Squamish: Elaho River Whitewater Rafting & Gear Included

Summary

British Columbia rafting adventure with wild rapids and forest views

You’ll paddle wild Class 3-4 rapids on the Elaho River near Squamish with expert guides leading the way. Feel icy spray, catch glimpses of wildlife along ancient forests, and warm up after with snacks and stories by the river. It’s loud, messy fun — you might find yourself laughing at how soaked you get.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d be laughing so hard while freezing river water smacked me in the face, but that’s pretty much how it started on the Elaho Exhilarator rafting trip near Squamish. Our guide, Jamie (who somehow managed to look dry the whole time), handed out wetsuits and cracked a joke about “Canadian summer” as we squeezed into our gear. The air smelled like pine needles and wet rock, kind of sharp and clean — I kept breathing it in just to remember what real air feels like.

The first few rapids were like being tossed around in a washing machine, but in a good way? I’m not sure how else to describe it. Jamie shouted instructions over the roar — “Left forward! Right back!” — and we all tried to paddle in sync while secretly hoping not to fall out. There was this one stretch called Devil’s Elbow (apparently famous from some adventure race on TV) where my heart went up into my throat for a second. After that, though, everything felt lighter. We floated past old forests that looked older than anything I’ve seen, waterfalls dropping straight into mist, even a deer at the edge of the trees watching us go by. Someone spotted what might’ve been a bear but honestly I was too busy trying not to lose my paddle.

At one point Jamie let us jump in for a swim through some smaller rapids — cold enough to make you yelp but weirdly fun once you got used to it. Granola bars never tasted so good as when you’re wrapped in a damp jacket with numb fingers clutching hot chocolate. The whole thing took about four hours but time got strange; parts rushed by, others stretched out quietly as we drifted between rapids with just the sound of water and someone telling a story about local beavers (I still don’t know if he was joking).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wet and Wild Elaho Exhilarator Rafting

• Meet professional river guides
• Learn rafting skills
• Navigate Class 3-4 rapids
• Pass through Devil’s Elbow rapids
• Swim through small rapids
• Enjoy laughs with crewmates
• Raft 10 miles of wilderness
• View old growth forests and glaciers
• Spot local wildlife by river

Top questions

Is transportation included for the Elaho Exhilarator rafting trip?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and included with your booking.

What age do you have to be for this Squamish rafting tour?

The minimum age is 13 years old for this whitewater rafting experience.

Are wetsuits and safety gear provided on this day trip?

All required safety gear is provided: wetsuit, jacket, booties, helmet, and life jacket.

How long is the Elaho Exhilarator rafting route?

The river journey covers approximately 10 miles along the Elaho and Squamish Rivers.

Is food or drink included during the tour?

You’ll get a granola bar plus iced tea or hot chocolate after your rafting adventure.

Can pregnant travelers join this whitewater rafting trip?

No, this activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

Are service animals allowed on this rafting tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this activity according to accessibility info.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary rafting equipment—wetsuit, helmet, life jacket—plus transportation options that are wheelchair accessible. You’ll also get a granola bar and your choice of iced tea or hot chocolate after braving the rapids together before heading back still dripping but grinning.