Planning a stag or stagette party for yourself or a friend can be a daunting task. We get it! You have to plan the activities, accommodation, logistics and food. You have to organize a big group of people - often times many who don’t even know each other - and we know how hard that can be. If you're going to celebrate a stag or stagette in Golden, BC, let us help with some of the planning.
Weddings should be fun, not stressful, and we want to make your job as easy as possible. We know everything there is to do in our little town, so we're laying out some recommendations.
This isn’t our first rodeo. We’ve helped many groups plan their ideal weekend and we’d be happy to help you do the same.
Celebrating a stag party in a fun way in Golden, B.C.
Check out a review from someone who joined us for a rafting trip this past summer.
Had an absolute blast with my buddies for my bachelor party! Our guide Darren made it insanely fun and we could tell we were in good hands the whole day. On the note of the helicopter, I highly, highly recommend it. It's absolutely an experience worth going for! I can speak on behalf of the other 5 guys I was with that it was a perfect day, and we will be returning!
Dillbark1, TripAdvisor
So, here you go. Our recommendations for the best activity, where to stay, and our favourite places to grab a bite.
The Best Activity for Your Stag or Stagette in golden, Bc
White Water Rafting
The Kicking Horse River is amazing! For a full day or half day of whitewater rafting, the Kicking Horse does not disappoint. There’s lots of big whitewater, and calmer options too (we’ll cover options for nervous folks a bit later on).
We have heli rafting and non-heli rafting trips, and here’s a rundown on both.
Stagette party getting right into it on the Kicking Horse River
Rafting Trips (Non-Heli)
1. WHITE WATER DISCOVERY - FULL DAY RAFTING
White Water Discovery is our most popular trip. It starts off with the calmer Upper Canyon and works up to the fun class 2 - 4 white water in the Middle Canyon. It is a full day on the river and is a great balance between a beautiful float and lots of great rapids.
This trip includes our riverside barbecue lunch and it runs from 9:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Learn more and get pricing for a Full Day Rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River
2. WHITE WATER EXPRESS - HALF DAY RAFTING
White Water Express is our quickest trip and it rafts the middle canyon of the Kicking Horse River. The middle canyon has a lot of fun class 2 - 4 rapids, and it starts off with a great stretch known as Portage and Shotgun. If you’re short on time or just want a quick fix of excitement, this is a great choice.
This trip runs at two different times and both start after lunch.
It runs from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. AND from 3:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
The 3:30 trip is $20.00 cheaper than the 11:00 a.m. trip, so for some extra savings this would be a good option. Both trips are exactly the same, it’s just the 3:30 start time isn’t quite as popular.
Learn more and get pricing for a Half Day Rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River.
Stagette girls celebrating with an awesome day of rafting the Horse
The whole crew at Glacier Raft was absolutely great!! Right from the start, my buddy and I phoned to book in for my stag party…for 14 guys. Our river guides knew how to make a group have the time of their lives. We WILL be back... the whole experience is worth every penny. Thanks to the Glacier team, you know how to entertain!!
Wade T, TripAdvisor
HELI RAFTING TRIPS
1. ULTIMATE ADVENTURE - FULL DAY HELI RAFTING
The Ultimate Heli Adventure is the most complete rafting experience on the Kicking Horse, as it’s the only trip that rafts all 3 sections of the river.
It starts with the calm Upper Canyon and builds into big class 3 and 4 whitewater in the Middle and Lower Canyons. The Lower Canyon is only accessible by helicopter making this the ultimate day of whitewater rafting!
This trip includes our riverside barbecue lunch, as well as some afternoon snacks, and it runs from 9:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Learn more and get pricing for a Full Day Heli Rafting trip
2. PURE WHITE WATER - HALF DAY HELI RAFTING
Pure Heli White Water rafts the two biggest sections of white water on the Kicking Horse River – the Middle and Lower Canyons. There are lots of continuous class 3 and 4 rapids, and the Lower Canyon is only accessible by helicopter. If you only want big adventure this is the perfect choice.
This trip starts after lunch and it runs from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Learn more and get pricing for a Half Day Heli Rafting trip
If you have questions about heli rafting in general, check out this article that covers all the ins and outs of a heli rafting day.
Our heli - full of Glacier guests flying into the Lower Canyon of the Kicking Horse River
common faqs for rafting the kicking horse for a stag or stagette in golden, bc
Are there RAFTING DISCOUNTS FOR STAG AND STAGETTE GROUPS?
For all stag and stagette parties in Golden, BC the bride/groom is able to raft for FREE provided there are at least 7 paying guests. Everyone else in the group saves $10.00 from the price of their trip with a group of 8+ people and $15.00 with a group of 16+ people.
If you book a heli rafting trip the bride/groom still rafts for free, they only have to cover the cost of the heli flight.
Discounts apply to all stag and stagette groups with a group of 8+ people
Can your rafting trips Accommodate Large Groups?
We sure can! Rafting is the perfect activity for stags and stagettes in Golden, BC for this reason. Whether you have a handful of people, or a big posse, we’ll be able to accommodate your group.
Over 100 people can go down the Kicking Horse River in a day, so chances are we have you covered.
If you’re booking a large group it’s best to confirm your seats sooner rather than later. If it’s going to be last minute we’ll do our best to fit you in, and with at least one months notice it’s usually no problem at all.
Whether you're a group of 3 or 30, we've got you covered for an awesome day of rafting (speedos not provided)!
People in My Group are Nervous About river Rafting. should they still come?
That’s okay! It’s very common for this to be the case.
