Kootenay River Whitewater Rafting: Class II-III Rapids Half Day

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.92 (140 reviews) 96% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/9

Duration5h

GroupUp to 20

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Five hours of rapids, calmer sections, and mountain views on the Kootenay River

A half-day whitewater rafting trip on the Kootenay River near Radium Hot Springs takes you through class II-III rapids and scenic stretches of the Canadian Rockies. You meet at the base, drive through Kootenay National Park to the river, paddle with a certified guide, and return with a riverside snack included. Children from age 5 are welcome, and all gear—helmet, life jacket, splash jacket, river shoes—is provided.

The Experience

Five hours covers the whole day from meeting point to return. You start in Radium Hot Springs, then drive through Kootenay National Park to reach the river—wildlife spotting often begins before you even paddle. The route mixes class II-III rapids with calmer sections, so you get both the rush and the chance to take in the aqua water and mountain skyline without fighting constant whitewater. Guides are trained in swift water rescue and wilderness first aid, and they know the river well enough to read the conditions and adjust the pace.

At the river, you get neoprene river booties, helmet, life jacket, and splash gear if needed; small children typically also receive wetsuits. You paddle the Kootenay with your guide, hit the rapids, drift through the quieter stretches, and stop for a riverside snack—coffee, hot chocolate, cinnamon buns, cheese and crackers. The gear is updated regularly for both safety and comfort, and the whole setup is built for families and first-time rafters as much as for anyone wanting water time without extreme whitewater.

After the paddle, the drive back to Radium Hot Springs gives you time to decompress. Free photos from the day are posted to the operator's Facebook page daily, so you can grab them later. The base has a small shop for souvenirs if you want to take something home beyond the memory.

What’s included

Neoprene river booties, helmet, life jacket, splash jacket and pants as needed, paddle, and a riverside snack with coffee, hot chocolate, cinnamon buns, cheese and crackers.
transportation from Radium Hot Springs through Kootenay National Park to the river and back.
a certified guide trained in swift water rescue and wilderness first aid.
free photos from the day posted to the operator's Facebook page.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kootenay River Runners

Is this one for you?The five-hour commitment leaves room for other activities earlier or later in your day, making it easy to combine with a morning hike or an afternoon in Radium Hot Springs. If you want a full-day immersion or have young children under 5, look at other options instead.