General Questions

1. Why should we raft with Alpine?
2. When is the best time to go rafting?
3. How many people do I need to get a group discount?
4. What is the best trip for our group?
5. What is the age limit?
6. What questions should I ask when selecting a rafting company?
7. Can I  see what's it's like before we go?
8. We are traveling with a pet. Are there pet care facilities?
9. We are traveling with a child. Are there child care facilities?
10. Do you take pictures along the way?
11. Can I bring a camera?
12. Our group would like to all be in the same raft. Is this possible?
13. Can we request a raft guide?
14. What about the weather?
15. Are there wetsuits large enough for me/my group?

Questions for Families:

1. What is the best trip for a family?
2. Our Family would like to experience different parts of the river, but remain together. Is this possible?
3. Will my child be safe on the raft?
4. I will be bringing a child that is not my own. Is this okay?

Questions for First Timers:

1. Can I see what rafting is all about before we go?
2. My friends have gone rafting but it is my first time. Is this okay?
3. What if I go rafting but am too scared to continue?
4. I am worried I may not be physically fit enough to participate in rafting. What do you think?
5. Are there wetsuits large enough for me/my group?

Health Questions:

1. I have a health condition. Is rafting safe for me?
2. I have a fear of water and cannot swim, can I still go rafting?
3. I have allergies or health issues that require medication. Can I keep this onboard?
4. Can I wear glasses/contacts on the raft?
5. I am pregnant, can I go rafting?

Reservation Questions

1. Are there any advantages to booking online?
   
2. What do you require to make a booking?
3. What if our plans change?
4. I want to organize a group of friends, but I don't want to put a deposit down for everyone. What should I do?
5. What is the latest possible date I can book and still get on a trip?
6. Do you fill up in advance?
7. What is your cancellation policy?
8. What about the weather?

General Questions

1. Why should we raft with Alpine?

   • Longest Rafting Trip! We begin our day in Yoho National Park, and raft 4 extra kilometres than other companies. We offer the longest day on the River of all local River Outfitters.
   • Great Gear on the Water! We outfit you from head to toe. From our Gore Tex SprayJackets, to Neoprene Boots, Gloves, and Canadian made wetsuits, we’ve put a lot of thought into your comfort. Our eye popping candy red rafts  & splash jackets are cutting edge and make for amazing rafting shots!
   • Our Lunch is Great! Hot & Cold Drinks, Fruit & Veggie Platters, Alberta Buffalo Burgers, Free Range Chicken Breast Burgers Potato Wedges, Salad, and Cookies for Desert. Want a double cheeseburger or seconds? Help yourself!
   • We have snacks! Between the Middle and Lower Canyon, we offer our clients a snack of Cookies, Fruit and Water to keep you stoked!
   • Our Team Rocks! It’s true, we’re not afraid to say it – you’ll have a great day out on the water with our guides and staff team.
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2. When is the best time to go rafting?

   Whatever time of year you decide to raft, you will have a great time! But here is some help...

   • May: Great early season rafting, slightly cooler temps, great water levels, early season discounts.  Medium to High Water very likely.
   • June: Warmer temps, great water levels, high water.
   • July: Hot summer fun on the river, closer to the end of July, great time to raft the Lower Canyon.
   • August: Emerald coloured water, clear days, Lower Canyon open, Class 3 & 4 thrills are still an option
   • September: Emerald coloured water, clear days, Lower Canyon open, Class 3 & 4 thrills are still an option
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3. How many people do I need to get a group discount?

   Groups of 6 of more receive a group discount. Let us send you a personalized quote for your group! Send us the details: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and we'll send you a quote

4. When should I book?  You should book as soon as you know when you would like to raft. Most days of the summer fill up quickly and book out completely. Our cancellation policy is 72 hours prior to trip departure, so if you need to cancel it's not a big deal. You can also switch trips/dates without penalty 72 hours prior to trip departure We recommend making a reservation as soon as you have a date in mind. Why not check availability now for some dates you may have in mind?

5. How many people do I need to round up to go rafting? You actually don't need to round up too many people. If you are traveling alone, or in pairs, you can always book a trip! There is no minimum booking requirement. Our rafts hold between 8 and 10 people, so you will be partnered up with other rafters.

1. What is the best trip for our group?

   It really depends. Here is some help....

   • HAVE NEVER RAFTED BEFORE, we recommend all of our trips. They are all suited to first-timers!
   • ARE A FAMILY WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, we recommend the Family Whitewater, ages 4 & up!
   • ARE ON A STAG/STAGETTE, we recommend the Ultimate Whitewater or the Kicking Horse River Challenge
   • WANT THE MOST COMPLETE RIVER EXPERIENCE, we recommend the Kicking Horse River Challenge.  All three sections of the Kicking Horse River, lunch, and a snack, this is one awesome trip. Take on the Challenge!
   • WANT AN ‘ALL AROUND’ RIVER EXPERIENCE, we recommend the Kicking Horse Classic, a great balance of the Upper and Middle Canyons, this is our most Classic River Experience.
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2. What is the age limit?

