Kicking Horse River Rafting — Whitewater Adventure in Golden, BC
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people in general good health; expect short bursts of exertion when paddling and stabilizing in rapids.
Overview
Plunge into the Kicking Horse River’s fast water and granite walls on a guided rafting trip out of Golden, BC. Choose a family float or a full-day discovery run and expect cold spray, class 4+ rapids in season, and an efficient shuttle back to town.
Kicking Horse River Rafting — Whitewater Adventure in Golden, BC
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The bus lets you out beside a weathered restaurant sign and the smell of camp coffee; ahead the Kicking Horse River thunders between steep, granite walls, its current already testing the morning light. Guides unload rafts and fit helmets with quick, practiced hands. For half a day the river takes the lead — pushing, pulling, and occasionally throwing you into a fast, cold negotiation with Class 2 to Class 4+ rapids that have carved this valley since the last ice retreated.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear secure river footwear
Closed-toe water shoes or old hiking shoes prevent toes from jamming on rocks and give grip in wet conditions.
Hydrate before you go
Cold water can mask dehydration—drink a full bottle before boarding and carry a small refillable bottle if possible.
Communicate medical needs early
Tell guides about back, heart, or pregnancy concerns before the trip — some conditions disallow participation for safety.
Protect electronics
Use a waterproof case or leave cameras on shore; even in calm stretches a rogue wave can soak gear.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bighorn sheep that graze on the valley slopes
- Belted kingfishers and occasional osprey hunting the river
History
Golden developed as a rail and resource town in the late 1800s; the Kicking Horse corridor has long been a travel route for Indigenous peoples and later for prospectors and rail workers.
Conservation
Operators follow Leave No Trace principles and limit group sizes; high-use seasons require careful waste management and adherence to riverside sanitation rules to protect spawning fish habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Golden, BC
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe water shoes
Protects feet from rocks and provides traction when entering and exiting the raft.
summer specific
Quick-dry layers
Synthetic layers dry fast and keep you comfortable when wet and windy on the river.
summer specific
Waterproof dry bag or case
Keeps phone, keys and spare layers dry during the trip.
summer specific
Sunscreen and sunglasses with retainer
Shield skin and eyes from reflective glare off the water; a retainer prevents loss during rapids.
summer specific