Extreme Whitewater Rafting on Kicking Horse River — Class III–IV Rapids Near Golden, BC
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate to good cardiovascular fitness and the ability to follow dynamic instructions; basic swimming ability recommended.
Overview
Four hours of continuous Class III–IV rapids on the Kicking Horse River, guided from a basecamp 25 km east of Golden, BC. Expect named rapids, solid instruction, cold alpine water, and a true high-adrenaline day on one of Canada’s most famous rivers.
Extreme Whitewater Rafting on Kicking Horse River — Class III–IV Rapids Near Golden, BC
Select participants and date
You step out of the van onto gravel and the river announces itself before you see it: a low, distant roar that grows into a focused, impatient voice. The Kicking Horse is not coy — it pushes, churns, and dares you to match its tempo. For the next four hours you’ll be reading the river like a score, your guide calling commands while the canyon walls close and open around racing water. By the time you climb back to the basecamp you smell like the river and remember the rapids by name: Portage, Shotgun, Last Waltz.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Confirm 24 hours ahead
Operators require a confirmation call 24 hours before your trip; expect specific meeting instructions and gear reminders.
Bring a water bottle and light snacks
Hydration matters even on wet trips — bring a leakproof bottle and quick carbs for post-run recovery.
Secure lenses and phones
Use a waterproof case or leave electronics in the vehicle to avoid water damage and distraction during rapids.
Listen to paddle commands
Follow guide calls immediately — coordinated paddling and bracing keeps the raft stable in continuous rapids.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagle
- Elk
History
The Kicking Horse corridor has long been a travel route for Indigenous peoples and later for explorers and rail-builders; contemporary recreation overlays a landscape shaped by glacial melt and early transport routes.
Conservation
Operators work to minimize footprint through strict gear protocols and leave-no-trace practices; avoid introducing soaps or plastics to the river and follow guide instructions to protect riparian habitat.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Golden, BC
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wetsuit or drytop (if you own one)
Spring melt makes the water cold; a wetsuit adds crucial warmth beyond the provided kit.
spring specific
Synthetic base layer
Quick-dry layers under your wetsuit or over a drytop keep you comfortable between runs.
summer specific
Secure water bottle (leakproof)
Staying hydrated before and after paddling helps with focus and recovery.
Closed-toe water shoes or river booties
Protect feet on rocky launches and in cold water; operators often supply river booties.