Kicking Horse River Family Rafting: Class I-II Rapids for Kids

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Free cancellationLikely to sell out

1/16

Duration2h 30m

GroupUp to 35

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Gentle rapids, wildlife spotting, and raft-to-raft water fights on the Kicking Horse

The Family Rafting Adventure is a 2.5-hour whitewater trip on the Kicking Horse River, located about 1.25 hours west of Banff, designed for families with children 8 to 11 years old. You paddle Class I and II rapids at a leisurely pace with a certified guide, float through scenic canyon stretches, and get the chance to splash rival rafts. All river-rafting equipment—wetsuit, fleece, spray jacket, life jacket, neoprene booties and helmet—is included, along with guide commentary on the scenery and wildlife.

2h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Family rafting on Kicking Horse River

Travel to Kicking Horse River base
Receive safety briefing and instructions
Begin gentle rafting on upper canyon
Paddle Class I and II rapids
Enjoy river scenery and wildlife
Experience Class 1-3 whitewater splashes
Participate in rival raft water fight
Return to base and change clothes
View group rafting photos and souvenirs

The Experience

The Kicking Horse River is one of Canada's premier rafting destinations, and this trip takes the upper canyon section—the gentler stretch designed for younger paddlers. You start from the private river base, where the guides outfit your group and brief you on what to expect. The day opens with a serene float down the river, giving kids time to settle in, spot wildlife along the banks, and take in the canyon scenery before the action picks up.

Once you reach the whitewater, the rapids come in Class I and II waves—splashy enough to feel like real rafting but controlled enough for eight-year-olds to handle. Your guide steers the raft through each section and keeps the pace steady so nobody gets overwhelmed. Between the technical paddling, there's room for the playful part: rival rafts can challenge each other to water fights, which is where the trip shifts from "adventure" to "memory." Kids who've been nervous about rapids often relax once they realize the water is part of the fun, not the threat.

When you pull back to the lodge, you're in dry clothes and the guides have photos of your group on the water—available for purchase if you want to take them home. Lunch can be bought on-site if anyone's hungry after the paddle. The whole experience runs 2.5 hours from start to finish, which is long enough to feel like a real expedition but short enough that younger kids don't fatigue or lose focus.

What’s included

Certified guide leading the raft.
all river-rafting equipment (wetsuit, fleece, spray jacket, life jacket, neoprene booties, helmet).
local taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Hydra River Guides

Is this one for you?This trip is built for families with children 8 to 11 years old who want their first real whitewater experience without the intensity of harder rapids—the Class I and II sections keep the paddling manageable while the water fights and wildlife spotting hold kids' attention the whole way through.