Thompson River Rafting in Lytton: 36 km Motorized Raft

Control the speed and stop when you want on a motorized raft built for the current.

Thompson River rafting near Lytton, BC puts you on a motorized raft for 3.5 hours covering 36 km of the river's fastest section, with a professional guide, riverside snack and all gear supplied. The motorized boat means you steer and pace the run instead of paddling, so the effort stays manageable and the distance stays long. Children from age 8 are welcome; all passengers sign a waiver at the base before departure.

The Experience

What's the difference between paddling and riding a motorized raft down fast water? On this run, you're steering and controlling the speed instead of fighting the current. The afternoon trip launches from the Hyak River Rafting Base in Lytton and covers 36 km of the Thompson River's most active section in 3.5 hours. A professional guide handles the motor and the route; you handle the throttle and the line, so the day is yours to push or ease back on.

The base provides all the gear — wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, the works — so you show up in appropriate footwear and the raft is ready. A riverside snack breaks the run halfway through. The boat operates in all weather, which means rain or sun, the water is the same and the trip runs as scheduled. Everyone signs a waiver at check-in; children from 8 years old and 65 pounds can ride, and the guide will brief you on what the motorized setup means for balance and movement on the boat.

What’s included

• 3.5 hours of motorized rafting covering 36 km of the Thompson River.
• all necessary rafting gear including wetsuit, helmet and life jacket.
• professional certified guide.
• riverside snack during the run.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Hyak Wilderness Adventures Inc.

Is this one for you?The motorized setup is built for travelers who want to cover serious distance and control the pace without paddling — you steer, the motor moves the raft, and the guide handles the route. Book this one if you want the river without the arm strength, or if you want to run the longest section of the Thompson in a single afternoon.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How far down the Thompson River does the afternoon rafting trip go?

The Thompson River rafting trip covers 36 km (22.4 miles) of the river in 3.5 hours, running the section near Lytton that moves the fastest.

What does the motorized raft let me do that a paddle raft doesn't?

The motorized raft means you control the speed and direction instead of paddling against the current, so you can hold a line, move faster or slower, and cover longer distance without exhaustion.

What gear and equipment do I need to bring?

Bring appropriate footwear with grip — water shoes or hiking boots work well. The base provides the wetsuit, helmet, life jacket and all rafting gear; you just need to wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a change for after.

Is the afternoon rafting trip suitable for children?

Children from age 8 and weighing at least 65 pounds can join the trip. A guide will be on board and will brief all passengers on safety and movement on the motorized raft before departure.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip operates in all weather conditions — rain, wind or sun — so dress warmly and bring a waterproof layer. The motorized raft runs the same route regardless of weather unless conditions become unsafe.

Where does the rafting trip start and end?

Both the start and the finish are at the Hyak River Rafting Base in Lytton, BC. You'll check in there, receive your gear, sign the waiver and launch from the same location where the afternoon trip ends.