Kicking Horse River Rafting: A Journey of Majestic Views and Class 4 Rapids
4.9
173 Ratings
Golden
Experience the thrill of Kicking Horse River rafting, tackling class 4 rapids while enjoying majestic views. All necessary equipment provided for a comfortable and unforgettable journey.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 2936 Kicking Horse Rd - Your 20 km journey on the mighty Kicking Horse River has it all- spectacular scenery and thrilling white water. At Hydra we always raft our guests down both sections of the river, making this trip perfect for first-time and experienced rafters alike. We start in the calmer and scenic class one and then hit the adrenaline pumping class fours.
    We believe running both sections of the river allows our guests time to familiarize themselves with the raft, paddling and guide’s commands (and go for a refreshing dip in the river) before hitting the famous and exhilarating class four rapids.
    The Hydra difference- we have some off the most experienced (and entertaining) guides on the river and our beautiful rafting base (with hot showers and snacks for purchase) is located right next to the river. So, more time on the river and less time sitting in a bus.
What's Included
  • Certified and experienced guides
  • Photos for purchase
  • Local taxes included
  • All river rafting equipment provided
What's Not Included
  • Food or drink available for purchase
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

The Kicking Horse trip includes all of the biggest & best rapids on the river. This unforgettable journey begins calmly, where you get familiar with rafting and find out fun facts about the river as you take in the views of the scenic upper section. Then, it’s onto the mighty rapids the Kicking Horse is famous for! As the canyon narrows, the waves build, drenching rafters in continuous class 4 rapids. We provide all the necessary rafting equipment, including wetsuits, shoes, helmet and life jackets and we have lots of warm gear so you will always be warm and comfortable.

  • Minimum age is 12 years old
  • Minimum weight is 90lbs
Location
2936 Kicking Horse Rd
Kicking Horse Road
Driving Directions: From Banff, AB: Approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes ​From Golden, BC: Approx. 20 minutes Exact directions will be provided upon booking.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(173 Ratings)
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Amyandbriany
Sep 22, 2023
Accommodating Company - Although we actually didn't go on the tour with this company, they were beyond nice and accommodating. I got sick the day before our trip and left an email in the early hours that morning detailing my symptoms. They graciously refunded us the entire trip despite their 48 hour cancellation policy. The next time we're in Banff and plan to raft, we are definitely going with this company. Amazingly professional. Thank you so much, Hydra River Guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidwq8389ao
Sep 5, 2023
Exciting adventure on the kicking horse river. - Excellent and exciting trip. Very well organised and we felt very safe in the hands of Drew who was a superb guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gemmag116
Aug 28, 2023
Amazing adventure! - We were lucky to raft with Dave, and it was an incredible experience! We felt very safe and confidence with his guidance, and his great sense of humour made us enjoy every single moment there. We enjoyed it that much, that we are going to repeat it during the next days. Thank you all the crew, and especially Dave, to make this experience unforgettable. Highly recommended! :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alec_of_canada
Aug 22, 2023
We Flew with Drew! - This was a wicked-fun time! Jeez, I could've gone all day! I'd like to thank Drew, our guide. Nice chatting with you and thanks for keeping us in the boat! Hope to see you next year, or maybe to see you at the Canoe Club some time. Thanks again! - Alec
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissacamp
Aug 20, 2023
A great trip! - We loved our rafting tour with hydra river guides! Our guide Vern was great and had loads of knowledge about the river, nature, history of area, etc. Even with the rapids being lower since it’s nearly the end of the season, it’s still a blast and you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery. You’re given ample knowledge on what to do in any scenario that could happen to have you feeling safe, and all gear you’re given to wear is nice and clean. 10/10 would recommend and will absolutely be returning next summer early on! Thanks Vern!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nathan
Aug 15, 2023
So fun! - Awesome trip -- the kids (and adults) loved it! Knowledgeable guide, fun, beautiful, with the right amount of adventure. We would definitely book with Hydra again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M7172ogevelynh
Aug 14, 2023
Great Experience! - Whitewater rafting with Hydra was one of the many highlights of our holiday! We were 8 people in our raft plus our captain, Jaro. Everybody got to paddle and we swapped seats a couple of times to ensure everybody can try out the bumpier seats at the front of the boat. It was the right mix of adrenaline and feeling safe. Hydra provides all you need - neoprene suits + jackets, booties and helmets. We booked the lunch option, which was great. The burgers were great and just the thing you need after thundering down a river!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donovanh167
Aug 14, 2023
Best Birthday ever! - This is the second time rafting with Hydra. The first time was around 16 years ago. The water was higher and faster on my first experience (which was awesome and got me hooked on rafting) but this time it was challenging with the lower water level. I’ve ran this river 5 or 6 times and each time is different but fun no matter what! We had a great guide Bill with 19 years experience and he made everyone aware, comfortable and did an amazing job! I took the front spot in the raft and would not hesitate to do the same in whatever raft I was in will Bill as my guide! This was my 46th Birthday and I feel like I’m 26 again! I had such an amazing day that was long overdue and I can’t thank Bill and Hydra enough for making this happen! Hydra runs a very economical and well run operation! They know what they are doing and novice to advanced rafters will have a great time regardless of the time of year and weather conditions! I give them 5 stars! I will definitely raft with Hydra again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Napk
Aug 11, 2023
Guaranteed adrenaline, guaranteed safety, guaranteed fun - This was a super activity. From the first moment we went to book the team were super helpful and went out of their way to help. The river trip itself is an education in water safety with tips for life! We had Bill as our captain and he was informative and we felt safe at all times while also having fun and our fill of adrenaline! We would definitely recommend the Classic trip for older kids and family. A huge advantage is getting onto the water right at the meeting point! Side note- You will absolutely get wet.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Will_john17
Aug 30, 2023
Great day out on the River - Excellent afternoon rafting down the river , good variety of rapids with nothing to crazy. Good operation, well set up with all the gear to stay warm. Our guide Drew was top notch. Would certainly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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May 2024
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