Kicking Horse River Rafting: Whitewater Trips from Golden, BC
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended—able to sit in a raft for hours, brace in rapids, and follow safety instructions.
Overview
Feel the cold, fast current of the Kicking Horse River as it carves through the Canadian Rockies. This Golden, BC rafting experience mixes class I–IV+ rapids, regional history, and guide-led expertise for both families and adrenaline seekers.
Kicking Horse River Rafting: Whitewater Trips from Golden, BC
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A roar builds before you see it: glacier-fed water tumbling through narrow granite, white foam catching the light like fragments of sky. At the put-in near Golden, British Columbia, guides run through gear with efficient, low-key humor while the Kicking Horse—cold, fast, and improbable—edges past the staging area and dares you to take the next bend.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress for cold water
Bring a wetsuit or order one from the operator—river temperatures are glacier fed and can remain brisk even in summer.
Secure small items
Use a small dry bag or secure hard-camera case; sunglasses and phones should be tethered or left on shore.
Know the age/weight rules
Check minimum ages and weights before booking—different trips accept ages 7–12 depending on the option.
Hydrate and fuel up
Eat a solid breakfast and bring water; full-day trips include a BBQ lunch but half-day options do not.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagle
- River otter
History
The Kicking Horse Pass and river corridor played a crucial role in 19th-century exploration and the routing of the Canadian Pacific Railway, shaping Golden’s settlement and transportation history.
Conservation
Operators follow river-use best practices to minimize erosion and disturbance; guests are encouraged to pack out waste and avoid feeding wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Golden, BC
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe water shoes
Protects feet on rocky put-ins and provides traction in the raft.
summer specific
Quick-dry base layers
Dries fast and works beneath provided wetsuits for warmth and comfort.
summer specific
Waterproof sunscreen & lip balm
Reflective water and cold air increase UV exposure—use reef-safe sunscreen.
summer specific
Small dry bag (5–10L)
Keeps camera, keys, and snacks dry during the trip.