bella Coola Mountain Lodge provide premier sustainable wildlife & wilderness tours throughout Bella Coola Valley & can arrange full itineraries including accommodation, meals, transfers & tours. From our beautiful lodge, to the majestic scenery & wildlife, BC's central-coast will be the highlight of your holiday.
More Details
20
3843 Squilax Anglemont Rd
Scotch Creek, British Columbia
V0E 1M5
Websitehttp://www.uniqueadventure.net
Toll-free877-519-3634
Phone250-955-0073
We are BC's premier Segway tour company. Enjoy nature in a whole new way on a Segway. Segways have zero emissions & are silent. You'll feel like you're riding a magic carpet or your own space machine. We offer specialty cataraft whitewater tours, including tandem learn to row, paddle hike Copper Island & exclusive heli - Segway PT tour. Experience our lively "Coyote Bluffs" Tour or the fabulous conservation area of Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park. Corporate tours are available, indoors or out, your site or ours. Small groups, big fun.
Countless apprehensive souls have discovered how quickly they become "One With the Segway".
More Details