   There is no age limit to rafting. No experience is required. Folks with medical conditions should consult their doctor first.   Upper Canyon: The Upper Canyon is suitable for ages 4 & up  Middle Canyon: the Middle Canyon is suitable for those who are 4'11''/88 lbs. The Lower Canyon is suitable for those ages 16 & up. If unsure, please ask us

3. What should I wear?
   You should come to our office the morning of your trip with your bathing suit on underneath your clothes, preferably. When we get to the river, we distribute river gear and give instructions for putting it on. There are change rooms at the start of the trip. The clothing you take off will be placed back into the bus where you can get access to it at the end of the trip.

1. What questions should I ask when selecting a rafting company?

If you're researching a Whitewater Rafting Company to raft with, here are some questions to ask:

• How long has the company been in business? The longer an outfitter has been in business, the more honed the river experience will be.
• What condition is their river gear in? Look for a company that replaces the River Gear you will be wearing all day on an annual basis.  Tears, holes, and faded equipment is not acceptable for your day out on the water.
• How many rivers do they run? When companies run multiple rivers, often their guides are not adequately trained for the river they will be running. Look for companies running one or a couple rivers.  That way, you know the guides are experienced on that stretch of water
• What is the minimum age of their guides?  This says a lot about the experience level of guide. Look for companies with Guides that are at minimum in their late twenties/early thirties. This will likely ensure adequate life experience and river skills.

Can I see what it's like before we go?

Sure! The best way to experience rafting is to actually go rafting. However, to get a sense of what is it like, check out our Photo Gallery or Rafting Video.  

We are travelling with a pet. Are there pet care facilities?

There are day kennels in Golden. The Rocky Mountain Bed & Biscuit  www.rmbedandbiscuit.ca/ or the Kicking Horse Boarding Kennel www.khbk.bc.ca/ Alternatively, you may ask to leave your dog in a shaded area at our office. Please ask ahead of time. We do recommend the kennel, as Golden can get very hot in the summer, and due to our office being very busy, we can't guarantee we'll have time  to check on your pet while you're rafting.

We are travelling with a child. Are there child care facilities?

There are child care facilities in Golden. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers a day care service. In the town of Golden. Also, you can check out Child Care Choices to view approved child care providers in the area.

Do you take pictures along the way?

Yes, we take photos from shore of your rafting trip and have them on display at our office at the end of your trip. You can view and purchase them at the end of the day.$30 gets you a CD in a hardcover case with all the photos from the day. 

Can I bring a camera?

It is not recommended to bring a camera. Lately some folks have been bringing waterproof digital cameras with them. Others bring a waterproof disposable camera or purchase one at our office. These two options are great for getting photos from within the raft. However, if you don't bring a camera, that's fine too, as we'll be taking photos from shore throughout the day. You can view and purchase the photos at the end of the day.

Our Group would like to all be in the same raft. Is this possible?

Yes, it is possible for your group to all be in the same raft. Our rafts hold 8-10 people, so if you're group is larger than that, you'll have to be split up into smaller groups. The guides and river manager of the day will be aware of your group ahead of time and will be planning the best logistics for the group

Can we request a raft guide?

Yes, it is possible to request a raft guide. We will do our very best to fulfill your request. Sometimes, the requested  guide might be on a day off or are already requested by another group. If you're not sure which guide you would like, that is fine as well. All of our guides are experienced, knowledgeable and fun.

What about the Weather?
Whitewater rafting is fun in any type of weather, provided you are properly dressed. We gear you up extremely well for your day out on the water so we can all have a great day! We raft daily rain or shine, and you’ll get wet either way.

Are there wetsuits large enough for me/my group?

This is common question that we receive. Our wetsuits come in an assortment of sizes. They are suitable for folks as small as 4 years of age, and adults up to 380 lbs. Same goes for the rest of our gear.

Family Questions

1. What is the best trip for a family

For a family with small children (ages 4 to 10) we recommend the Family Whitewater. For a family with teenagers, we recommend the Kicking Horse Classic. For a family with Children over 16 years of age, we recommend all of our Rafting Trips.  Remember, our trips are flexible in that some family members may opt to continue on after the calmer sections to tackle bigger rapids, while the rest return to our office.

2.          Our Family would like to experience different parts of the river, but remain together. Is this possible?

Not a problem. Our trips are flexible. For Example, a family of four could depart for the Family Whitewater at 9:00 AM. All four would enjoy the Upper Canyon, and all have lunch together. Following lunch, the two older, or more adventurous members of the family could continue on and raft the bigger rapids of the afternoon.  The two who are not continuing on would be shuttled back to our office.

3.          Will my child be safe on the raft

Due to the inherent risks of Whitewater Rafting, we cannot guarantee safety. However, our Family Whitewater is suitable for Ages 4 & up and the rapids are gentle. If there are any concerns, please discuss them with your guide prior to departure. We can always make adjustments.

4.       I will be bringing a child that is not my own. Is that okay?

If you are bringing a child that is not your own, contact our office and we will send you a copy of our Liability Waiver. Have the parent or guardian sign the waiver, and bring it with you the day of the trip.