River of Golden Dreams Canoe and Kayak Self Guided Excursion
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Paddling the River of Golden Dreams has been an iconic Whistler activity for over 100 years. To this day, little to no development has taken place on its riverbanks, lending a wonderful opportunity to experience Whistler's wildlife and breathtaking mountain vistas in tranquility.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Lifejackets
Detailed river trip orientation at the water's edge prior to departure
Canoes or single kayaks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Shuttle back to Lakeside Park
Water shoes
Lunch
What To Expect
The River of Golden Dreams is a flat-water 5K+ waterway that winds its way from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Choose canoes or single kayaks from our fleet and float with the flow of the water through Whistler's wetlands, gently steering your boat around corners. Our self-guided river trip is about 2.5 hours of paddling, starting at Alta Lake and finishing up at Meadow Park Sports Center, just before Green Lake. Our trips include a bus shuttle back to Lakeside Park afterwards. The river is glacier-fed and its water level changes substantially throughout the season. In spring and early season, water levels are generally higher, meaning you will most likely be paddling in fast-flowing water. By late summer, water levels are low and the beavers build up their dams. The current is much lazier, but you will have to pull your boats over more obstacles including beaver dams.
Options
River of Golden Dreams Canoe and Kayak Self Guided Excursion
Reviews
42 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fun adventure!
RACHEL L,
Jul 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00Beautiful and so much fun! A much bigger adventure than I thought I signed up for. The river has several beaver dams and a fish wall thingy you will need to get out of your kayak and climb over, and then get back in. There were small rapids in places, which made it more fun. Not for a novice kayaker, but there is a part you can get out and skip if you are unsure. You just have to be prepared to shlep your kayak to another part of the river and put back in. That being said, I am by no means an expert kayaker and I thought it was a fun challenge. Not too hard, just not easy either. River was so shallow mid July that we had to really pay attention or we would end up stuck on the bottom at times. Takes about 2-3 hours depending on how much you chill along the way.
Beautiful scenery
Diane R,
Jul 3, 2025
- Viator
4.00It was a beautiful trip. Though I did not feel we were entirely prepared to have to take our kayaks out of the water to move them to continue down the river. That said we did love the surroundings and it was great.
A golden river of dreams!
Denise P,
Aug 13, 2024
- Viator
5.00A beautiful river to kayak or canoe down. I highly recommend this in Whistler. Peaceful and fun. Great staff too!
Awesome
Negar S,
Jul 28, 2024
- Viator
5.00The staff were super friendly and the trip was very well organized . The tide was low this season and they provided very helpful tips on navigating .
Magnificent way to experience Whistler
Nicolas S,
Jun 23, 2024
- Viator
5.00It was a wonderful way to see the scenic beauty of Whistler! My Fiancée and I enjoyed canoeing through the lake and the team there was very helpful. We expected to be done sooner but it did take the the full 3 hours. Time flew in the best way. Definitely bring a waterproof bag for your phone, water shoes, and maybe a light long sleeve shirt. We ran into many bushes and this helped save my arms from being scratched.
Related Experiences
Operated by Backroads Whistler - River of Golden Dreams