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White Water Rafting in Banff

Ahhh, White Water Rafting Banff

What better way to spend an afternoon, full-day, or couple of days then experiencing the best white water rafting Banff has to offer? Whether you’re a beginner or advanced rafter, we’ll find a Banff, Alberta rafting trip that’s just right for you!

This is the best Kicking Horse Rafting trip Banff has to offer in a day!

When looking for white water rafting, Banff doesn’t always cut it. Just forty-five minutes from Banff, Alberta, you’ll find enough white water rafting options to sate the adventurous, or at the least curious, soul.

Kicking Horse River Rafting

For Banff white water rafting, turn your eye westward. First named in 1858 by explorer James Hector after being kicked by his horse, the Kicking Horse River originates from Wapta Lake, flows southwest and down Wapta Falls, and finally joins the Columbia River in Golden, BC. The variations in water rapids of the Kicking Horse River lend itself to all types of white water rafters. First-time or reluctant rafters can enjoy the gentler runs through Yoho National Park that don’t get too extreme, but still offer some excitement with class II and class III rapids. White water rafters from Banff area can also enjoy the rougher section with class IV rapids.

Kananaskis River Rafting

The Kananaskis River is a tributary of the Bow, and flows through Kananaskis Country, which is about a half-hour east of Banff. With its class II and class III rapids, this river is apt for family rafters and offers a suitable introduction to white water rafting near Banff.

Bow River Rafting

The Bow River offers fun thrills for beginners and experienced white water rafters in Banff. It runs throughout Alberta, starting in the Canadian Rockies, and flows through downtown Banff as well as Calgary. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing float, or something more exciting, like the Horseshoe Canyon section (up to class IV rapids), this 587km-long white water rafting river has something for everyone.

Highwood River Rafting

Southeast of Banff, white water rafting awaits in the unexpected thrills of Highwood River. The best early season Banff white water rafting happens here as the snow melt floods the Highwood River, filling it with class III and class IV rapids. Adventurous families and first-timers will love the splash and be challenged by the waves. The Highwood River is a tributary of the Bow River.

Banff Rafting Organizations

This Banff rafting trip is sure to satisfy whether this is your first or fifteenth trip. Whitewater radting on the Kicking Horse River!

  • Banff Rafting Alliance
    For more than 20 years, we have been guiding visitors of all skill levels on single and multi-day trips along the famous Kicking Horse River, near Banff National Park and Lake Louise.
  • Alberta Rafting Alliance
    Ever want to check out Whitewater rafting Alberta style? Home to Banff and Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies, is a whitewater rafting mecca, not only for Western Canada but for all of North America.
  • Kicking Horse River Association
    Coming soon!
  • BC Rafting Association
    The BC Rafting Association offers you a complete guide to rafting and recreation in British Columbia.Learn about excellent rafting trips on the famous Fraser River, Devils Gorge and the Thompson River.

Rafting in Banff Websites

For the family or those seeking a milder river experience (sometimes known as reluctant rafters), this trip is ideal! Enjoy the “float less traveled”.