FAQ
Any Questions? We Have the Answers ...
Still have questions?
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
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.
Whitewater Rafting is an adventure that comes with risks. Our guides give a detailed safety brief about the risks and hazards and how to handle different situations that could arise during the tour. Even with safety briefs and well trained guides, there is no guarantee that injury or incidents won't occur while Whitewater Rafting/River 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.
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. If you’re interested in spotting wildlife, our Bow River Nature Float offers great birding opportunities in May through June.
Our rafts take 8 to 10 participants in a raft, plus one river guide who sits and coaches you from the back.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
There is no maximum age limit for our whitewater tours – so long as you’re physically fit you’re welcome aboard! Our scenic float is also an amazing experience for anyone still wanting to get out on the river but, not interested in whitewater rapids.
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.
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.
You need to bring a swimsuit, towel, dry clothes (for afterwards), fleece sweater (optional), sunscreen, and lots of energy!
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.
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.
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.
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, our guides have string at the river base for you to use. Just ask!
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.
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!
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. On our Bow River Nature Float, however, you will not get splashed or wet. This tour is a relaxing float on calm water.
The waters of the Bow River and the Kananaskis River range from 6 to 12C in the summer.
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” you can 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!)
For the Bow River Nature Floats, the tour departs from our Canmore Office. There is a free, gravel parking area across the street behind Home Hardware. (Turn into the Home Hardware parking lot at the lights at Railway Ave. and Main St.)
For our whitewater tours, when you arrive at our river base, the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino, you can park in the adjacent lot from our River Base and then please head over to one of our staff to Check-in.
We offer a shuttle bus from our Canmore Office for our Bow River Horseshoe Canyon tour and the 1:30pm Kananaskis Whitewater tour.
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.
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.
Both Float Tours start at 6:30pm.
The Town Float is one (1) hour in duration; you can expect to be finished about 7:30/7:745pm.
The Dead Man's Flats Tour is one and a half (1.5) hours; you can expect to be finished about 8:00/8:30pm.
The Town Float is one (1) hour on the water. The Dead Man Flat's Tours is one and a half hours (1.5) hours on the water.
We can’t control Mother Nature but, we can say that lots of local species live in the area and they are commonly seen by our river guides throughout the summer. On the Bow River Nature Float tour you have a good chance of seeing osprey, bald eagles, cliff swallows, river trout, elk, and even beavers!
No, but we do supply bottled water. If you would like to bring your own snacks or non-alcoholic beverages you are more than welcome!
No, you will not get wet on the float tour. This is a relaxed float tour on calm water. The only chance of getting wet is if you want to jump in!
You can wear anything you like! On cooler days, we recommend you wear long pants and bring a warm sweater. You can wear open or close-toe shoes.
Our Bow River Nature Float tour starts at the Trans-Canada Highway bridge and ends in Three Sisters Campground. We float through an area known as Dead Man’s Flats. If water levels are too low to float this section (in late summer) we will float from the Canmore public boat launch to the Trans-Canada Highway.
Yes! We offer a discount of 10% off for groups of 10-17, and 15% off for groups of 18 or more.
Yes! Contact us directly to take advantage of our local discount.
We cannot guarantee that your group will have its own raft. Indeed, our rafts can take 8-10 people, which is why we will be mixing groups to fill our boats.
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.
We require 7 days notice (prior to a tours departure time) to cancel or change a tour without penalty.
- Cancellations within 7 days of your departure time and no-shows are not eligible for a refund.
- If you reduce the number of guests 7 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 7 days of your departure time you will still be charged for all guests that were booked prior to the 7 days notice required for cancellations or changes.
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).
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).
Yes, the minimum age requirement for our Bow River Nature Float is 4 years old. No minimum weight requirement.
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.