Kicking Horse River: Whitewater Rafting & BBQ Lunch Tour

Summary

Raft wild waves on Kicking Horse River with expert guides and a riverside meal

You’ll ride wild rapids on Kicking Horse River with seasoned guides who make even nervous paddlers laugh. Feel icy spray on your face, share stories over a riverside BBQ lunch, and end up grinning under pine trees with hot tea in hand. This day trip leaves you tired but happy—and maybe just a little hooked on whitewater.

What’s the experience like?

We tumbled out of the shuttle at the Wild Water Adventures base near Golden, BC, still half-awake but already feeling that nervous-excited energy. The river sounded close—sort of a low roar you could feel in your chest. Our guide, Sam, handed out wetsuits and I swear the neoprene smell took me back to childhood swimming lessons (in a good way). Everyone was joking about whose helmet looked goofiest. You get used to it fast.

After a safety talk—Sam’s been doing this for years, you can tell—we climbed into the raft. The Kicking Horse River looked colder than I expected, kind of blue-grey with this weird shimmer under the clouds. First few minutes were easy; gentle water, everyone paddling in sync (or trying to). Then we hit the real whitewater. It’s loud and splashy and there’s this second where you’re not sure if you’ll stay in the boat or not—kind of wild but safe at the same time because Sam kept shouting instructions over the noise (“Forward! Harder!”). I got a faceful of river at one point and honestly, it tasted like snowmelt.

Somewhere between rapids we drifted past pine trees and these rocky cliffs that looked almost fake. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for birds—felt like time paused for a second. Afterward, back at base, they had hot drinks waiting (tea never tasted so good) and a BBQ lunch with salmon that was way better than I expected for “adventure food.” Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in French—probably butchered it.

I didn’t expect to feel so awake after two hours on the river. My arms were tired but in that satisfying way, like I’d actually done something real. Still think about how cold that first splash was—and how much I want to do it again someday.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whitewater rafting on Kicking Horse River

• Arrive at River Base
• Change into provided gear
• Receive safety briefing
• Shuttle to river
• Raft on Kicking Horse River
• Return to base
• Enjoy post-trip beverages

Top questions

How long does the Kicking Horse River rafting trip last?

The rafting experience ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours on the river depending on which trip you choose.

Is lunch included on the Wild Water Adventures tour?

Yes, a gourmet BBQ lunch is included with options like salmon filet, marinated chicken or plant-based burgers along with salads and fresh-baked bread.

What age or weight do you need for Kicking Horse rafting?

The Gentle trip requires minimum age 8 years and 50 pounds; Whitewater Exciter/Tradition trips require minimum age 12 years and 90 pounds.

Are wetsuits and helmets provided for rafting?

Yes, all guests are provided with top-of-the-line wetsuits, neoprene booties & gloves, spray jackets, life jackets and helmets.

Where does the tour start from?

The tour starts at Wild Water Adventures’ River Base at 2750 Beaverfoot Rd near Golden BC.

Is transportation to the river included?

A shuttle from base to river entry is included as part of your day trip experience.

Is this rafting suitable for families?

The Gentle trip is designed for families or those new to whitewater rafting; more adventurous options are available too.

Are there changing rooms at the base?

Yes, heated indoor change rooms are available at Wild Water Adventures’ River Base before and after your trip.

What’s included

Your day includes all top-quality rafting gear—wetsuit, helmet, gloves—and shuttle transport from Wild Water’s River Base near Golden to the Kicking Horse River launch point. After your time riding rapids with an expert local guide, enjoy hot drinks and a gourmet BBQ lunch (with choices like salmon or plant-based burgers), plus access to heated indoor change rooms back at base before heading home tired but happy.