River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour in Whistler

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

The River of Golden Dreams is a summertime classic. Our guides will teach you paddling skills and techniques as you begin your adventure paddling across the historic Alta Lake. You will paddle through flowing lilies and around bends of overhanging greenery as you learn about Whistler's history, flora and fauna.

Water levels are always changing and this tour is always an adventure, be it fast moving water in the spring or obstacles like beaver dams and a portage in late summer.

Duration: 3 Hours round trip

Ability: Moderate level of fitness required. Must be able to swim.

Minimum age to participate: 6+

Additional Info

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

All children (under 19) must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age to participate is 6 years of age.

ALL participants must be able to swim.

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

It is mandatory for all tour participants to sign a Release of Liability and Waiver Form. Any participants under the age of 19 must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign on their behalf.

Language: a conversational level of English is required to safely participate in Canoe tours

2 capable and strong paddlers required for each canoe. Please contact us if you would like to be in a canoe with a guide.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional guide

All necessary equipment

Round-trip transport from lodge to lake

GST

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

What To Expect

Our guides will teach you the basic paddling skills required to steer your canoe across Alta Lake and down the River of Golden Dreams. Water levels are always changing and this tour is always an adventure, be it fast moving water in the spring or obstacles like beaver dams and a portage in late summer.

Options

River of Golden Dreams Tour

Reviews

4.92

145 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

138

We had the best time...
Adriana S,
Jun 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had the best time canoeing on River of Golden Dreams. Eli and George were fantastic tour guides, teaching us how to canoe, guiding us through tight areas of the river and keeping it fun! Would 100% recommend for the future and would love to come back.
We had the best time...
Niti R,
Jun 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had the best time ever! So much fun, so many laughs and so many memories made. It was beautiful and our guide was very patient with us. Would do it again in a heartbeat!
Be ready for some serious paddling!
Dana S,
Jun 20, 2025
- Viator
4.00
We enjoyed our canoe tour and had a great guide. The work of paddling was explained well in a calm lagoon. Once we got on the river it had a relatively strong current that moved the canoe along briskly. There were lots of twists and turns that required constant paddling adjustments to avoid the brush and branches that jetted out at every turn. It can be quite difficult to navigate. Even though we ducked out of the way and tried to avoid being stuck by the branches our canoe ended up capsizing. The water is quite cold-"glacier fed" from what we were told. It was pretty scary trying to stay afloat as our canoe was completely filled with water. Our guide was amazing. She found a spot to get out and right the canoe. She had warm blankets and was very kind. She kept checking on us as our journey continued for another hour. It was pretty challenging to keep going but we made a memory we will not forget on the "River of Icy Dreams." This is not a beginner or novice level activity so please be prepared.
My friend and I had a...
Alice M,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00
My friend and I had a brilliant time. Ilona was a super friendly guide and kept us very safe 😊 Nice views - would recommend!
Relaxing on a river
Bernard F,
Aug 1, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Georgina was a delightful course leader. So friendly and informative and also keen to ensure everyone was safe. I chose a Kayak and it was quite hard work doing the paddling as I had not done it for a long time. But great fun and we went at a gentle pace so even I could keep up. Really relaxing and great to be first on a lake then meandering down a river. The river flow was gentle and so felt really safe. Would highly recommend the trip