It’s all about that moment right before the plunge: your heart rate increases and scalp tingles as you drift towards a wild, white maw of water. Your fingers tighten around the paddle and then suddenly you’re launched into a roller coaster of wet joy, bouncing from wave to wave and surrounded by the stunning natural beauty that has made British Columbia famous around the globe.
BC is also world-renowned for its whitewater. From guided rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River near the aptly-named town of Golden to multi-day adventures on the Chilcotin and Babine in the northwest region of the province, there’s something for every type of paddler whether you’re new to the experience or an expert.
To enjoy some particularly playful water, late Spring is the best time to raft because snow melt courses down from the 10 major mountain ranges that span the province and swell its rivers, the largest six being the Columbia, Fraser, Liard, Peace, Skeena and Stikine. Innumerable tributaries branch off of these which means there are literally tens of thousands of kilometer’s for you and your raft to enjoy.
Meet the experts, businesses, associations, and clubs that have a handle on all things rafting related.
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Adams River Rafting offers unforgettable 2.5-hour trips down the scenic Adams River in BC. Enjoy rafting, learn about Indigenous culture, and more!
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Alpine Rafting is located in Golden BC on the famous and beautiful Kicking Horse River.
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30+ years of Rafting in Revelstoke! Consistent Ownership since Day 1, fantastic rafting and a commitment to superior customer service keeps Apex Rafting top rated on Google, Facebook and Trip Advisor. 26 km of rafting with up to Class 3+ Rapids(Class 4 at high flows) Price also includes Rafting Trip Photos and fresh fruit & pastries. Hot Tub/Sauna available.
Big Canyon Rafting offers two different multi-day expeditions along the Chilcotin, Fraser River, or Taseko.
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Whitewater rafting expeditions located in Vancouver, Whistler, and Squamish the Canadian Outback Rafting Company has something that will suit everyone.
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Canadian River Expeditions will take you on beautiful tours throughout Northern BC.
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Located in Fernie BC the Canyon Raft Company offers anything from scenic floats to whitewater rafting, making it suitable for all.
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Experience year round rafting trips with Chilliwack River Rafting.
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Endless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.
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Discover quality paddle gear and apparel at GearHub. Find everything you need for your next adventure.
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Go whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River with Goldens original rafting company, Glacier Raft Co.
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At Golden River Adventures try something new with their inflatable kayak rentals and create your own adventure.
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Hydra River Guides offers many different activities, whether it’s a fast paced rafting trip or a gentle canoe ride they have it all.
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Experience whitewater rafting trips with Interior Whitewater Expeditions, no matter your skill level they have something for everyone!
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Kootenay Raft Co. offers thrilling rafting adventures in the Kootenays. Family-friendly trips, rentals, and custom group outings available.
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Kootenay River Runners is perfect for adventurous visitors to experience guided whitewater rafting trips down the mighty Kicking Horse River.
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Experience the best rafting in Western Canada with Kootenay River Runners. Offering whitewater rafting adventures in the Purcell & Rocky Mountains since 1976.
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Kootenay River Runners in Golden BC explores the mighty Kicking Horse River.
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Explore the Thompson and Fraser river while whitewater rafting with the Kumsheen Rafting Resort.
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Experience unique wilderness and whitewater rafting tours with Kynoch Adventure Tours.
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Experience beautiful scenery while whitewater rafting with Mount Robson Whitewater Rafting Co.
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REO Rafting & Yoga Resort offers all-inclusive glamping vacations, whitewater rafting, and yoga retreats in a stunning outdoor setting near Vancouver.
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Explore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.
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Enjoy a scenic float on the Fraser River or try something more upbeat like whitewater rafting, Stellar Descents offers many of those options.
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Tunnel49 is a rafting company that offers a variety of different tours including calmer trips or more adventurous ones.
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Wedge Rafting offers whitewater rafting along the Green River that is perfect for beginners.
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Experience thrilling rafting trips down the Kicking Horse River with Wet n Wild Adventures.
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Become a "River Pirate" on a whitewater rafting tour with Wild Blue Yonder Rafting Adventures.
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Wild Water Adventures offers top-quality whitewater rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River since 1992.
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The Cowichan Valley spans 3,500 square kilometres in southern Vancouver Island and is home to communities like Ladysmith, Duncan, and Chemainus. It’s a paddler’s paradise, offering everything from peaceful SUP sessions on Lake Cowichan and saltwater kayaking in the Saanich Inlet to adrenaline-pumping whitewater canoe runs on the Cowichan River. Off the water, the region serves up a feast of local flavours with its farmers markets, wineries, cideries, farm-to-table restaurants and some great brewpubs.
Located on the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet means “people of the safe harbour” in the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ language. The small community of about 2,000 residents is nestled on an eight-kilometre-long peninsula that forms a natural barrier between the calm inner harbour and the open ocean. It’s the perfect launch point for beginner-friendly paddles and a fun town in which to enjoy aprés. If you only have three days, this paddling itinerary I enjoyed in Ucluelet is what I’d recommend.
Whether you’re drawn to swift water, calm exploration, or rugged backcountry nights, Kitimat offers a bit of everything. It’s untouched, wild, and waiting. Here’s a full itinerary of our trip to this undiscovered paddling paradise.
Only 30 minutes from the largest city on Canada’s West Coast, Vancouver’s North Shore is a magical area that boasts serene, secluded paddling.
Embark on a scenic 3-day paddling trip through the heart of the Kootenays, exploring the stunning waterways around Castlegar, British Columbia. This adventure blends gentle river currents, serene lakes, and breathtaking mountain views for a relaxing, yet immersive, outdoor experience.
Experience the best of Nelson and Kootenay Lake on a three-day adventure filled with paddling, mountain views, and local flavour. From coffee at Oso Negro and shoreline paddles in Nelson, to soaring with Kokanee Mountain Zipline, ferry rides across the world’s longest free crossing, and hikes to the Pilot Bay Lighthouse, each day blends outdoor adventure with unforgettable dining—ending with a sunset meal at the historic Kaslo Hotel.
Vancouver’s North Shore blends coastal adventure with urban charm, offering a journey where paddlers, food lovers, and culture seekers all find connection.
Comox Valley offers an accessible yet unforgettable paddling experience — the perfect blend of convenience, community, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or new to paddling, the region’s protected waters and stunning scenery make it a must-paddle destination on Vancouver Island.
The first river I paddled in British Columbia was the Slocan in the East Kootenay. It was, and still is, unbelievably beautiful. Having grown up canoeing the flat-as-glass prairies, I had never…
Every corner of British Columbia offers something special for the visiting paddler, from gliding through coastal inlets to soaking up the sun on warm interior lakes. To help you explore BC by…
Like many, I’d floor it through the region between the Okanagan and the coast when travelling through southern British Columbia. There never seemed to be a reason to stop unless my kids…
