Three Must-Experience Rafting Adventures in the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon

A thrilling new adventure or a deeper immersion into nature can revive our souls and make us feel more alive. In British Columbia, there is no shortage of ways to get that feeling and one of those ways is whitewater rafting. BC’s whitewater mecca is known to be in the Canadian Rockies, but there are some lesser known areas close to Vancouver that offer equally as incredible scenery, rapids, and experiences. Check out these whitewater destinations in the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon for rafters and thrill seekers hoping to experience the power of BC’s rivers.

1. REO Rafting Resort

REO Rafting Resort offers experiences along the Nahatlatch, Fraser, Coquahalla, Thompson, and Stein rivers depending on the package you choose. The most popular experience is through the Fraser Canyon along the Nahatlatch River. On this trip, rafters can float down 24 sets of rapids, which is the most continuous whitewater anywhere in Canada. The guarantee on these trips is small rafts of no more than 6-8 people, one guide, and incredible scenery. The Fraser Canyon’s stunning surroundings gives rafters a chance to travel through deep canyons of desert landscape, hoodoo formations, and riverside beach pullouts.

The experiences all start and end at REO’s riverside resort, offering access to all the resort amenities before and after a day on the water. If you’re looking for more adventures, give your target practice a go on the archery range or take to water and go cliff jumping. For a truly unique experience? Book a rafting trip and glamping adventure including a stay in a glamping tent complete with a riverfront patio, a full day rafting trip, three meals, optional additional yoga or guided hiking, and access to the resort’s hot tub, relaxation gardens, private beach, and more.

2. Kumsheen Rafting Resort

The base location for Kumsheen Rafting Resort is located just east of Lytton with options for trips along the Thompson, Fraser, and Nicola rivers. For a trip down the Thompson River, rafters can book a full day experience to navigate 40 sets of rapids along a stunning desert-like scenery. Guests will be served a riverside lunch before navigating remaining rapids all the way to the take out. For a thrilling half day trip, book the Devil’s Gorge Experience or the most exciting trip down the Thompson, navigating a famous stretch of 18 exhilarating rapids. There are additional full day trip options along the Fraser River on the Hell’s Gate Tour. This trip is rich in history, following some of the old Cariboo Wagon Road that is still visible from the cliffs. This old road used to be the main transportation way for camels, mules, oxen, and horses to reach the interior of BC from the Coast.

And why not stay awhile? Book the Desert Getaway Package and raft 40 sets of rapids through the Black Canyon before tucking in for the night at the resort with a stay in glamping teepees or canvas cabins, or at the RV and tent sites. To stay a little longer, book the Big Water Excursion for a two-day experience to raft two of the largest commercially rafted rivers in the world, the Thompson and the Fraser. All rafting and resort guests have access to the pool, spa, hot tub, coffee bar, lawn games, basketball and beach volleyball courts, frisbee golf, hiking trails, and more. Stays include breakfast at the Cutting Board Restaurant, an all you can eat lunch, and a family-style dinner complete with a rotating menu.

3. Chilliwack River Rafting

Chilliwack Rafting Resort sits on the banks of the Chilliwack River and was BC’s first rafting resort established in 1983. Rafters can book the Chilliwack Classic to glide along a 14-km (8.6-mi) stretch of the river complete with a mid-river break and a hike to Butterfly Falls. For those looking for something more challenging, the Classic Extreme is for experienced swimmers and energetic paddlers. This trip offers a chance to ride the high water Tamihi Rapids at peak flows with a continuous 3-km (1.8-mi) stretch of big whitewater. With rapids named Gunbarrel, Godzilla, and Double Whammy, it’s no wonder high energy crowds seek out this trip to ride this series of Class 3 and 4 rapids. Full day trips here include a buffet lunch and riverside snack, along with day use of the Chilliwack River Rafting resort amenities including a beach volleyball court, showers, and outdoor shelters. You can even bring your own gear and camp overnight on site, complete with a cookhouse dinner under the stars.

Once you’re hooked on rafting and have explored all the options close to Vancouver, take a road trip east along Rainforest to Rockies route and explore even more whitewater experiences in the Canadian Rockies and beyond.