FAQ
Any Questions? We Have the Answers ...
Still have questions?
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
Safety & Risk
Is river rafting safe?
At Canadian Rockies Rafting, your safety is our priority. Whitewater Rafting is an extreme activity that involves hazards and risks. Our guides are trained to recognize and manage potential risks, hazards, and dangers, but this does not eliminate the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with Whitewater Rafting/River Rafting. All participants freely accept and fully assume the risks, dangers, and hazards of participating in the trip. Refer to our Waiver for details.
Do I need to sign a waiver
Yes.
Waiver Requirement: All guests participating in any activity with Canadian Rockies Rafting will be required to read and agree to the Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement (the "Waiver") as a condition of participating in the activity. If the Waiver is not completed, the individual will not be permitted to participate and a refund will be provided.
- A copy of the Waiver is available for review below. The Waiver will be available for completion electronically prior to participating. (Note: We may use paper waivers in certain circumstances)
- Each adult must sign their own Waiver
- A parent/legal guardian must complete the Waiver for their minor/child under 18 years old.
- This Waiver requirement applies to all individuals who wish to participate using your booking regardless of when they were added to the booking.
PLEASE READ THE WAIVER CAREFULLY! By signing, you will waive or give up certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach of contract, or breach of the Occupiers' Liability Act or claim compensation following an accident.
VIEW THE WAIVER BELOW -
Can I print out the waiver and bring it with me to the tour?
No, but the waiver can be completed online prior to your tour via your confirmation email.
Printed waivers won't be accepted.
We may use paper waivers in certain circumstances.
I can't swim, can I still go rafting?
Yes, you do not need to know how to swim. However, we ask our guests to let their guide know that they are non-swimmers. We recommend guests with limited or no swimming abilities to join our Kananaskis Whitewater Tour, as the rapids are not as strong, and the chance of something happening is reduced but, no guarantees can be given and guests must understand that they may end up in the water, in the rapids, and separated from the raft.
Are there risks involved with river rafting?
Rafting is an adventure that comes with risks, dangers, and hazards. Our guides give a detailed safety brief about the risks, dangers, and hazards and how to handle different situations that may arise during the tour. Even with safety briefings and well trained guides, there are no guarantees that serious injury or incident won't occur with rafting. Participants freely accept and fully assume all risks, dangers, and hazards associated with participating in the tour. Refer to our Waiver for details.
If a participant is not comfortable participating after the safety briefing, please let your guide know. you can elect not to participate and we will provide a refund.
General Questions
Do I need experience to go whitewater rafting?
No, you don’t. Most of our guests are first-timers and our trips, equipment, and briefings are designed to put beginners at ease. Our experienced guides will provide a safety orientation before you get on the water and coach you the whole way through the rapids. No previous whitewater experience is necessary.
What is the best time of year to go rafting?
The rivers change from May to September. High water is usually from mid June to mid July. For the real whitewater enthusiast, this would be an exciting time to book on our Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater tour as the rapids are at their biggest. That being said, the amazing scenery along the Horseshoe Canyon makes it a fantastic experience all summer long. The Kananaskis River is dam controlled and stays consistent all season long, making it an excellent choice at any time during the season.
How many people fit in a raft?
Our rafts take 8 to 9 participants in a raft, plus one river guide who sits and coaches you from the back.
Can I go rafting if I don’t know how to swim?
If you do not know how to swim, our Kananaskis Whitewater tour is the perfect option for you. This tour is still challenging and lots of fun but not intimidating or overly powerful. We do not recommend the Horseshoe Canyon for those who cannot swim. Our Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater tour features higher water levels and more powerful rapids. There is a greater chance that a boat could flip or that you could fall out and you would need to swim to safety.
Do we need to be physically fit to go rafting?
We recommend that all of our rafters be in good physical health as the cold water can be a shock if you fall in and the paddling is a lot more strenuous than it looks! If you have a medical issue but, you still want to go rafting, we always recommend you check with your doctor first.
Is lunch included in either of the tours?
We offer a Surf & Saddle package with Boundary Rancch that includes a horseback ride, a lunch and a rafting tour on the Kananaskis River. You have the choice between a BBQ Burger or a BBQ Steak.
When does your season start and end?
We start rafting as soon as the ice is off the river, and up until the snow falls! This is usually between the start of May to the end of September. We have even done the odd trip in April and October depending on Mother Nature!
What sets Canadian Rockies Rafting apart from other rafting companies?
Canadian Rockies Rafting has been running the rivers of Alberta and British Columbia for more than 25 seasons. Our dedication to safety and customer service is second to none and our staff members are friendly, experienced and willing to answer all of your questions and concerns. We pride ourselves in offering the most affordable whitewater rafting adventures in the Bow Valley, not to mention, we offer excursions that you won’t find anywhere else including river boarding and private/custom tours.
