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

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.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 29 May 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (15 to 85 years) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with 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.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What are the rapids like on the Kootenay River half-day trip?

The Kootenay River half-day trip runs class II-III rapids mixed with calmer sections, so you paddle through whitewater without it being relentless. The mix gives you both excitement and time to enjoy the scenery of the Canadian Rockies.

What's included in the half-day Kootenay River rafting trip?

The trip includes all gear (helmet, life jacket, splash jacket, river shoes, and paddle) plus a riverside snack with coffee, hot chocolate, cinnamon buns, cheese and crackers. Your guide drives you from Radium Hot Springs through Kootenay National Park to the river and back, and free photos from the day are shared online.

How long does the Kootenay River half-day rafting trip take?

The half-day trip is five hours total, including the drive to the river, the paddle, the riverside snack, and the return to Radium Hot Springs.

Do I need rafting experience to go on the Kootenay River trip?

No experience is needed. The Kootenay River half-day trip is designed for families and those new to whitewater rafting, with class II-III rapids that are exciting but manageable for all fitness levels.

What should I not bring on the Kootenay River rafting trip?

Leave jewelry, valuables, and cameras at home unless your camera is waterproof. The river is remote and gear goes in the water, so bringing items you can't afford to lose or damage is not practical.