12+
Age
May-Sep
Season
Combo Package;raft through exciting whitewater rapids through Horseshoe Canyon, then soar above Banff’s mountain peaks.
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Included: Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater Rafting (8:15am – 12:00pm)
Experience the true thrill of rapids on this exciting morning whitewater tour on the Bow River, with cliff jumping available for the adventurous. The class 3-4 Horseshoe Canyon section offers spectacular scenery, big waves and a sense of remoteness while you raft your way through shale canyons and awesome whitewater. Conveniently located 45 minutes from Calgary and Banff in the front ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Included: 20 Minute Warrior Lookout Heli Flight (various times available)
The Warrior Lookout helicopter tour will take you further into the Rocky Mountains, soaring over the “Warrior” looked over the spectacular Barrier Lake. Adventure culminates with a final ascent over Mount Baldy, named Enemy Warrior Lookout by the Stoney Nakoda nation. Your return flight will provide full views of Heart Mountain, the Bow River and Mount Yamnuska.
Tours in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.
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| VIA FERRATA INCLUDES |
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The best parts of the Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater Rafting for most people include the following:
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1.5 - 2 Hours on the Bow River
A ride you won’t forget. Surrounded by the magnificent Rocky Mountains.
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Optional cliff jump and swim
A medium or BIG cliff jump for the adventurous during the float section.
3
Free photos
Professional photos of you whitewater rafting are posted for free on our website.
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Everything is provided!
The tour includes professional guiding, instruction, equipment, practice and facilities.
The best parts of the Warrior Lookout Heli Flight for most people include the following:
1
20 Minute Flight
Fly further into the Rocky Mountains, soaring over the spectacular Barrier Lake.
2
Indigenous Culture
Climb over Mt. Baldy, named the Enemy Warrior Lookout by the Stoney Nakoda nation.
| RAFTING INCLUDES |
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| VIA FERRATA INCLUDES |
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How long is the Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater Rafting Tour?
The tour starts at the Nakoda Lakeside Lodge at 8:15am (meet time 8:10am) and finishes at 12pm, approximately 4 hours. This includes a short drive to the river and 1.5 to 2 hours on the water.
What does the Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater Rafting Tour include?
The tour includes 1.5 – 2 hours on the river (including a 20 minute float to finish up), a professional river guide with each boat, an optional cliff jump (with two heights to choose from), free professional photos, and light refreshment and snacks. All safety equipment including clean and dry wetsuits, wetsuit booties, fleece, spray jacket, life jacket and a helmet is provided. The tour winds through scenic views of the front range of the Rocky Mountain Ranges and occasionally we see wildlife such as osprey, bald eagles, deer and bears.
The Nakoda Lakeside Lodge has clean port-a-potties, male and female change tents and ample free parking.
Where is the meeting point for the rafting tour?
The meeting point is at the Nakoda Lakeside Lodge, located on Highway 1A approximately 25 minutes from Canmore and 45 minutes from Banff and Calgary.Detailed driving directionsare included in your booking confirmation. There is ample free parking at the riverbase and you will brought back to your vehicle at the end of the tour.
What should I wear/bring for the rafting tour?
Please wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring warm clothes, a face mask, hand sanitizer and a towel in a bag for after the tour. We also suggest bringing a toque or hat for colder days, to wear under the helmet. Your belongings can be stored in the bus or your own car while you are on the river.
You can wear sunglasses/glasses as long as these are secured with a strap or piece of string, and contact lenses are usually okay if you are comfortable swimming with them and tell your guide. Sunscreen is great on a hot day for any areas not covered by the wetsuit, but avoid putting it above or near your eyes. You can bring your own waterproof camera or GoPro which can be secured with your own chest harness or on a helmet with a GoPro mount, but we are not responsible for loss or damage of your equipment.
What shouldn't I bring for the rafting tour?
Anything else! It isn’t recommended to bring your camera and rafters aren’t permitted to wear their own wetsuit or to wear anything that could cause a hazard while on the tour.
I have some medical concerns for the rafting tour, what should I do?
When you are making your reservation please let the agent know and they will check with the rafting team. On the day please bring any medication you may need and inform your guide of any medical conditions.
Do you need any rafting/swimming experience?
