The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region has a wealth of rushing rivers fuelled by melting snows and regular rainfall – perfect for whitewater rafting. There are few places in the world where so many commercially-rafted rivers are within such easy reach of a major city.
Motor-powered, paddle-powered, and oar-powered rafting excursions are all available. Drive barely an hour north or east of downtown Vancouver for some prime rafting areas. North of the city on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway are the rafting meccas of Squamish and Whistler, and to the east is the Chilliwack River, whose famous Tamihi Rapids are regularly paddled by Canada's whitewater kayaking team.
In winter, head to Brackendale (just north of Squamish) and take a float trip to see record numbers of bald eagles lured by the local rivers' spawning salmon.
Lytton, known as the "Rafting Capital of Canada," is located less than four hours' drive northeast of Vancouver, and is home to some of BC's largest rafting rivers.
Getting There
All rafting destinations in the region are accessible by car. Greyhound buses service most cities and towns in the region, including the rafting hot-spots of Squamish, Whistler, Chilliwack, Lytton, and the Fraser Canyon area. Whether travelling by car or bus, always check with operating companies for specific directions.
Types of Raft Trips
Three types of raft trips are offered by licensed operators in the area: paddle, oar and motorized rafting. Paddle rafts are truly participatory, with paddling required while the guide steers and calls commands. Oar rafts are similar to paddle rafts, except that a large frame and oars are used to propel the raft. Motorized rafts are used on the larger, deeper rivers such as the Thompson and Fraser. Simply sit and hold on as the raft zips through the rapids.
Practical Points and Rafting Safety:
- Whitewater rafting poses inherent risks, but with proper guidance, preparation and common sense, these risks are greatly diminished.
- Whitewater rapids are rated on a scale of I to VI. The rapids received ratings based on a combination of difficulty and danger, where class I rapids are the least difficult and class VI rapids are the most difficult.
- Rafting in BC is strictly regulated by the provincial government. Always arrange trips with a licensed river rafting company.
- Generally, kids age 10 and older can participate in most rafting trips, though more difficult runs may have a minimum age of 15 or 16. Some motorized and float trips are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Age and fitness restrictions will vary; always check with the company in advance.
- All gear is typically provided by the operating company, but check before you go to find out what to wear and bring.
- Always book your rafting trip in advance.
Rafting Area Highlights
Squamish
Squamish offers plenty of rafting opportunities. Choose from calm float trips or wild paddle rafting trips. A day trip on the rapids of the Elaho and Squamish rivers rushes past glaciers and waterfalls. For a slightly softer adventure, half- and full-day float and photography excursions down the Lower Cheakamus and Squamish Rivers are ideal for the entire family. To spot bald eagles, plan a trip during the late fall and early winter when one of the world's largest eagle gatherings soars overhead.
The Lower Cheakamus and Squamish Rivers are rated Class I – II (see BC River Rafting for more info on Classes); Elaho and Squamish Rivers are Class III - IV. The best time is May to September for river rafting, and mid-November to February for eagle viewing. Squamish is a one-hour drive north from downtown Vancouver via Highway 99.
Whistler
When the snow melts in the Whistler area, the glacier-fed waters come to life. Most of the Whistler rafting companies offer excursions on the Birkenhead, Green, Squamish, Elaho and Cheakamus Rivers (see Squamish above for additional information).
A trip down the Green River is an excellent introduction to paddle rafting. For more experienced rafters, continuous whitewater opportunities exist on the Birkenhead, which rushes past old-growth forests and the ice-capped mountaintops of Pemberton.
Birkenhead River is Class III; Green River is Class II. The best time is May to September. Whistler is a two-hour drive north from downtown Vancouver via Highway 99.
Chilliwack River
Chilliwack offers rafters two impressive trips, each located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The Classic is ideal for beginners and takes rafters bouncing along over big, non-intimidating waves. The Chilliwack River Canyon offers more adventurous thrill seekers an action-packed adventure.
The Classic is Class II - IV; the Chilliwack River Canyon is Class III - IV. The best time is June to August. Chilliwack is a two-hour drive east from Vancouver via Highway 1.
Fraser River and Nahatlatch River
Several tour operators are located along the Fraser Canyon (just north of the town of Hope). Raft the mighty Fraser River and its tributary, the Nahatlatch River.
The legendary, high-volume Fraser River provides rafting thrills. Motor-powered rafts take visitors along rushing river, through Hell's Gate – the infamous narrow gorge – past sandy beaches and incredible wildlife. Also see remnants of the historic Cariboo Wagon Road, a major gold rush route.
A trip on the jade-green Nahatlatch drops down 16m/85ft – ideal for adrenaline seekers who want extreme rapids. With steep walls and non-stop action, this is not a trip recommended for the faint of heart.
The Fraser River is Class III; the Nahatlatch River is Class IV. The best time to raft is: April to May, July to October for the Fraser; May to August for the Nahatlatch.
Lytton
Lytton is located at the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, and has some great whitewater rapids in a hot desert environment.
Both paddle- and motor-powered rafting opportunities exist here. And if a half-day trip doesn't seem enough, consider a two-day journey on the Thompson and the Fraser. The incredible scenery includes steep canyons, sandstone hoodoo formations, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep. Remnants of the historic Cariboo Waggon Road are sometimes visible.
Legendary Class III-IV rapids such as the Frog, Devil's Kitchen, Cutting Board snd Jaws are interspersed with miles of calm water. The Thompson River II - IV is Class; the Fraser River is Class III. The best time is: May to October for the Thompson; mid-July to September for the Thompson and Fraser. Lytton is a 90-minute drive north from Hope via Highway 1.
Stein River
The Stein River is the steepest commercially-rafted river in Canada, with a drop of 27m per km/145ft per mi, and is also one of the only commercially-rafted Class V rivers in BC. On a guided trip, rafters will encounter at least 30 consecutive, non-stop Class IV and V rapids.
One of the last pristine watersheds in southwestern BC, the Stein Valley is the spiritual home of the Nlaka'pamux First Nation, and ancient pictographs can be seen on the hike to the put-in spot.
Only one company, REO Rafting, is licensed to run trips on the Stein River, and these are limited to three per year, all in the summer. Trips are two-days/one-night, and attract rafters from around the world. Book well in advance.
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