Lake Louise is famous for its postcard perfect vista – a turquoise glacial lake surrounded by craggy mountain peaks. However, even if you’ve seen it in countless postcards, nothing prepares you for the real thing.
Lake Louise has a little something for everyone – canoeing and hiking for the adventurous, tea houses with stunning views, a wildlife interpretive center at the top of a gondola and much more.
And of course, during your getaway in Lake Louise make sure you take a trip to Golden and go on a whitewater rafting adventure with us! Our Lake Louise whitewater rafting trips are the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Rockies.
We are located at Golden, British Columbia in the beautiful Canadian Rockies – only a short drive away. We offer the biggest whitewater thrills near Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
During your visit , make the drive out to the Kicking Horse River and experience the biggest & best Lake Louise Whitewater Rafting the Canadian Rockies has to offer.
The first thing most visitors to Lake Louise notice is the colour of the water. The pale, creamy turquoise hue comes from rock sediment carried by glacial melt-water as it drips into the lake. Perched on the eastern shore of the lake is the legendary Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of the elegant hotels built in the early days of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
The story of Lake Louise dates back to 1883, when natural hot springs were discovered by three young men who were working on the transcontinental railway. The ownership of the land become the subject of a debate more heated than the geothermal waters, until the Canadian government stepped in and created the first national park in Canada – Banff National Park.
Visitors flock to Lake Louise in the winter for the world-class skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing. In the summer, the array of hiking trails around the area offer challenging climbs rewarded with gasp-inducing vistas. Kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding and mountain biking are also popular summer activities.
Whether it’s a hot sunny summer day or the depths of a chilly Albertan winter, you’ll find plenty to do in Lake Louise.
Summer Activities
The summer adventures at Lake Louise are endless. Experience the feel of the Wild West as you ride through the backcountry on horseback. Or, paddle a bright red canoe across the turquoise waters of Lake Louise – you’ll love the peace and quiet you’ll find as you float in the middle of the lake while surrounded by mountain peaks.
Taking the Lake Louise Ski Resort sightseeing gondola is a thrilling adventure in the summer, as it offers a chance to glide above the alpine meadows and possibly spot wildlife – including grizzly bears. There are several hikes to choose from, whether you are in the mood for a short stroll or an intense, challenging climb. Or, you can simply relax with a coffee and a snack while you enjoy the view from the sun-drenched mountain-top cafe with scenic terrace.
Winter Activities
The Huffington Post named Lake Louise the “Best Skating Rink in the World” and it’s easy to see why. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of gliding across the frozen lake with the snow-covered mountains in the background. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are also popular activities in Lake Louise, ideal ways to explore the deep forests laden with snow.
Or, give dog sledding a try and zoom across the frozen terrain pulled by a team of strong, friendly, happy huskies. Also, Johnston Canyon is a spectacular destination in the winter – an icy wonderland of frozen waterfalls to explore via suspended catwalks. Christmas in Lake Louise is also a magical delight, with roaming carollers, plenty of hot chocolate and baked treats and a Santa Claus parade with a visit from Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick.
- Lake Louise: The namesake attraction of the national park, Lake Louise Resort sits on the edge of the mirror-like, impossibly blue lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Moraine Lake: Teeming with trout, this glacially fed lake is set within the spectacular Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of over six thousand feet.
- Bow Valley Provincial Park: This huge nature reserve offers plenty of wilderness to explore – a huge playground for canoeing, kayaking, picnicking and camping.
- Crowfoot Glacier: An enormous sheet of ice creeps along the Northeastern Flank of Crowfoot Mountain.
- Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola: This sleek cable car lifts you high up into the peaks, offering views of Victoria Glacier. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – occasionally elk, deer and even bears can be seen grazing beneath the gondolas path.
- Bow Valley Parkway: The route between Banff and Lake Louise is a slow, winding road through the wilderness where wildlife sightings are not uncommon.
- 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 Lake Louise. 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 Lake Louise 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 the Kicking Horse River. - You’ll meet adventure seekers like yourself from all over the world and make some great friends.
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 a few detours off the Trans Canada Highway and you’ll find us!
Below are directions to our location from Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper & Calgary.
Lake Louise Whitewater Rafting Trips
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 )
The 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!
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 )
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. Travel thru. 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 )
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 )
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 )
