River Rafting

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