Rafting In British Columbia
Whitewater Rafting In BC: The Ultimate River Guide
British Columbia is the ultimate whitewater rating destination in Canada, and one of the best river rafting regions in the world! When you mix a huge snowpack and mountainous terrain, you tent to get some prerty great rafting conditions, and BC has more than enough yearly snowfall and mounains.
Check out our BC rafting guide to learn about the best times to go rafting, the best places to go rafting, and the best rafting companies in BC to take you on the ride of your life!
Rafting seems pretty extreme, but it’s way easier and safer than you might imagine. All you really need is a smile and your raft guide will take care of the rest. Whitewater rafting makes for a perfect family adventure, as long as everyone is old enough to go!
Best Rivers For Whitewater Rafting In BC
Thompson River
The Thompson River is one of the best places to go rafting in BC. With warm & clear water, epic rapids and amazing scenery, rafting the Thompson River is always an epic time. The Thompson River is a big water river with a variety of levels to experience.
Kicking Horse River
The Kicking Horse River is known among rafting enthusiasts as a joyride that packs a lot of punch. Expect cold water, beautiful scenery and lots of fun rapids to run. This is a great addition to any trip to the Rockies and is just a couple hours away from Banff and right outside the town of Golden.
Clearwater River
Just as the name suggest the Clearrwater River is known for the pristine water that flows through an intricate wilderness setting. The river volume is fairly high, and the rapids are very powerful. Expect a really amazing day rafting on the Clearwater River.
Chilliwack River
The Chilliwack River is a smaller and beautiful river to explore a couple hours from Vancouver. Despite being a smaller river, the rapids can be pretty spicy at certain flows and the scenery of the cascade mountains is amazing! This is a great place to go rafting near Vancouver.
Cheakamus River
Deep canyons, rushing glacial water and some awe inspiring rapids make the Cheakamus River some of the best rafting in Whistler. The views are spectacular, and the water is no joke as you crash through waves and weave your way through rapids in the canyon.
Fraser River
The Fraser River is some of the highest water volume in the world that is commercially rafted on. The water levels on the Fraser River can range more than 40 feet in some areas. Try a motor rafting trip through Hells Gate and experience the true power of water!
Quesnel RIver
Some of the most unrated whitewater rafting in BC is on the Quesnel River. Float through deep canyons and experience the perfect mix of big waves and gorgeous scenery.
Nahatlach River
The Nahatlach River is a surprising river for a rafting trip, with a relatively low flow but very high amounts of fun. The Nahatlach Valley is just off the Trans Canada Highway and is absolutely beautiful.
Slocan River
The Slocan is a great river to go rafting near Nelson, BC. Wind your way through the bottom of the Slocan Valley, crashing through some big waves and sets with the awesome scenery of the Kootenays all around you.
Elk River
The Elk River is the crown jewel in the Fernie area. Medium-low water volume passes through slot canyons with interesting features and you can work your way through a thrilling range of class 2-4 rapids.
Bull River
A slightly milder river to go rafting in Fernie, BC is the Bull River. This is more of a scenic ride, with plenty of good splashes and waves to keep you excited.
Adams River
Rafting the Adams River is always a good time and definitely fun for the whole family. Adams River is in the Shushwap Region with rapids in the 1-2 range with the occasional class 3.
BC’s Best Whitewater Rafting Companies
Whitewater Rafting In BC- FAQ
When is the best time of year to go rafting in BC?
British Columbia has a vast system of rivers that run through all the main mountain regions in the province. Each of these rivers in BC is fed by snow melt and glacial melt, which means that rafting in BC is best when the snow is melting.
Most rafting companies in BC start their operations around the end of May and go until the end of September.
The peak floods can range from anywhere in late May to the end of June, so you never quite know what you are going to get.
While peak flood is an exciting time to go rafting, it is definitely not the only time. Many rivers are best at lower flows, and the rapids clean up more at lower water levels. Lower water also means warmer and more clear water, vs the cold, silty meltwater at high flows.
What should I bring on a rafting trip in BC?
The short answer is less is more! You won’t need much, and you won’t be able to fidget with accessories while you are paddling.
These are the most recommended thigns to bring rafting with you:
- Appropriate layers- anything from boardshorts on a hot summer day, to fleece layers for a colder day
- Sunglasses & a strap for them
- Any important medication you might need
- A waterproof camera that can strap to you
- That’s it!
The river rafting companies in BC will be able to outfit you with a wet suit, splash top, water shoes and a helmet & lifejacket. You won’t need anything else.
Is Whitewater Rafting In BC Family Friendly?
Yes, rafting is a very family friendly activity in BC. You can go and join a raft with other people, or you can usually book a private raft for your family as well.
Rafting resorts generally are able to take kids over 80 pounds and over the age of 10 or 12. Make sure you check in with each rafting company in BC to double check the minimum age and size.
Are British Columbia Rafting Companies Safe?
Yes! The standard of training in Canada is very high and the raft guides are very well qualified. The rafting companies in BC have sextensive safety plans and protocols to keep you very safe.
Don’t worry about the raft flipping, or you falling out of it. While these are both possible, it’s very uncommon for people to fall out and rafts very rarely flip. Whitewater rafting in Canada is very safe and very fun!
More Adventure Activities In BC
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