Pull on your wetsuit and come see why the White Water Discovery Tour is one of our most popular Canadian adventures! During this tour, we take you to the calmer waters of the upper canyon for a relaxing swim through nature, followed by the crashing rapids of the middle canyon. As if that wasn't enough excitement, your guides will lead you on a nature walk to a stunning waterfall known as the Fountain of Youth! The tour includes a riverside BBQ lunch, where you can take in the stunning scenery of the surrounding Yoho National Park. Join us on this diverse nature adventure and see why it is one of the top white water rafting experiences in the area.
Kicking Horse River has earned acclaim as a popular adventure site and is the first British Columbian river to be recognized as a Canadian Heritage River for its ecological value. The river flows through the impressive Yoho National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, and is connected to the Yoho River upstream. The surrounding Rocky Mountains offer stunning nature views for visitors so you won't want to forget your camera.
Kicking Horse has three primary areas accessed by white water rafters: there is the upper canyon, which is a Class 3-4 whitewater; the middle canyon, a Class 4-5; and the lower canyon, a Class 3-4. The discovery tour begins at the upper canyon where the waters are more mellow. Here you will get the chance to bob downstream, relax and enjoy the views of the Rockies. Those who wish can even hop in the water for a refreshing swim.
Next, we will work our way to the middle canyon where the whitewater gets more chaotic. This area has some of the biggest areas of whitewater on the river and features the rapids Man Eater, Shotgun, and Roller Coaster. With names like those you know you're in for a wild ride!
In addition to rafting, the discovery tour includes a short canyon hike to a stunning waterfall, known as the Fountain of Youth. While we can't attest to its powers, you are welcome to drink some and test it out for yourself!
Your tour will be topped off with a riverside feast of burgers and smokies, with vegetarian options available upon request. Upon our return to the base camp, you have the chance to check out professional photos and videos from your adventure, which are available for purchase.
*If you haven't had your fill of rafting during your tour let your guide know and they will take you to the lower canyon for more whitewater fun! This is only available for rafters 16 and older.
No rafting experience is required for this tour, only a sense of adventure! Knowing how to swim is not required but is recommended. However, our guides will provide all the necessary safety knowledge on how to hold on to and stay in the raft and all ...)
No rafting experience is required for this tour, only a sense of adventure! Knowing how to swim is not required but is recommended. However, our guides will provide all the necessary safety knowledge on how to hold on to and stay in the raft and all participants will be wearing high float life jackets. Please inform your guide ahead of time if you are not a strong swimmer so they can position you correctly in the raft.
Maximum weight limit: Approximately 300 lbs (136kg) due to safety reasons and the size of our gear.
Waiver policy:
Every guest must READ and AGREE to a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement prior to their rafting trip.
To view the waiver please copy and paste this link:
https://glacierraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RELEASE-GLACIER-RAFT-River-Rafting-May-2025.pdf
Cancellation Policy
If you have to cancel your trip, the full amount is refundable (less a $20.00 per person processing fee) provided we receive at least 72 hours notice prior to your trip date. If notice occurs within 72 hours of your trip date the full amount is non-refundable.
If you're booking a group of 8, or more, the policy changes to 1 week prior.
When you reserve your seats they are no longer available for anyone else to book. We also schedule guides, drivers and plan our logistics based on the number of seats we have confirmed. Because of this, if you cancel within 72 for ANY reason please do NOT expect a refund. This applies to all reasons.
River conditions may result in the minimum safe weight and age for children to increase with little notice. While this is rare, we will do our best to contact affected bookings as soon as possible and we will offer an option to re-schedule or provide a full refund. All refunds go back onto the credit card used for the initial booking.
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a trip due to weather or safety concerns, we will re-schedule your trip to a date that works for you, or provide a full refund. All refunds go back onto the credit card used for the initial booking.
We do not allow our guests to drink alcohol or come intoxicated in any way. This is both before and during your rafting trip. We need everyone to be in top form and not under the influence for safety reasons. If we refuse to take you because you're intoxicated, you will not receive a refund.
Late Policy
We are on Mountain Time - the same time as Calgary and Banff. If you are coming from the west please account for the 1-hour time difference. No refunds will be given for trips missed due to the time zone change.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your trip to allow time for check in and signing waivers. If you are late we cannot delay the trip from leaving. No refunds will be given for missed trips.
Departure & Return Information: Departure: The tour departs at 9:30 a.m from the Glacier Raft Company base, located right off of TransCanada Highway #1 in Golden, BC. We ask that you arrive at least 15-30 minutes prior to your trip to allow time for...)
Departure & Return Information:
Departure: The tour departs at 9:30 a.m from the Glacier Raft Company base, located right off of TransCanada Highway #1 in Golden, BC. We ask that you arrive at least 15-30 minutes prior to your trip to allow time for check-in and signing waivers. We do not delay departures for late arrivals.
*Note: We operate on Mountain Time (the same time as Calgary and Banff). If you are arriving from the west make sure you account for the 1-hour time difference.
