Revelstoke: Illecillewaet River Whitewater Rafting Tour

Summary

Whitewater splashes, mountain air & riverside laughs in Revelstoke

You’ll feel the icy splash of Illecillewaet River rapids near Revelstoke, laugh with your guide as you suit up in “experienced” river shoes, paddle past rainforest scenery under snow-capped peaks, then share snacks and stories after your run. That mix of adrenaline and mountain air sticks with you long after you towel off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of cold water against my ankles when I stepped into the raft — sharper than coffee, honestly. We’d met at the Regent Hotel in downtown Revelstoke, where our guide Jamie had already cracked a joke about “experienced” river shoes (I picked a pair that looked like they’d survived a few epic wipeouts). The gear room smelled faintly like neoprene and laundry soap, which was oddly comforting. Everyone shuffled around in wetsuits, half-laughing at how ridiculous we looked.

The drive out to the Illecillewaet River took us past thick forests and these jagged peaks that just kept getting taller. Jamie talked us through safety stuff — he made it sound serious but not scary. When we got to the riverbank below Albert Canyon, helmets went on and someone snapped a group photo where I managed to blink at exactly the wrong moment. You could hear the river before you saw it: this low roar that made my stomach flutter a bit. I didn’t expect to feel nervous but there it was.

Paddling through Class II and III rapids was wild — not terrifying, just… loud and splashy and sort of addictive. At one point, water smacked me right in the face and I tasted glacier melt (or maybe just river grit). Jamie shouted encouragement over the noise while pointing out some bird whose name I’ve already forgotten. There were stretches where we floated quietly and you could see mist hanging over mossy trees — apparently this is Canada’s only inland rainforest? Feels different from anywhere else I’ve been.

After about two hours on the river (could’ve been more or less — time gets weird out there), we clambered back onto land with shaky arms and big grins. Pastries and fruit never tasted so good. Someone joked about trading their city job for life as a rafting guide; nobody disagreed. Back at the hotel, there was talk of hot tubs and slideshow photos — I skipped both for a pint at River City Pub next door, still feeling that river buzz in my bones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whitewater rafting adventure in Revelstoke

• Meet in Regent Hotel lobby
• Fill out waivers and ask questions
• Get suited with river gear
• Take rafting bus to river access
• Receive safety briefing and helmets
• Raft 25 km on Illecillewaet River
• Enjoy wildlife and mountain views
• Snack while loading gear on bus
• Return to Regent Hotel by bus
• Change or soak in hotel hot tub
• Watch slideshow and buy souvenirs
• Relax with discounted meal at pub

Top questions

How long does the whitewater rafting tour last?

The full round trip is about 4 hours, including 2–2.5 hours on the river itself.

Where does the rafting trip start in Revelstoke?

You meet at the Regent Hotel lobby in downtown Revelstoke for check-in and pickup.

Is all rafting equipment provided?

Yes, wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, splash tops, and even footwear are included.

Do I need previous rafting experience?

No experience is required; guides provide safety briefings and instruction before starting.

What class are the rapids on this trip?

The tour covers Class II and III whitewater rapids along up to 25 km of river.

Are snacks or meals included?

A light snack of pastries and fruit is served after rafting before returning to town.

Is transportation included from Revelstoke?

Round-trip transport between Regent Hotel and the river access point is included.

Can non-swimmers join this whitewater rafting tour?

You don’t need to know how to swim; safety gear is provided for everyone.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at downtown Revelstoke’s Regent Hotel for pickup by your local guide, all necessary rafting equipment like wetsuits and helmets (even shoes if you need them), round-trip transport out to the Illecillewaet River below Albert Canyon, professional guidance throughout your whitewater adventure, group photos taken during your run, plus pastries and fruit as a snack before heading back into town.