Raft The Rockies Rugged Waters

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One of the most exhilarating whitewater experiences, rafting the Rockies rugged waters is a once in a lifetime adventure. Rafting allows a true communing with nature – spectacular mountain scenery surrounds you on all sides as you are carried along by the Rockies’ many exuberant rivers. The traditional hand-made birch bark-skinned voyageur canoes (used by trappers and explorers a century ago) have been replaced by glass and carbon fibre craft that are hardy, light and stable.

For the experienced river rafter why not choose the world famous Kicking Horse River in Yoho National Park? This free spirited river has slowly over time (eons to be exact!) carved a canyon through the twisting mountains. The glacier fed river leads you past the town of Field and then kicks up its heels and breaks free from the Canadian Rockies to join the Columbia River. Towering canyon walls surround you on this trip, whilst you master the class 2 and 3 rapids. After 2.5 miles of class 4+ action on the Kicking Horse River you are guaranteed to get your adrenaline flowing. Certified guiding companies that offer whitewater rafting trips on the river traditionally set up camp just west of Yoho National Park (Some companies do offer shuttle services between the town of Field and the river camps). Half-day and full day trips are quite reasonably priced with the rafting season lasting from June into late August.

For family excursions, try Jasper Park’s Athabasca River. The Athabasca’s source lies in the Columbia Icefield, from where it flows past the town of Jasper and east across Alberta before joining the Mackenzie River and eventually the Arctic Ocean. A 10 mile stretch of the river upstream from town is ideal for relaxed rafting – perfect for family excursions.