Family Whitewater Rafting Clearwater River: Class 1–3 Rapids

Three and a half hours on the Clearwater River, from putting in to pulling out

A 3.5-hour whitewater rafting trip on the Clearwater River through Wells Gray Park, suitable for families with young children and anyone seeking class 1 to 3 rapids. A professional guide leads the group, provides all equipment and safety instruction, and operates two departures daily so you can combine rafting with other park activities. Water levels permitting, you can add a hike to Candle Creek Falls or cliff jumping after the main run.

Step-by-step itinerary

Family friendly whitewater rafting trip

• Raft down Clearwater River

The experience

The trip starts with a safety briefing and gear check. You'll wear a provided wet suit over your swimsuit or shorts, lace-up water shoes (borrow ours if you need them), and a helmet. The guide walks through what to expect on the water, how to hold the paddle, and what to do if you end up in the river. Arrive 30 minutes before departure so there's time to get fitted and ask questions without rushing.

Once on the Clearwater River, you're paddling through the volcanic canyons of Wells Gray Park. The rapids run class 1 to 3, which means they're manageable for families and first-timers but still moving water. You're actively paddling, not floating. The guide reads the current, positions the raft and calls out when to dig in or brace. The canyon walls and the river itself are what you're looking at from the raft. The run takes the full 3.5 hours, so there's no rushed feeling.

Two daily departures mean you can time the trip around the rest of your day: morning or afternoon, leaving room to hike elsewhere in the park or explore on your own schedule. If water levels allow, the guide may offer a stop to hike to Candle Creek Falls or jump from a safe spot into a deep pool, though these are not guaranteed and depend on conditions that day.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the raft and calling paddle strokes.
• detailed safety briefing before you launch.
• all necessary equipment including wet suit, helmet, life jacket and paddle.
• on-river training so you know what to expect.
• two daily departure times to fit your schedule.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 Jun 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (17 to 90 years) · Youth (10 to 16 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Liquid Lifestyles Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the group through the rapids with clear instruction, so families with children and first-time paddlers can follow along comfortably. If you have cardiovascular concerns, spinal injuries, or are pregnant, this trip is not suitable. Moderate physical fitness and the ability to paddle actively for 3.5 hours are required.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

33 verified traveler reviews

5 ★32

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 16 years); Child (5 to 9 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can my five-year-old come on this rafting trip?

Children from age 5 are welcome on the Clearwater River trip, provided they're accompanied by an adult. They'll wear the same safety gear as everyone else and paddle alongside you in the raft.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my trip?

The trip operates in all weather conditions, so rain or cold won't cancel it. Dress warmly under your wet suit and bring a towel for after. The water and air temperature are the main things to prepare for, not the forecast.

What are the class 1 to 3 rapids like on the Clearwater River?

Class 1 to 3 rapids range from gentle, rolling water to moderate waves and small drops. You'll be paddling actively and the raft will move with the current, but there's no whitewater that requires advanced skills: the guide manages the line and calls the paddle strokes.

Do I need to bring my own water shoes, or can I borrow them?

Lace-up or secure water shoes are essential for the trip. If you don't have your own, you can borrow a pair from the outfitter at no extra cost. Just let them know when you arrive.

Is there time to do other activities in Wells Gray Park on the same day?

Yes, with two daily departures, you can fit the 3.5-hour rafting trip into a morning or afternoon and leave time to explore the park separately. Many travelers combine the raft with a waterfall hike or scenic drive on the same day.

What do I need to wear under the wet suit?

Wear a swimsuit or shorts underneath the provided wet suit. The wet suit keeps you warm in the water, and the layer underneath dries faster than the suit itself when you're done.