Family Whitewater Rafting Clearwater River: Class 1–3 Rapids

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (33 reviews) 97% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/7

Duration3h 30m

GroupUp to 16

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

3h 30m

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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.