Kananaskis River Rafting Adventure: Pristine Alberta Waterways Experience from Banff or Canmore

Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the pristine Kananaskis River in Alberta, Canada. Spot wildlife and soak up Canada’s beauty on this family-friendly adventure.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kananaskis Valley - Listen as the professional guides explain how to paddle and give safety instructions for your epic 1.5 to 2 hour adventure down the Kananaskis River, which originates in the Canadian Rockies and flows 46 miles (74 km) before emptying into the Bow River.

Relax as you cruise along the calm parts of the river, taking in the scenery of craggy mountains and verdant trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife like eagles and other birds soaring overhead and bears or deer walking along the banks of the river.

But don’t relax for too long — this is still an adventurous river. Listen as your guide directs you to navigate the periodic rapids. Hang tight as you bump up and down over the white water as if it were an aquatic bronco. When your rafting adventure comes to an end, you’ll be rewarded with snacks and high-fives, before relaxing on the ride back to your starting point.

  • Chinook Rafting - After pick-up from Banff or Canmore (optional), take a brief but picturesque ride through the Canadian countryside to the tour meeting point.

Once you’ve signed a waiver and geared up at the riverbase, you’ll be transported in a comfortable bus to the riverbase to begin your whitewater rafting journey.

What's Included
  • 4h duration (1.5 to 2 hour rafting adventure, with an optional swim at the end)
  • All necessary equipment (wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves)
  • Free photos of your rafting adventure available online
  • Snacks
  • Guide
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drink, unless specified
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience the charm of a day spent navigating the scenic Kananaskis River in Alberta, Canada. Embark on this journey from Banff or Canmore, and spend 1.5 - 2 delightful hours on the radiant turquoise currents of one of Alberta’s most untouched rivers. This trip serves as a perfect starting point for those new to the excitement of whitewater rafting, and suits families or groups looking for class 1-3 rapids. On your voyage, you may catch glimpses of indigenous wildlife while basking in the incomparable natural splendor of Canada as you glide along the river.

  • The minimum number for tour to run is eight people. Minimum needed for transport is three people.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Minimum age is 5 years old. Minimum weight is 40 pounds (18 kg). Maximum weight is 350 pounds (159 kg).
  • Not recommended for pregnant women.
  • Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions.
  • All passenger weights MUST be advised at time of booking.
Location
Chinook Rafting - Riverbase
Meet at Nakoda Lakeside Lodge on Highway 1A between Morley and Exshaw, no later than 1:15pm. Please print driving directions from the website: http://chinookrafting.com/plan-and-book/directions-maps/
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(106 Ratings)
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Sophierichw
Aug 1, 2024
Do it! - So much fun for the whole family (and I was nervous before going). Our guide Adam was the best!! They provide all the equipment including wet suits and water shoes so all you need is a bathing suit and change of clothes for afterwards.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Becky_c
Aug 1, 2024
Our guide made the trip special - Hannah, our guide really made the experience super fun. She has full energy throughout and was so engaging all while keeping us safe. A wonderful and memorable experience!
Review provided by Viator
D517pxanitak
Jul 31, 2024
Huge fun adventure for the whole family - A great tour! Would book again immediately! Everything perfectly organized! Thanks to our guide DANI from New Zealand. She took perfect care of our three young daughters. The girls were screaming with laughter. We also enjoyed it very much. All are very helpful and uncomplicated. Be sure to buy the photos for 15 euros (20 Canadian dollars) - are super quality!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oleksandr_h
Jul 30, 2024
A magical experience. - Recently, I had the genuine pleasure of experiencing the Kananaskis River Rafting Adventure, and it was absolutely amazing! The staff exceeded all expectations; our instructor provided thorough and professional training, and we were given top-quality equipment. After a comfortable bus ride to the starting point, we had a brief photo session and received comprehensive safety instructions on the boat. And then, we finally set off down the river! It was an unforgettable experience, especially when we hit the water at full speed. The splashes were everywhere, and the excitement was overwhelming. The surrounding nature was simply breathtaking, and we couldn't get enough of the stunning views. To top off this incredible adventure, we were treated to hot chocolate. I can confidently say this experience was worth every penny!
Review provided by Viator
Kimberly_w
Jul 30, 2024
Great time! - This was beautiful, and a ton of fun. The guides were great at navigating us with a splash through churning waters, but the wetsuits they gave us kept me warm. They did suggest no phones, which made sense at the beginning, but I think if you used a waterproof neck pouch, it would be safe, since the river quiets down at the end.
Review provided by Viator
Cindy
Jul 27, 2024
Amazing and fun experience! - Had a fantastic afternoon! My guide was Hazel! She was so informative (definitely loved the Kiwi accent) and made sure we all had a safe and very exciting ride down the river and rapids and a wonderful dip in the river to cool down at the end! So much fun I will definitely do it again😎
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brad_n
Jul 27, 2024
Worth Every Penny - I was a little worried about the weather and the cold, but they provide the wetsuits, fleece and wet coats. The guides are knowledgeable and the rafting is excellent. One of the highlights of my families trip. Sit in the front!
Review provided by Viator
Shauna_s
Jul 25, 2024
Fun for the whole family! - Ber was a fantastic guide!! He was super engaging and knowledgeable. The 2/3 level is safe for all ages. If you have been rafting before and want a bit more of a challenge, they offer a 3/4 option.
Review provided by Viator
Laurami1377mx
Jul 15, 2024
Lots of fun! - We had so much fun on this trip. Our guide Hugo was lovely, fun and informative, giving us information about the river and local area. The trip is very very organised with little hanging around. Would highly recommend going.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Novelette_p
Jul 26, 2024
Staff Communication - Unfortunately, we didn't get to experience the rafting as it was canceled. The staff could have been a little bit more communicative. When we saw other customers going back and forth to their cars we inquired what was happening, and was informed by a customer that the Rafting was canceled. Maybe in the future if I should return to Canada will consider scheduling again.
Review provided by Viator