If you have folks who are nervous about whitewater, we do have a great option.
You would all start together in the morning to raft the Upper Canyon, which is a calm, beautiful float trip. You’ll all enjoy a riverside BBQ lunch, and after lunch the adventure seekers will continue into the rapids of the Middle Canyon. Those who are finished will take the bus back to our base where they can relax in the garden or head into town. It’s only an hour or so difference between the two trips, so wait times are minimal.
Those doing the full day trip will be on the White Water Discovery and those doing the morning only are on the Family Adventure.
If those booked on the Upper Canyon only are having a fun time, they do have the option to upgrade on the day of the trip. They only have to let their guide know and they’ll arrange it, provided we still have seats available.
Will you Capture Photos and Videos of the Day?
We sure will! Our professional photographer will be snapping photos and our guides will be getting GoPro footage of the best action on the river.
Everything's available to view at the end of your trip.
A photo captured during this groups day of rafting. We'll have lots of photos and videos for you to look at too!
Now that you have an awesome activity planned, where should you stay?
Top 3 Places to Stay for Your Stag or Stagette in Golden, BC
1. Our FREE Campground
If camping is your thing, we have a beautiful free campsite out of town beside the Kicking Horse River. The campground is only free to groups who have also booked a rafting trip (there are no rates for non-rafters).
Our riverside campsite is east of Golden and it’s a very rustic set up. It is stunning - big mountain views, river flowing by, lots of wild flowers and space to spread out - but you will need to pack in (and out) everything you need.
Free camping is available to anyone who rafts with us on the Kicking Horse River
There is no electricity or running water so you’ll have to pack accordingly for cooking and hanging out.
The campground operates on a first come, first serve basis, but with over 25 acres there is lots of room.
If this interests you, all you have to do is mention the FREE CAMPING when you confirm your rafting trip. We'll send you a detailed map, directions and the campground rules and regulations.
Because it’s located east of town, this would be a good option if you want to chill or play some games around a campfire (provided there’s no fire ban). If you want to hit up some of the bars, we don’t recommend this drive out of town.
For an option closer to town, check out Lush Accommodations
2. Lush Accommodations
We highly recommend Lush Accommodations. They have a bunch of lodges and chalets that can accommodate large groups (up to 20+ people). They’re all BEAUTIFUL!!
We’ve had many groups stay with Lush and we’ve never heard a single complaint. There are beds for everyone and they come with all amenities - hot tub, full kitchen, tv, wifi, fireplace and BBQ.
By the time you split the cost amongst the group, it also works out to be cheaper than staying at an average hotel. For a bit of luxury and a comfortable stay, Lush Accommodations is the way to go!
Most of their properties are out of town, so if you want to plan a night out in town, Mount 7 Taxi is the option for a DD. It would be a good idea to check in with them before getting deep into the night.
3. Golden Eco Adventure Ranch
The Golden Eco Adventure Ranch is a nice camping spot that’s suitable for tents or RVs. It’s located about 15 minutes south of Golden, so if you don’t mind a bit of a drive this is another spot we recommend. They have a huge 400 acre property so it’s very spaced out, with lots of mature trees and privacy.
They have all the amenities you'll need for camping - bathrooms, showers, laundry, wifi, a swimming pond, fire pits and hookups.
Because they have such a large property, this is a better option than the smaller campgrounds in town.
Top 3 Places to Eat for Your Stag or Stagette in golden, bc
1. Rockwater Bar & Grill
The Rockwater has a big menu, good bar and awesome outdoor patio. It has lots of seating so it’s great for large groups and we enjoy their food.
2. Indian Kitchen
If you like Indian food, Indian Kitchen is the BEST. Every guest we’ve sent there has loved their food and we’ve never been disappointed ourselves. It’s right beside our rafting base making it a convenient stop if you wanted to go for dinner after a full day of rafting.
3. The Island
It seems like we have a bit of thing for outdoor patios, but the Island ticks this box too. An awesome rooftop patio overlooks the Kicking Horse (opposite side of the river from the Rockwater). It’s an awesome log building with a cozy atmosphere, good food and nice wait staff.
Bonus Recommendation - Bar Hopping Loop
Golden isn’t very big, and once you’re downtown our 3 bars are only a minute or two apart. If you’re looking for some nightlife, this is the loop we recommend. Start at the Taps for a drink or two. They have a small outdoor patio out back, as well as a pool table.
From the Taps, make your way to the Rockwater (this will take you about 30 steps). The Rockwater has a nice outdoor patio, a big drink menu and lots of comfy seating.
Lastly, you’re going to want to end up at the Riverhouse Tavern. Also right on the Kicking Horse with lots of outdoor space, treat yourselves to a Shaft. Their signature drink of Kahlua, milk and espresso will keep your night going strong.
So there you have it. If you’re going to celebrate your stag or stagette party in Golden, BC, we hope this helps with the planning.
We'd love for your crew to spend a day with us on the Kicking Horse
The suggestions here are the tip of the iceberg. If you need other suggestions of things to do or places to stay or eat, we’re happy to help out. Get in touch by emailing trips@glacierraft.com
We also have packages with several restaurants in town. If you raft with us, we have 10% off coupons for 5 of the best restaurants in town (including the 3 mentioned above).
We also have raft and play packages with some other activity providers in town. If ATVing or skydiving is on your list of must dos, we can help you save some money when you book along with a rafting trip.
We do think Golden, BC is the best spot to be to celebrate your stag or stagette party and we hope to see you and your crew soon!
Cheers from all of us here at Glacier Raft
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