Are any of the whitewater rafting trips suitable for seniors?
There is no maximum age limit for our whitewater tours – so long as you’re physically fit you’re welcome aboard!
It’s supposed to be raining the day of our trip, will the trip be cancelled?
We raft rain or shine! You’re going to be getting wet anyways. The only events that we would cancel a trip are in adverse weather conditions or if the water levels are not suitable for rafting.
Gear & What to Bring
What do I wear?
Most guests arrive with their swimsuit underneath their clothes. Once at our river base you change into your wetsuit, wearing your swimsuit underneath. We provide you river boots, so don’t worry about what shoes you need to wear.
What do we need to bring?
You need to bring a swimsuit, towel, dry clothes (for afterwards), fleece sweater (optional), sunscreen, and lots of energy!
What if I don’t own a swim suit?
That’s okay! You can wear tight shorts, a tight-fitting tank top or t-shirt, or leggings underneath your wetsuit. The closer the wetsuit is to your skin, the warmer you will be.
What can I bring in the raft with me?
Just yourself! We do not allow cell phones, cameras, or backpacks the raft as there is a good chance that they will get wet, damaged, or lost. Sunglasses are allowed but not recommended. If you need anything for medical reasons, please let your guide know and they will make sure it comes on the raft with you.
Can I bring my GoPro?
Yes, but at your own risk. We have a few helmets at the river base with the GoPro helmet mount (first-come-first-serve) – just make sure you bring any necessary accessories. We do not take responsibility for any GoPros or personal items that are lost on our river tours.
I wear prescription glasses. Can I wear them on the raft?
Yes, of course! We wouldn’t want you to miss the adventure! We recommend you bring an eyewear retainer or safety strap. If you do not have one, we sell eyewear retainers at the river base.
Can we bring our cameras/ phone on the raft with us?
No, we do not recommend it. Any technology on the raft is at risk of getting wet, damaged, or lost. We do allow GoPros, but guests must be aware that Canadian Rockies Rafting is not liable for any personal belongings lost or damaged on the river. There will be a photographer along the river banks taking photos of your adventure which will be available for purchase on rafting.ca 24-48 hours after the date on your trip.
Can we bring our own wetsuits, life jackets, or river shoes?
All guests must wear Canadian Rockies Rafting life jackets and helmets for safety reasons and insurance purposes. Our gear is checked regularly to make sure it is in good condition and up to current Canadian safety standards. You can bring your own wetsuit as long as it is 3mm or thicker, has long pants, and is checked by your guide first!
On the River
Will I get wet?
Yes. You can expect to get splashed on all our whitewater trips! Not to mention, you have the option of jumping out of the raft and going for a swim on both of our whitewater tours.
How cold is the water?
The waters of the Bow River and the Kananaskis River range from 6 to 12C in the summer.
Are we going to be freezing the whole time?
Definitely not. Your wetsuit is designed to keep you warm by warming the water that it collects, creating a layer of insulation. If you know you are a “cold person” we do have wetsuit jackets. You can also bring a fleece sweater to wear between your wetsuit and your splash jacket. (Do not bring cotton – when it gets wet it will keep you cold!).
Weather
It’s due to rain on the day of my trip, will it still go ahead?
Yes! We raft rain or shine, getting wet is all part of the fun and a little rain never hurt anyone right? Depending on the temperature we will offer you a wetsuit jacket to give you that extra layer of protection. If you’re worried about being cold we recommend bringing a fleece/sweater with you to wear on top of your wetsuit - this will get wet but it’s an extra layer for you.
There’s a storm forecast with thunder and lightning expected, will the tour still go ahead?
Yes, due to the location of the rivers we raft on it's very likely the storm will roll through passing quickly or never even reach us at all! Safety is our top priority, if we need to delay the trip for safety we absolutely will, after all we’re out there with you too! That being said, it is extremely rare that we have to delay any start times.
It’s super sunny on the day of my tour, what can I do to avoid sunburn?
Sunscreen is recommended but probably avoid applying it to your forehead - your helmet will cover this area anyway but when you get wet it can drip down into your eyes and no one wants that! We also offer splash jackets (the blue ones) that can offer you some UV protection too. Sunglasses can be worn at your own risk, we’d recommend a sunglass strap to help secure them in place during the trip - we sell them for $3+tax at both our Canmore office and our base area.
It’s Cold! Will We Still Be Rafting?
We’ll still be heading out rafting on the day, we have wetsuit jackets to offer you as an extra layer of warmth and we recommend bringing a fleece/sweater with you to wear on top - this will get wet but it’s an extra layer for you. Avoid cotton, this will draw heat away from your body when it gets wet and make you colder.
