Why Raft with Alpine?

There are other companies that run the Kicking Horse River, so you may be doing your homework.  Although each company  has their strengths, these are the reasons we think Alpine Rafting offers the best day on the river. 

Since 1984, we’ve guided over 100,000 people down the Kicking Horse River. With this many years in operation comes experience. From our fleet of rafts to our selection of trips: we’ve spent the last 25 years honing the experience we provide.

FIVE  Reasons to Raft with Alpine...

• Longer Rafting Trip! We begin our day in Yoho National Park, and raft 4 extra kilometres than other companies. For first-time rafters, this means extra time to get comfortable in the raft, learn the paddle strokes and commands from your guide without pressure. Did we also mention that this is one of the most beautiful stretches of the river? We offer the longest day on the River.

When researching a Whitewater Rafting Company, 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 are 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.

Do you have more questions for us? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or Call.

Our Annual Spring Runoff Sale has arrived!

FREE PHOTOS 

Book any rafting Adventure before April 4th 2010 and receive a complimentary copy of all your high resoluation rafting photos on DVD (Value $30). No need to mention any special coupons, or codes. The complimentary DVD will be automatically added to your account when you book and can be picked up in our office at the end of your trip*

*Applies to new bookings. Not valid with any other discounts

SAVE $25 PER PERSON

Raft the Kicking Horse River Challenge MIDWEEK in May or June and save $50 per person! Book online and enter promo code 'Spring25'

Here is some info on what whitewater is all about, so you can be river-savvy the day of your trip! Remember, none of our trips require any previous experience.

What is Whitewater?

Whitewater is formed by water converging and diverging which forms waves, holes and eddies. Whitewater Rafting is a sport practiced on rivers in an inflatable craft which allows enjoyment of the rapids. With the expertise of a river guide seated in the rear, it is possible to Whitewater Raft without any experience!

Whitewater Rafting began commercially on the Kicking Horse River in the early 80’s. Alpine Rafting was one of the pioneers of Rafting on the Kicking Horse, launching their first commercial trip in 1984.

Whitewater Ratings

The Kicking Horse River offers rafting adventures for all ages and abilities. We will tackle Class 1 to Class 4+ depending on the trip you choose, from Class 1 to Class IV+ ! Check out the whitewater ratings chart below to learn more.

• Class 1 - Moving water Class 2 - Small waves
• Class 3 - Easy maneuvering rapids, waves
• Class 4 - Intense rapids, technical maneuvering
• Class 5 - Long, powerful rapids with serious consequences.

The Kicking Horse River is divided into 3 Sections: The Upper, Middle & Lower Canyons.

• Upper Canyon - Class I and Class 2+ Rapids
• Middle Canyon - Continuous Class 3 and a 1 km Class 4 Section
• Lower Canyon - 4 Kilometres of continuous Class 4+ followed by float into Golden

PORTAGE/SHOTGUN (4)

Location: Middle Canyon

This 800 metre section is a classic example of a Glacier fed Class 4 Run ! Prior to running this rapid you'll have the opportunity to scout it with your guide and fellow rafters. The beginning of the rapid is a glassy chute with a rapid called "Terminator" to the left. This smooth lead-up is no match for what's to come: A Class 4 Boulder field with overhead waves. Just when you think the fun is going to stop, the river bends and brings us to Shotgun: the crux maneuver of the Portage & Shotgun rapids. Shotgun is an underwater rock ledge which forms a fantastic pour over, giving you the sensation of dropping and getting soaked all in one!

ROLLER COASTER (3+)

Location: Middle Canyon

This 0.5 Kilometre rapid is a friendly section of river that everyone will love. There are 9 waves in a row ranging from 7 to 10 feet high awaiting unsuspecting rafters! This section really gets the crew laughing as it literally feels as though you're riding a whitewater roller coaster!

WAVE TRAIN (4)

Location: Lower Canyon

Thought we left the fun in the Middle Canyon? Think again! Wave Train is the first rapid in the Lower Canyon designed to give unsuspecting rafters a taste of what's to come. The Waves are similar to the Rapids of Roller Coaster in the Middle Canyon however steeper, bigger and faster! At it's biggest the waves are 15 feet high..that's two stories.

DOUBLE TROUBLE (4+)

Location: Lower Canyon

After hitting the Wave Train above, seasoned rafters are now ready to take on the challenge of Double Trouble. The rapid consists of 2 monstrous waves at midpoint on the Lower Canyon section. When the raft is at the base of the waves it is impossible to see what's ahead beyond the frothing wave in front of you...A must do!