No rafting experience is necessary, and we provide a Professional River Guide with each boat who will explain and demonstrate paddle, safety and emergency techniques. This includes dryland safety instructions and practicing paddling on the river before the waves.
Guests should be physically fit and have a reasonable swimming ability.
How big are the rapids on the rafting tour? Is it safe?
You will go through class 3 & 4 rapids during your tour, which is ideal for adventure lovers. This is a moderate trip, exciting but not difficult. Check out the Whitewater Rafting Rapid Classification Guide for more information: https://chinookrafting.com/plan-and-book/river-classifications/.
The tour is run by Chinook Rafting who have been operating whitewater rafting tours as a licensed company in the province of Alberta since 1983 and all of the rafting guides are trained in Swiftwater Rescue and First Aid & CPR. What this means for you is that they are confident that they can manage, not eliminate, the risks today to offer you an exciting and fun day on the river, creating as safe a framework as they can, given what we are doing. However, it is important to remember that we are not on a track, this isn’t Disneyland! The fact that we’re not on a track adds excitement to what we’re doing, but it also adds inherent risks.
What is the cancellation policy for the rafting tour?
There is a 24 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 24 hours outside your booked tour (up to 7 days for group bookings).
How long is the Warrior Lookout Helicopter Flight?
This is a 20 minute helicopter flight.
Where is the meeting point for the Helicopter Flight?
The Heli Pad is located at the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino in Kananaskis, at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Kananaskis Trail. Detailed driving directions will be included in your booking confirmation.
What time should I arrive at the Heli Pad?
You are required to arrive at the Heliplex 20 minutes prior to your scheduled flight time.
How many people are in the helicopter?
This depends on the type of helicopter available, it is up to five people plus the pilot so that everyone can sit by a window during your flight.
What should I wear on the helicopter flight?
Please wear warm clothing with no loose articles. Zips, ties and belts on clothing must be secured.
What if the weather is bad and my flight is cancelled?
Tours depend on weather conditions and must be confirmed the morning of the flight. In this situation we can reschedule or refund your booking.
What is the cancellation policy for the helicopter flight?
There is a 48 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 48 hours outside your booked tour (up to 7 days for group bookings).
Should I tip my guide on these tours?
Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.
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| VIA FERRATA INCLUDES |
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- Tours in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.
- The minimum age is 12 years and the minimum weight per person is 90lbs. If the guest is unaccompanied by an adult then the minimum age is 16 years old.
- The maximum weight per person is 140kg (308lbs).
- A waiver must be completed for both tours and is a condition of participation, this will be sent through upon booking. In addition, a Parental Consent form must be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any child under the age of 18 years prior to arrival. This is especially important if you are bringing someone else’s child (under 18 years old).
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
- No loose articles are permitted on the helicopter flight. Zips, ties and belts on clothing must be secured.
- Helicopter flights depend on weather conditions and must be confirmed the morning of the flight.
- Please note that the Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater Rafting Tour requires a minimum of 8 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
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| VIA FERRATA INCLUDES |
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FAQs
Does Banff have white water rafting? ›
BANFF WHITEWATER RAFTING
It doesn't matter if you're a veteran rafter or a complete whitewater newbie. Banff Rafting is awesome and is home to rivers that serve up a thrilling mix of rapids suitable for all skill levels. Ultimately, it comes down to how big of an adrenaline hit you're looking for.
Whitewater Rafting
Rafts typically hold 5-7 people in each boat, sometimes less, sometimes more. Typically if you have a group of 6ish, it will be just your group in the raft.
Minimum age 15 years (varies by trip and river level) Half-day trip (9 miles) ¾-day trip (15 miles)
What is the best whitewater rafting in the world? ›- Zambezi River, Zimbabwe. ...
- Colorado River, Arizona/Utah, USA. ...
- Magpie River, Canada. ...
- Noce River, Italy. ...
- Río Pacuaré, Costa Rica. ...
- Kali Gandaki, Nepal. ...
- Futalefú River, Chile. ...
- North Johnstone River, Australia.
Seat. The ride can get bumpy, so make sure you are properly seated. The best point for balance is to sit on the outer rim of the raft. Your guide will tell you if the conditions require you to adjust your seat.