The Weather Isn’t What I Thought, Can I Reschedule?
The weather isn’t always within our control, if it was we’d have glorious sunshine all summer long! We recommend checking the forecast in advance and chatting to your group to make sure you’re happy to raft. If you want to make any changes to your booking you can do so up to 48 hours before your trip, within 48 hours refunds and amendments cannot be made to the booking as per our cancellation policy.
where to meet & parking
Where do I park?
When you arrive at our river base at the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino, there is parking directly at the site. Once parked, please head over to one of our staff to Check-In.
Do you offer a shuttle service?
We offer a shuttle bus from our Canmore Office for our Horseshoe Canyon tour and the 1:30pm Kananaskis Whitewater tour.
How do we get back to our cars after?
Our river base at the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino, is our meeting point and staging area. From there, everyone hops on a bus to the actual “put in” location on the river (the piece of the river bank where we put the rafts in the water). Then, once everyone arrives at the “take out” of the river (where the river tour ends) our bus driver will be waiting to drive everyone back to our river base at the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino where you left your car.
Will we start and finish at the same spot?
No. On your river tour, you will flow downstream, catching the rolling rapids and working as a team to conquer the whitewater along the way. Where you put the boats in the river will not be the same place you take the boats out of the river.
Cancellation Policy
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 48 hours notice (prior to your tours departure time) to cancel or change your tour without penalty.
- Cancellations within 48 hours of your departure time and no-shows are not eligible for a refund.
- If you reduce the number of guests 48 hours or more before your departure time – a reduction in price will be given to reflect the updated number of participants.
- If you reduce the number of guests within 48 hours of your departure time you will still be charged for all guests that were booked prior to the 48 hours notice required for cancellations or changes.
What is your cancellation policy for private/exclusive tours?
We require 14 days notice (prior to a tour’s departure time) to cancel or change a tour without penalty.
- Cancellations within 14 days of your departure time and no-shows are not eligible for a refund.
- If you reduce the number of guests 14 days or more before your departure time– a reduction in price will be given to reflect the updated number of guests.
- If you reduce the number of guests within 14 days of your departure time you will still be charged for all guests that were booked prior to the 14 days notice required for cancellations or changes.
- For additional information, please refer to the Policies & Booking Requirements page on our website to review.
Groups & discounts
Do you offer a group discount?
Yes! We offer the following group discounts;
10% off for groups of 9-17 people
15% off for groups of 18 or more people
20% off for groups of 36 or more people
20% off for groups of 45 or more people plus FREE photos
Do you offer a local discount?
Yes! Between May 15-July 15, 2026 locals can raft for $55 + tax per person. Please contact us directly to take advantage of our local discount.
Must show proof of address.
Can my group/family guarantee our own raft?
We cannot guarantee that your group will have its own raft. Indeed, our rafts can take 8-9 people, which is why we will be mixing groups to fill our boats.
Booking questions
How do I book?
You can book online, book over the phone by calling us at (403) 678 6535, book via email at [email protected], or book in-person at our office in Canmore, located at 909A Railway Ave.
When should I book?
To ensure space on the date of your choice, book as early as you can. We recommend you book 7-3 days prior to your desired trip date.
Can I show up to the river base to go rafting?
All our rafting tours need to be booked in advance since we organize boats and staff depending on bookings.
We accept booking up to 8:00 pm the night before for our Horseshoe Canyon Tour or a Morning Kananaskis Whitewater Tour, and up to 11:00am the day of a tour for the Afternoon Kananaskis Whitewater tour and Kananaskis Surf Trip.
Can I pay the day of the tour?
We require full payment at the time of booking.
What methods of payment do you have?
We accept Mastercard, Visa, debit, cash at our Canmore Office.
We only accept Mastercard and Visa online. We do not accept visa debit online.
Tours Restrictions
Is there any restrictions for the Kananaskis Whitewater tour?
Yes, there are a few restrictions on our Kananaskis Whitewater tour. The minimum age to join this tour is 5 years old, the minimum weight is 45lbs (20kg) and the maximum weight is 350lbs (160kg).
Is there any restrictions on the Horseshoe Canyon tour?
Yes, there are a few restrictions for this tour. The minimum age is 12 years old, the minimum weight is 90lbs (45kg) and the maximum weight is 350lbs (160kg).
Is there any restrictions on the Kananaskis Xtreme?
Yes, the minimum age is 12 years old, the minimum weight is 90lbs (45kg) and the maximum weight is 350lbs (160kg).
can’t find what you’re looking for?
Feel free to contact us by calling us at 403-678-6535 or email at [email protected]
You can also come in person to our office in Canmore, located at 909A Railway Ave.