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Kick Your Fun Into Overdrive

Legend has it that the Kicking Horse River was named by a surveyor in the mid-19th Century after he was unceremoniously booted by his packhorse. Whatever the reason for the name, we can confidently say the river has been kicking paddlers into high gear since the 1970s when the first forays by raft and then kayak were made. Originating in the glacial waters of Wapta Lake in the Canadian Rockies, 80-kilometre river runs past the community of Golden and is famous for its class III-IV whitewater runs. However, it also has tamer waters for intermediate paddlers and a variety of outfitters offer guided excursions here. 

Paddle pros

Here are the experts who will help perfect your paddling trip.

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Kicking Horse River

Whitewater rafting
rentals and tours
Alpine Rafting

Alpine Rafting is located in Golden BC on the famous and beautiful Kicking Horse River.

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Rafting the Kicking Horse River
tours and rentals
Glacier Raft Company

Go whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River with Goldens original rafting company, Glacier Raft Co.

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Paddle Boarding
rentals and tours
Golden River Adventures

At Golden River Adventures try something new with their inflatable kayak rentals and create your own adventure.

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Rafting the Kicking Horse River
tours
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
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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Whitewater rafting
tours
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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Whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River
tours and rentals
Kootenay River Runners: Golden

Kootenay River Runners in Golden BC explores the mighty Kicking Horse River.

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Whitewater rafting down the Kicking Horse River
rentals and tours
Wet n Wild Adventures

Experience thrilling rafting trips down the Kicking Horse River with Wet n Wild Adventures.

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tours
Wild Water Adventures

Wild Water Adventures is known to be the best organized whitewater rafting trips near Banff.

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Explore more in this community.

Every corner of BC has something unique to offer. From freshwater lakes on Vancouver Island to rafting on the whitewater of Squamish, you will never find a shortage of amazing paddling.

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