Kicking Horse River Whitewater Rafting: Half-Day & Full-Day Trips

Kicking Horse rapids rafting with gear and pro guide steering through waves and turbulence

Wild Water Adventures runs whitewater rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River near Golden, BC, with on-river time ranging from 1½ to 2½ hours depending on which trip you choose. You pick between the Gentle introduction for families and mild adventure, the Whitewater Exciter for bigger waves, or the Tradition for a full-length experience with gourmet BBQ lunch back at base. All wetsuits, life jackets, helmets and spray jackets are provided, cleaned and dried after every use; a safety briefing happens before you launch, and the company has run this river for 35 seasons.

The Experience

Start at the River Base on Beaverfoot Road in Golden, where you change into provided top-of-the-line gear—wetsuits, neoprene booties, gloves, spray jacket, life jacket and helmet—then get shuttled to the river. After a thorough safety briefing, you're in the raft with a professional guide who steers through the Kicking Horse's famous waves and rapids. The river offers "mild to wild" options: the Gentle trip is a perfect introduction for families and anyone new to whitewater, while the Whitewater Exciter brings bigger and wilder waves. The Tradition maximizes time on the water and combines both experiences into one full-length outing.

On-river time ranges from 1½ to 2½ hours depending on which trip you book. The Tradition option includes a gourmet BBQ lunch back at base—your choice of salmon filet, marinated chicken or plant-based burger, with fresh salads, fresh-baked bread, cookies, seasonal fruit, and hot and cold beverages. All trips end with post-trip hot and cold beverages served at the River Base. Safety is the company's stated priority, and guides are fluent in English, Spanish and French.

What’s included

• All trips include top-of-the-line wetsuits, neoprene booties, gloves, spray jacket, life jacket and helmet.
• a professional guide fluent in English, Spanish or French.
• a thorough safety briefing before launch.
• shuttle service to and from the river.
• and post-trip hot and cold beverages back at base. The Tradition trip adds a gourmet BBQ lunch with your choice of salmon filet, marinated chicken or plant-based burger, fresh salads, fresh-baked bread, cookies and seasonal fruit.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Wild Water Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the Gentle trip if you're new to whitewater or rafting with younger kids—it's a true introduction without overwhelming waves. The Whitewater Exciter suits anyone who wants bigger rapids and more intensity in a half-day outing. Choose the Tradition if you want to maximize time on the river and prefer a full-length experience with lunch included, turning the afternoon into a complete mountain adventure.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the Gentle, Whitewater Exciter and Tradition trips on the Kicking Horse?

The Gentle trip is a mild introduction to whitewater rafting, ideal for families and beginners. The Whitewater Exciter features bigger and wilder waves for those seeking more challenge. The Tradition is the full-length experience combining both, with on-river time up to 2½ hours and a gourmet BBQ lunch included back at base.

What age and weight do kids need to be to raft the Kicking Horse?

Children must be at least 8 years old and weigh a minimum of 50 pounds for the Gentle trip. The Whitewater Exciter and Tradition trips require a minimum age of 12 years and a weight of at least 90 pounds.

Is all the gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?

All top-of-the-line gear is provided and included: wetsuits, neoprene booties, gloves, spray jacket, life jacket and helmet. Everything is cleaned and dried after every use. You do not need to bring your own rafting gear.

How long does the whole experience take, including the safety briefing and gear change?

The total experience is 4 hours. On-river time ranges from 1½ to 2½ hours depending on which trip you choose, with the rest of the time spent changing into gear, receiving a safety briefing, and shuttling to and from the river.

What happens after the rafting is done?

You return to the River Base, where heated indoor change rooms are available. All trips include post-trip hot and cold beverages. If you booked the Tradition trip, a gourmet BBQ lunch is served at base with your choice of salmon, chicken or plant-based burger, plus salads, bread, cookies and seasonal fruit.

Does Wild Water Adventures operate year-round?

The company runs the Kicking Horse River during its operating season. For specific dates and availability, contact Wild Water Adventures directly at the River Base in Golden, BC.