Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a beautiful day rafting down the picturesque Kananaskis River in Alberta, Canada. This day trip from Banff or Canmore will get you into a raft and cruising down for 1.5 - 2 hours on the turquoise waters of the Kananaskis River, one of Alberta’s most pristine waterways. This excursion is an ideal introduction to the thrill of whitewater rafting, and is great for families or groups on the class 1-3 rapids. Spot local wildlife and soak up Canada’s unparalleled beauty as you cruise down this beautiful river.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The minimum number for tour to run is eight people. Minimum needed for transport is three people.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Minimum age is 5 years old. Minimum weight is 40 pounds (18 kg). Maximum weight is 350 pounds (159 kg).
Not recommended for pregnant women.
Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions.
All passenger weights MUST be advised at time of booking.
What To Expect
Kananaskis Valley
Listen as the professional guides explain how to paddle and give safety instructions for your epic 1.5 to 2 hour adventure down the Kananaskis River, which originates in the Canadian Rockies and flows 46 miles (74 km) before emptying into the Bow River. Relax as you cruise along the calm parts of the river, taking in the scenery of craggy mountains and verdant trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife like eagles and other birds soaring overhead and bears or deer walking along the banks of the river. But don’t relax for too long — this is still an adventurous river. Listen as your guide directs you to navigate the periodic rapids. Hang tight as you bump up and down over the white water as if it were an aquatic bronco. When your rafting adventure comes to an end, you’ll be rewarded with snacks and high-fives, before relaxing on the ride back to your starting point.
Chinook Rafting
After pick-up from Banff or Canmore (optional), take a brief but picturesque ride through the Canadian countryside to the tour meeting point. Once you've signed a waiver and geared up at the riverbase, you'll be transported in a comfortable bus to the riverbase to begin your whitewater rafting journey.
Options
Transport Not Included
Transport Not included: Meet at Nakoda Lakeside Lodge on Highway 1A between Morley and Exshaw, no later than 1:15pm.
What‘s Included
4h duration (1.5 to 2 hour rafting adventure, with an optional swim at the end)
All necessary equipment (wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves)
Free photos of your rafting adventure available online
Snacks
Guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drink, unless specified
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
145 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our Guide Was No-Show
Debora O,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00We had a big problem. The tour guide never showed. A bunch of people waited around for our river rafting crew and eventually found out it had been canceled and no one told us. Our email that very morning said GOOD TO GO HAVE FUN. We were then told we could be refunded or reschedule. I would not give them another chance to cancel on me so took the money back and looked for another rafting company.
Definitely do it!
Amanda C,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an epic experience! Gorgeous views, level 3 rapids which were fun and exhilarating without feeling like you were in danger, amazing guides who kept up the energy the whole time! Would love to come back with my kids! Highly recommend! We had a very rainy day and we still had a blast! Pro tip- bring something loose and cozy to change into after you’re done- getting back into tight leggings will be tough when you’re wet and a bit chilly! Worth every penny!
Fun experience, great...
Sushama K,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun experience, great guide! Good for beginners. Clear instructions. Beautiful scenery. Felt safe on the boat.
Just do it
Andrew B,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an excellent trip. Highly recommended. It was handled very professionally. Very nice views and water
Great rafting adventure
teri k,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jachimo was a great guide! Loved his rafting guide stories. The trip was a great adventure for me and my 2 boys ago 10 and 12. The river ran high yesterday and it was a fun, fast adventure filled with enough rapids to make it the right amount of adrenaline!
10/10 would do it again
742ariannaj,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sooooooo fun! Shoutout to Jared you da goat🐐💯 I went yesterday and had the time of my life🙂↕️
Fantastic Time, better Guides
H8760IEliamk,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved the experience, especially with the view and friendliness of the staff (It was Tom). He entertained us with many stories (although many were grim) and guided us through the water very well 5/5, would go many times over again
Highly recommend!!
J8648TGteresah,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had an amazing time today with Alex as our tour guide! Not only was it fun and safe, it was all very organized and well done. We highly recommend this adventure!
Our Family + The River = Epic Fun
Jamie G,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rafting the Kananaskis with Richard was the highlight of our trip! My husband, two nieces, and I had an absolute blast—just the right mix of thrills and scenery. Richard kept us laughing, safe, and spotting waterfalls like pros. Bonus points for the snacks at the end—because nothing says “conquered the rapids” like hot chocolate and a little doggo time! The free photos of the whole adventure was a real class act! Highly recommend!
Incredible!!!!
Elaine H,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely the best experience of my life!! I was a little nervous at first, but I’m SO glad I went through with it. From check-in to returning back to base, the crew made me feel completely at ease. Our guides, Rachel and Tim, kept us laughing the whole way and made the journey unforgettable. I will 100% be booking another tour with this group—and I highly recommend you do the same!
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Operated by Discover Banff Tours