Cheakamus River Rafting from Whistler: Family-Friendly Rapids

You paddle the Cheakamus River yourself, splashing through its rapids with a guide leading the way.

Family-friendly rafting on the Cheakamus River in Squamish takes 3.5 hours total, including transport from Whistler, a professional guide, all equipment, and a 1–1.5 hour paddle through scenic rapids. Children from age 5 are welcome. Three departure times run daily from Whistler hotels and the hostel. Contact the operator to confirm your pickup time and location.

The experience

The Cheakamus River sits midway between Vancouver and Whistler, and the trip starts with a pickup from one of five Whistler locations (Fairmont Chateau, Four Seasons, Gateway Taxi Loop, Legends Creekside, or HI Hostel) at 7:45am, 9:45am, or 1:55pm depending on which departure you choose. The 9:15am, 11:15am, and 3:00pm river trips themselves run 1–1.5 hours, with the full outing taking 3.5 hours from start to finish. A professional guide leads the paddle, and you'll move through splashy rapids set against British Columbia scenery.

All equipment comes with you (paddle, helmet, life jacket, and the raft itself), so there's nothing to rent separately or arrange. Drinks and snacks are included. Before you launch, everyone signs a liability waiver on site. If you're under 19, a parent or guardian must sign, and the operator can email you a PDF to pre-sign at home if nobody can be there in person. Children as young as 5 can join, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

The trip is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome. Pregnant travelers should skip this one. Once you're back from the river, transport returns you to your Whistler pickup point. Photos taken during the trip are available for purchase afterward if you want to keep them.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the paddle.
• all rafting equipment (paddle, helmet, life jacket, raft).
• transport to and from your Whistler pickup point.
• drinks and snacks during the trip.
• all taxes and fees.

Options for this experience

2 options

Squamish DepartureAvailable from 24 Apr 2027

Whistler DepartureAvailable from 24 Apr 2027Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 24 Apr 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40 · max 8 per booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Canadian Outback Rafting Company Ltd.

Is this one for you?Book the Whistler departure if you're staying in or near Whistler and want the pickup handled: three daily times let you fit the river around the rest of your day. Choose the Squamish departure if you're based there and want to skip the drive from Whistler.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

Can I book a rafting trip if I'm staying in Squamish instead of Whistler?

Yes, the operator offers a Squamish departure option as well as the Whistler pickup. Contact the operator through the booking platform to confirm your departure time and location if you're starting from Squamish.

What's the Cheakamus River like, how rough are the rapids?

The Cheakamus River has splashy rapids suited to families and all fitness levels, making it accessible whether you've paddled before or never have. The 1–1.5 hour run is scenic, not extreme.

Do I need to bring anything, or is all the gear provided?

All rafting equipment is included: paddle, helmet, life jacket and raft. Bring a change of clothes and a towel, since you will get wet. Drinks and snacks are provided on the trip.

What time should I be ready for pickup if I choose the morning departure?

Pickup times from Whistler hotels and the hostel range from 7:45am to 8:10am for the 9:15am river trip, and 9:45am to 10:10am for the 11:15am trip. Contact the operator through the booking platform to confirm the exact pickup time for your location.