No matter what your skill or thrill levely may be, you'll find outstanding whitewater rafting adventures in Vancouver, Coast and Mountains. From calm and easy-flowing rivers to roaring waters and towering waves, the region is home some of the best rafting and whitewater rivers in the world. There are several outfitters that offer a variety of rafting excursions, from half-day adventures to overnight trips with accommdoation suitable for families and children. Thrill in Mother Nature's awesome strength and beauty on a whitewater rafting trip in Vancouver, Coast and Mountains.
Three types of raft trips are offered by licensed operators in the area: paddle, oar and motorized rafting. Paddle rafts are truly participatory and require you to paddle while the guide steers and calls commands. Oar rafts are similar to paddle rafts, except that a large frame and oars are used to propel the raft. Motorized rafts are used on the larger, deeper rivers such as the Thompson and Fraser. You simply sit and hold on as the raft zips through the rapids.
Did you know: Before embarking on a rafting or kayaking excursion on whitewater rapids it is vital that you have a good idea of what to expect from the river. To clarify and simplify this process, all whitewater rapids are rated on a scale of I to VI. The rapids received ratings based on a combination of difficulty and danger, where class I rapids are the least difficult and class VI rapids are the most difficult. It's important to remember that difficulty and danger do not always equate to fun.
East of Vancouver, the Chilliwack River is popular with both kayakers and rafters. Canada's whitewater kayaking team regularly paddles the Tamihi rapids, which are amongst the largest on the Chilliwack River. At Hope, the Coquihalla River offers non-stop, heart-thumping whitewater excitement during the spring run-off in May and June. The Chilliwack and Coquihalla Rivers are rated as Class III rivers and are ideal in the early summer.
Heading deeper into the Fraser Canyon, the Nahatlatch River near Boston Bar is proudly ranked as one of the best paddling rivers in North America. The 25 incredible rapids in 10 km (6.2 mi) stretch offer continuous and exciting whitewater adventure.
The Mighty Fraser River is one of the most remarkable rivers in the world, revered for the large volume of water that it carries to the sea. Only large motorized rafts are allowed to run in the Fraser's legendary rapids at Hell's Gate, the narrowest gorge in the Fraser River, where 750 million litres (200 million gallons) of water surge through every minute.
Hell’s Gate – 2:02 Experience the awe inspiring cauldron of Hells Gate, this Vancouver Coast & Mountains attraction is found in the Might Fraser Country and is an international favourite.
Near Lytton, affectionately known as the Rafting Capital of Canada, the Thompson River provides some of the most popular rafting trips in British Columbia. Legendary Class III-IV rapids such as the Frog, Devil's Kitchen, Cutting Board snd Jaws are interspersed with miles of calm water, so you'll you have time to catch your breath!
The rivers surrounding Pemberton and Whistler in Sea to Sky Country are ideal for both the first-time and seasoned rafter. In the early summer, the Birkenhead River is fast-flowing with roaring drops and waves, perfect for paddle rafting. For a fun and easy rafting experience, the Green River in Whistler and the Cheakamus River near Squamish are popular Class II runs. Slightly more challenging, the glacial Elaho River offers Class III-IV excitement and beautiful mountain views. For a different type of adrenaline rush, try tackling the rapids in a motorized jet-boat.
Safety Tips: Never paddle alone and always wear a life jacket, helmet and wetsuit.
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