KICKING HORSE RIVER - FAQ's

WHITE WATER RAFTING THE KICKING HORSE RIVER IN GOLDEN, BC

1. Where are you located?

2. What equipment do you provide?

3. What should I bring?

4. What's for lunch?

5. What if it rains?

6. Do I need to know how to swim?

7. How are rapids rated?

8. Is someone going to take my photograph?

9. Do I need experience to come rafting?

10. Do you ever see wildlife while you're on the river?

11. What makes Glacier Raft Company unique?

12. Other companies mention a "land use fee".  What's the deal?

13. When does our season Start/End?

1. Where are you located?

The Kicking Horse River is located in beautiful Golden, BC at 612 7th street North, on the road to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Please refer to our locations page for detailed maps of how to find us or speak to one of our friendly staff. (250) 344-6521.

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2. What equipment do you provide?

We provide you with all of your white water river rafting equipment. This includes wetsuits, neoprene socks or booties, splash tops, fleeces, helmets, life jackets, self-bailing rafts and paddles. We provide transportation to and from the Kicking Horse River and our buses are driven by professional class 2 licensed drivers.

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3. What should I bring?

All you need to bring is a swimsuit and old running shoes or sport sandals (optional & that can get wet).

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4. What's for lunch?

We provide a delicious riverside steak (Alberta Beef) BBQ lunch, complete with appetizers, dessert and hot and cold beverages. We also provide alternative lunches upon request (chicken, fish or veggie burgers).

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5. What if it rains?

We run rain or shine. Rafting is the best thing to do on a rainy day - you are going to get wet anyway!

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6. Do I need to know how to swim?

You don't need to be a confident swimmer, but should be comfortable around water.

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7. How are rapids rated?

Rapids are rated on a scale of 1-6. Class 1: Moving water. Class 2: Splashy waves. Class 3: Easy maneuvering rapids, waves. Class 4: Intense rapids, technical maneuvering. Class 5: Long, powerful rapids with serious consequences. Class 6: NO GO!

The Kicking Horse River has 3 Sections: The Upper, Middle & Lower Canyons.

• Upper Canyon - Class 1 to Class 3 Rapids
• Middle Canyon - Continuous Class 3 and a 1 km Class 4 Section 
• Lower Canyon - 3 Kilometres of continuous Class 4 followed by float into Golden

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8. Is someone going to take my photo/video?

Our professional onsite photographer takes digital photos of you at some of the best whitewater sections on the Kicking Horse River. He will also be at our lunch spot where he takes photos of you and your group. 

We are the only company on the Kicking Horse River to film HD video of each rafting every day!  Our guides are equipped with GoPro camera's and shoot video from the back and front of the rafts!  

You can view your video and photo back at base at the end of the trip and combo dvd discs are available to purchase.

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9. Do I need experience to come rafting?

Many of our rafters are first timers. Our guides take time in the morning to acclimatize you so that you feel comfortable and confident in the raft.

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10. Do you ever see wildlife while you're on the river?

Yes! Mountain goats, black bears, deer, big horn sheep, and bald eagles are among many of the animals often spotted along the banks of the majestic Kicking Horse River.

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11. What makes Glacier Raft Company unique?

This is our 30th year of running white water rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River. Glacier was one of the first companies to raft the Kicking Horse River and the first company to run commercial trips on the lower canyon. Our trips are never rushed and we always take time to ensure your safety and enjoyment. We limit each boat to 8 customers allowing maximum comfort and personal attention from your guide. Trips are designed for you to have a memorable day out, appreciate our beautiful area and enjoy the entertainment provided by our guides. We are the first and only company on the river to offer HD video footage of your trip. Our base is located on the river in the town of Golden, BC. At the end of your adventure, we invite you to join us around the campfire to share stories of the day and enjoy a cold beverage!

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12. Land use fee?  Do we charge you for it?

No!  Other companies will tell you there is additional fee for land use and they will even tell you that all other companies charge it.  We do not.  Our prices include EVERYTHING you will need for a great day of rafting.

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13. When does our season Start/End?

We start rafting May long weekend and run trips everyday until Labour Day weekend in September!

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