Where is the best rafting in Banff or Jasper? ›The Kicking Horse River is the best river rafting experience in the Canadian Rockies. A wild, untamed, classic Canadian River that is free-flowing from start to finish. The Kicking Horse River is the Canadian Rockies premiere destination for the best whitewater near Banff</span, Lake Louise & more.
Can you drink while white water rafting? ›No Alcohol
If they say you can bring it on the river with you, do not go with them. No, I am sorry to say that beer and alcohol and river rafting trips do not mix. All companies do not allow any alcohol on river rafting trips, it is just not safe for you or the other guests on the trip.
Some whitewater rafting trips happen during cool weather and on rivers with cold water. In order to keep warm, rafters wear wetsuits that help insulate the body so that rafting is still enjoyable even when the air and/or water temperature are not ideal.
What does Class 4 for whitewater rafting mean? ›Class IV: WILD
For strong paddlers only, Class IV (or Class 4 Rapid) is for intermediate and experienced rafters looking for a thrill. Rapids are long and unpredictable with large waves and narrow passages.
How do you sit on a raft while whitewater rafting? You sit on the outside tube of the raft. Tuck your outside foot forward and place it underneath the tube in front of you. Your back foot will tuck behind you and if done correctly you will feel stable when you paddle.
What months are best for river rafting? ›
A: The best time for river rafting in Rishikesh starts from post monsoons (mid-September) till early summers (May). For crystal clear white water rafting November to March is a suitable time. During monsoons, it is not allowed to raft in the Ganges as the level of the river rises and is unsafe for rafting.
What time of day is best to go rafting? ›What about the best time of day to schedule a rafting trip? Morning rafting trips can be cooler but tend to have clearer weather and the river is less crowded than in the afternoon, when it can be warm but windy.
What is the best time to go white water rafting? ›While rafting is enjoyable almost any time of year, you will likely have the best experience during summer guaranteed water release days. Your best bet is to plan a trip between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What is the fatality rate of whitewater rafting? ›Fortunately, fatalities are uncommon in these activities, with rafting and kayaking fatalities occurring at a rate of 0.55 and 2.9 per 100000 user days, respectively. Injury rates for kayaking and rafting are 3 to 6 and 0.26 to 2.1 per 100000 boating days, respectively.
What is the most difficult white water rafting in the United States? ›Gauley River (West Virginia)
West Virginia's Gauley River is one not to miss if you're an experienced whitewater rafter. Its stretch of Class V+ rapids is one of the most difficult in the country. Gauley River is the heart of East Coast rafting culture and a destination for rafters from around the world.
Class VII and VIII Rapids
There are plenty of narrow passages, long and quite difficult rapids, and very turbulent water in a Classes 7-8. This for the advanced rafting enthusiast as it requires precision maneuvering.
Most white water rafting veterans avoid wearing the following clothes or bringing the following items: Flip-flops, Crocs, high heels, and cowboy boots. Heavy clothing like jeans, leather, or cotton sweaters.
How do you go to the bathroom on a rafting trip? ›You can wade into the water near the boat, hold on to straps on the side of the boat. You can opt to bring a female urination device, such as a shewee or pStyle, which allows you to pee standing up, though we only recommend this if you're used to using one and have practiced!
What not to do when white water rafting? ›Don't: Let go of the T Grip – The top section of the paddle is called the T Grip. This section is shaped like a T and your top hand is supposed to firmly grasp it in order to paddle. During your rafting trip one should never let go of this T grip, especially when approaching a rapid.
What is the rafting capital of the North? ›Kalinga - Whitewater Rafting Capital of The North.
What class rapids is the Niagara river? ›
White Water Walk offers a first-hand lesson in the raw power and peril of the Niagara River's Class 6 whitewater rapids, some of the wildest in North America.
Where is Whitewater River located? ›The Whitewater River is a 101-mile-long (163 km) southerly flowing right tributary of the Great Miami River in southeastern Indiana and southwestern Ohio in the United States. It is formed by the confluence of two forks, the West Fork and East Fork.
Which state is a premier destination for white water rafting in the United States? ›Alaska is well-known for many outdoor activities, and whitewater rafting is no exception. Its premier rafting destination is on the Nenana River, a glacial river that originates at Mt. McKinley and flows through the iconic Denali National Park.