"Kootenay" Is paddler slang for "Awesome".
Everyone is familiar with the Rocky Mountains in Canada, but did you know they are only one of four major mountain ranges in the Kootenay Rockies region? Between the Purcell, Monashee, Selkirk, and western Rocky Mountains, are a variety of valleys boasting innumerable lakes and rivers offering every type of paddling experience. Its headwaters of the mighty Columbia River are located in the area of BC, near Fairmont Hot Springs, and flow north past Golden before veering south and running all the way to the Pacific Ocean in Oregon. Whether your preference is paddling big rivers or kayak fishing on lakes for Kokanee salmon, the Kootenay Rockies region is guaranteed to float your boat.
Participating communities from Kootenay Rockies
Explore pockets of this region by way of specific communities. Get info on the waterways in or near them and meet local paddling professionals.
Castlegar
Discover the little city at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia rivers. And try the borscht.
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Fernie
The Elk River snakes its way past this community and the Bull River flows nearby. As their names suggest, the paddling here is wild.
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Golden
Golden is perfectly named because the paddling experiences here are worth their weight in, well, you know.
ExploreMeet the specialists Kootenay Rockies
From guides and instructors to marina owners and sales reps, here are the people who will ensure you’re not sent up the creek without a, well, you know.
I want to go
on a(n)
Alpine Rafting
Alpine Rafting is located in Golden BC on the famous and beautiful Kicking Horse River.
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Canyon Raft Company
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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Columbia Wetland Outpost
Located between the scenic Rocky and Purcell Mountains, Columbia Wetland Outpost offers self guided tours to explore the surrounding nature.
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Edge of the World
Offering top of the line equipment for sale and rent. Come check us out – Downtown Fernie. BC
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Endless Adventure
Endless Adventures offers a variety of different watersports options for everyone to try out.
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Float Golden
Float Golden offers the most affordable paddle board rentals throughout Golden.
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GearHub Sports
GearHub sports offers a wide variety of watersports gear and equipment for rentals or sale.
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Glacier Raft Company
Go whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River with Goldens original rafting company, Glacier Raft Co.
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Golden Paddle
Golden Paddle provides many different watersports rentals for their guests.
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Golden River Adventures
At Golden River Adventures try something new with their inflatable kayak rentals and create your own adventure.
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Hydra River Guides
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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Kicking Horse Paddle Festival
The Kicking Horse Paddle Festival is an annual event that recognizes and appreciates the beauty of the Kicking Horse River and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
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Kootenay Raft Company
For over 20 years the Kootenay Raft Company has been offering adventurous whitewater rafting trips in Kimberley BC.
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Kootenay River Runners
Kootenay River Runners is perfect for adventurous visitors to experience guided whitewater rafting trips down the mighty Kicking Horse River.
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Kootenay River Runners: Golden
Kootenay River Runners in Golden BC explores the mighty Kicking Horse River.
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Roam Adventures
Explore the rivers and experience beautiful mountain views while adventuring with Roam Adventures.
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Scotties Marina
Located on the Arrow Lakes, Scotties Marina is a fully serviced marina that also provides some watersports rentals.
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Tunnel49
Tunnel49 is a rafting company that offers a variety of different tours including calmer trips or more adventurous ones.
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Tunnel 49 (Mountain High Adventure)
Whitewater Rafting is a unique way to experience Fernie. You’ll enjoy breathtaking sceneries in our high quality 8 seater rafts as you navigate through carved canyons, and over Class 2, 3, and 4 rapids.
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Wet n Wild Adventures
Experience thrilling rafting trips down the Kicking Horse River with Wet n Wild Adventures.
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Wild Blue Yonder Rafting Adventures: Revelstoke
Become a "River Pirate" on a whitewater rafting tour with Wild Blue Yonder Rafting Adventures.
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Wild Water Adventures
Wild Water Adventures is known to be the best organized whitewater rafting trips near Banff.
Learn MoreLearn more about paddling in Kootenay Rockies
