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Unforgettable Alpine Rafting near Banff, Alberta.

whitewater rafting near banff
Are you planning a getaway to Banff, Alberta? If not, you really should be. After all, this destination is one of the most stunning spots in Canada. There are thousands of reasons you should visit Banff – from the towering mountains to the tranquil lakes to the well-kept hiking trails to the vibrant culture of the village itself.

BEST RAFTING IN THE ROCKIES

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. A short drive from Banff & Lake Louise, take the drive to Golden.

Not only will you experience an amazing river, you’ll also get to experience an extra National Park – Yoho National Park. Alpine Rafting is located in Golden, British Columbia in the beautiful Canadian Rockies – only a one hour drive from Banff. We offer the biggest whitewater thrills near Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. During your visit to Banff, make the drive out to the Kicking Horse River and experience the biggest & best whitewater rafting the Canadian Rockies has to offer.

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White Water Rafting near Banff, AB

Alpine Rafting offers the biggest whitewater thrills near Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

About Banff

whitewater rafting near banff

The Rocky Mountain town of Banff was named by George Stephen, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, after his birthplace in Scotland. Once the transcontinental railway was built through the Bow Valley, numerous hotels sprung up and it became a popular spot for tourists – drawn by its wild and rugged beauty.

Banff offers a balance between wilderness and culture. If you want to dine on expertly grilled steaks or Spanish tapas, peruse art galleries and museums and sip lattes in cosy coffee shops – you’ll find all that and more on thriving Banff Ave (a street bookended by mountains that fill the horizon.)

However, although the village is filled with fashionable boutiques and hip bars – you don’t have to go far to find yourself completely surrounded by wilderness. The backcountry around Banff is packed with natural wonders – including hot springs, glaciers and strange rock formations known as Hoodoos. A quick trip out of this small town and you’ll be at the peak of a mountain, in the midst of a forest or canoeing on the calm waters of a lake.

Banff Summer & Winter Activities

whitewater rafting near banffBanff National Park is an outdoor playground. No matter what the season, there are so many exciting activities to enjoy.

Summer Activities

In the summer, camp in the Canadian Rockies, canoe or fish along the Bow River or Vermilion Lakes, bike along the many trails near the forests and rivers, golf or take a gondola ride over Sulphur Mountain. The long, hot summer days are perfect for hiking along the mountains, kayaking in the Johnson River, skateboarding, swimming in the Upper Hot Springs pool, playing tennis, or just relaxing in the park.

Winter Activities

whitewater rafting near banffIn the winter, skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, sledding, tobogganing, snowshoeing, hockey and curling are the most popular activities that tourists can take part in.

The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre is where the majority of these fast paced winter activities are held. However, anyone who wants to enjoy a quiet or relaxing day or evening can take part in ice fishing or a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Book Your Trip! #1 for Fun!

From Thrilling Heli Rafting to Family-friendly Rafting, We Offer Something for Everyone!

Banff Tourist Attractions

whitewater rafting near banff

  • Banff Gondola: This scenic cableway ride whisks you up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where you can gaze out at the enormous ancient mountain landscape all around you.
  • Moraine Lake: A tranquil, ice-cold glacially fed lake surrounded by dramatic snow-capped peaks.
  • Icefields Parkway: One of the most spectacular drives in Canada – a route through towering mountains, enormous glaciers and other larger-than-life geological wonders.
  • Lake Minnewanka: What lies beneath the surface? A teeming population of Mountain Whitefish and Lake Trout, as well as the remains of the village of Minnewanka Landing which was submerged in 1941.
  • Sunshine Village: A powdery playground for skiing enthusiasts, plus plenty of apres-ski shopping and dining.

Why Should I Book a Whitewater Rafting Trip While Staying in Banff?whitewater rafting near banff

  • The Kicking Horse River is renowned as the Whitewater Gem of the Canadian Rockies. It offers the best rafting in the Canadian Rockies.
  • You will not find any better whitewater experience on the Kicking Horse River while staying in Banff. This river offers fantastic stretches of exhilarating waves that are sure to thrill you.
  • The Kicking Horse has sustained water levels all season long, and it will not disappoint!
  • Travelling from Banff to the Kicking Horse River is easy, and allows you to experience an extra National Park on your vacation.
  • Yoho National Park is filled with incredible attractions situated close to the highway.
  • Attractions such as Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and the Natural bridge are all located within a few minutes drive of the Kicking Horse River and can be easily added to your drive to and from Golden BC.
  • You’ll meet adventure seekers like yourself from all over the world and make some great friends.

Driving Directions

No matter where you are based during your trip to the Rockies, it’s easy to get to Alpine Rafting in Golden so that you can begin your adventure. You won’t have to drive down long, dusty, bumpy roads to get here. Just one turn off the Trans Canada Highway and you’ll find us! Below are directions to our location from Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper & Calgary.

Whitewater Rafting Near Banff

whitewater rafting near banffThe best place to enjoy Whitewater Rafting near Banff is hands down on the Kicking Horse River. With affordable Gentle Family Rafting & Class 4+ Thrills, this river can really do it all!  The Kicking Horse is considered the Premiere Whitewater Rafting River in the Canadian Rockies, and if you are planning to spend a day on the water, this is 100% the river you want to be on!

From Lake Louise, Alberta

The closest Whitewater Rafting to Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies is the Kicking Horse River. The Kicking Horse is considered the Premiere Whitewater Rafting River in the Canadian Rockies, and if you are planning to spend a day on the water, this is 100% the river you want to be on!

Plan on a one hour drive on the beautiful & scenic Trans Canada Highway. Plan an extra 1 hour each way if you would like to check out the following Canadian Rockies must do’s: experience intimate dining and great shopping in the small mountain hamlet of Field, BC as well as the top three attractions in Yoho National Park (The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake )

From Canmore, Alberta

If you are looking for the best Whitewater Rafting near Canmore, Alberta, we highly recommend this two hour drive for an unforgettable day on the Kicking Horse River. Bonus! Plan an extra 1 hour each way if you would like to check out the following Canadian Rockies must do’s: experience intimate dining and great shopping in the  small mountain hamlet of Field, BC as well as the top three attractions in Yoho National Park ( The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake).

From Jasper, Alberta

Travelling from Jasper, Alberta to raft the Kicking Horse River is well worth the drive. The drive takes 4 hours, however you do travel through three of Canada’s Most Famous National Parks. Plan to set out early in the morning as this is your best chance of viewing a wide variety of wildlife on the Icefields Parkway. The trip takes 4 hours, so we recommend planning a nights stay nearby (Golden, BC or Lake Louise, AB).

Plan an extra 1 hour each way if you would like to check out the following Canadian Rockies must do’s: Experience intimate dining and great shopping in the  small mountain hamlet of Field, BC as well as the top three attractions in Yoho National Park (The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake).

From Calgary, Alberta

Travelling from Calgary, Alberta to raft the Kicking Horse River is how you will experience the best Whitewater Rafting in the Canadian Rockies. The drive takes 3 hours, & you do travel through three of Canada’s Most Famous National Parks. Plan to set out early in the morning as this is your best chance of viewing a wide variety of wildlife on the Icefields Parkway.

The trip takes 4 hours, so we recommend planning a nights stay nearby ( Golden, BC or Lake Louise, AB). Plan an extra 1 hour each way if you would like to check out the following Canadian Rockies must do’s: experience intimate dining and great shopping in the small mountain hamlet of Field, BC as well as the top three attractions in Yoho National Park (The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake).whitewater rafting near banff