Whistler: Green River Whitewater Rafting with Shuttle

Summary

Green River rapids, team paddling and Whistler forest air

You’ll paddle Whistler’s Green River with local guides who know every twist and wave. Expect cold splashes, team laughter, and forest air on your skin. All equipment is provided—including wetsuits—and shuttle rides are included from basecamp. You’ll probably surprise yourself more than once.

What’s the experience like?

Somebody hands me a helmet and wetsuit before I’ve even had time to overthink what I’m about to do. There’s that sharp chill of neoprene on skin, and the guide — Jamie, who grew up in Squamish — grins at my awkward struggle with the zipper. “You’ll be glad for it,” he says, nodding toward the river. The shuttle ride from basecamp is short but just long enough for nerves to build; pine needles flicker past the window and someone jokes about not falling in. I laugh, but my stomach tightens anyway.

Standing by the Green River, you hear it before you see it — that low roar under the trees. The water looks way colder than I expected. Jamie runs us through a safety talk (I try to pay attention but my mind keeps jumping ahead to what rapids actually feel like). Once we push off, it’s impossible not to get caught up in it: paddles smacking water, spray hitting your face, everyone shouting over the rush. There’s this moment where we hit a wave sideways and I swear my heart stopped — then we’re all laughing because nobody fell out.

I didn’t think paddling as a group would feel so… connected? It’s clumsy at first — some of us are out of sync — but after a few rapids you start reading each other’s movements without talking. At one point Jamie points out an eagle overhead; I nearly miss it because I’m busy trying not to swallow river water. By the end, my arms ache and my hair is plastered down with river spray (not a good look), but I can’t stop grinning. Even now, days later, I still think about that cold mountain smell mixed with adrenaline.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whitewater rafting on Green River

• Arrive at basecamp
• Drive to Cougar Mountain Road
• Shuttle to Green River
• Raft on Class 2 and 3 rapids
• Return shuttle to basecamp
• Enjoy basecamp activities

Top questions

How long is the Green River whitewater rafting tour?

The full tour lasts about 2.5 hours, including roughly 1.75 hours on the river plus roundtrip shuttle transportation from basecamp.

Is there a minimum age or weight for rafting Green River?

The minimum age is 10 years old and minimum weight is 90 lbs for this tour.

Do I need previous experience to join this rafting trip?

No previous experience is needed—this trip is suitable for first-timers and families.

What should I bring for Whistler whitewater rafting?

Bring a swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit and a towel for afterwards; all other equipment is provided.

Are guides included on the Green River rafting tour?

Yes, experienced local guides lead every raft down Green River.

Is transportation included from Whistler Village?

A roundtrip shuttle from basecamp (just north of Whistler Village) is included in your day.

Can kids join this whitewater rafting tour?

Yes—kids ages 10+ can join as long as they meet the minimum weight requirement and have an adult chaperone if under 16.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip shuttle transportation from basecamp near Whistler Village, all necessary equipment like helmet and wetsuit (so yes, you’ll stay warm-ish), plus an experienced local guide leading you down Green River’s class 2–3 rapids before returning to dry land together.