When planning a whitewater rafting adventure, one of the most important factors to consider is the river classification. Knowing the level of difficulty on a river will help you decide if you’re ready to go it alone or if a guided rafting experience is the better choice for you. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of self-rafting or the same thrill with added comfort and safety of a guided tour, understanding river classifications will ensure you choose the right adventure for you.

At Canadian Rockies Rafting, we offer guided rafting experiences from Class II-IV. 

Here’s a breakdown to understand river classifications and how they play a role in determining whether self-rafting or a guided experience is the best option for you.

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Class I: Easy – The Best for Self-Rafting & Beginners

Self-Rafting:
Class I rivers are smooth, with very gentle rapids and small waves, making them ideal for beginners who want to experience rafting without intense rapids. The water is calm, with minimal obstacles, and it requires little to no technical skill. This makes Class I rivers perfect for self-rafting if you’re new to the sport and just want to get a feel for being on the water. 

However, if you are self-rafting, it’s important to be cautious about weather conditions. As well as, other factors like water level fluctuations, which can slightly alter the ease of navigation. Always wear your lifejacket and be aware of your surroundings.  Always tell someone your adventure plan.

Guided Tour:
Even though Class I rivers can be navigated without a guide. Some rafters may still opt for a guided experience if they want a more informative and relaxing journey. A guide can enhance your experience by sharing knowledge of the local ecosystem and geology, making your trip even more enjoyable.

Our friends at Canmore Raft Tours  offer relaxing float trips along the Bow River in Canmore, Alberta. It’s the perfect way to take in the scenery and learn about the Bow Valley’s natural and cultural history. 

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Class II: Novice – Good for Self-Rafting with Some Experience or a Guided Tour

Self-Rafting:
Class II rivers are slightly more challenging than Class I but, are still manageable for those with a bit of experience. 

If you’ve rafted before or have a good level of comfort on the water, self-rafting on a Class II river could be a fun and exciting way to test your skills. You’ll encounter small waves and small obstacles that require basic maneuvers, but nothing that would be considered overwhelming. 

Be sure to access all recent weather and water flow information as well as study river maps. Take the time to scout so you can anticipate what’s ahead. 

Guided Tour:
If you’re newer to rafting, or if you’d rather focus on enjoying the scenery and have some extra guidance in navigating the water, a guided rafting tour is the best option. Guides ensure that you safely navigate obstacles and help you get the most out of the experience; Guides can pick the best line to get the best splash.

Our Bow River Horseshoe Canyon Tour, Kananaskis Surf Trip and our Kananaskis Whitewater Tour feature Class II rapids. These rapids are gentle but, with a bit more excitement compared to Class I.  

With a guided experience, these Class II rapids are a lead up to the bigger rapids ahead. Guides know how to hit these smaller rapids to provide big splashes and use them to practice different commands that might be needed later on down the river. 

Don’t discount these smaller class rapids, they might be small on the scale, but make the overall trip even more enjoyable as they tend to be more playful.

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Class III: Intermediate – Strongly Recommended for Guided Rafting

Self-Rafting:
Class III rivers introduce moderate rapids with larger waves, rocks, and drops. Self-rafting on a Class III river is generally not recommended unless you have previous rafting experience and advanced skills in whitewater navigation. 

The challenge of navigating swift currents, rock gardens, and sudden drops requires both technical skill and quick decision-making. While some experienced rafters may feel comfortable with Class III rapids, there’s always a risk of becoming disoriented, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with the river.

Guided Tour:
For those with zero to moderate experience on a river but want to experience the adventure, a guided tour is the only option. 

Guides can safely navigate the more technical portions of the river. They will yell commands and offer tips to enhance your experience while ensuring you’re safe. If you want to enjoy the adventure and challenge of Class III rapids but still feel confident in your safety, this is the perfect solution.

Our Bow River Horseshoe Canyon Tour, Kananaskis Surf Trip and our Kananaskis Whitewater Tour feature Class III rapids.  Class III rapids host drops and big waves. The thrill level is definitely elevated at this class of whitewater.

Class III rapids are also quite playful which makes them the perfect level for surfing.  

What’s surfing?  For more information on what we mean by surfing, check out our Kananaskis Surf Trip page for the tour description and watch a video of what you can expect on our tour.  

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Class IV: Advanced – Strongly Recommended for Guided Rafting

Self-Rafting:
Class IV rivers are serious business. With powerful, fast-moving rapids, large waves, and difficult obstacles, self-rafting is not recommended unless you’re highly experienced. 

Class IV rapids require expert skills, fast reactions, and the ability to handle complex maneuvers in challenging conditions. Self-rafting on these rivers is only safe for those who have completed intensive training or have many years of experience in Whitewater Rafting.

Guided Tour:
Expert guides are trained to navigate the difficult rapids of Class IV rivers and ensure your safety. They’ll help you stay focused on paddling and enjoying the experience while they manage the more dangerous parts of the river. 

Our Bow River Horseshoe Canyon Tour features Class IV rapids. Before you enter the canyon, your Guide will drill in commands and test your paddling ability as a team. As you enter the canyon your Guide will be yelling those commands and needing your power to punch through the Class IV waves in front of you. 

Class IV rapids are no joke, and deliver a heart pumping thrill like nothing else. 

If punching through the Class IV rapids aren’t enough, this tour also features two optional cliff jumps to really get your heart racing.

For those who have experienced the Horseshoe Canyon and are looking for a bit more, the Kicking Horse River is very well known for its stretch of continuous Class IV rapids.  Our friends at Wild Water will show you a great time if you want to get out on that river.

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Class V: Expert – Guided Experience Only

Self-Rafting:
Class V rivers are for experts only. The rapids are extremely powerful, with challenging obstacles and dangerous conditions that require a high level of skill. Self-rafting on Class V rivers is not only extremely risky but often prohibited due to the sheer danger involved. Even expert rafters will not attempt these rapids alone without a well-prepared crew and expert-level coordination.

Guided Tour:
If you’re an experienced rafter and want to take on a Class V river, a guided rafting trip is essential. Only the most skilled guides can navigate these extreme conditions. They will lead you through the most difficult rapids while ensuring your safety every step of the way. This is the ultimate challenge for adrenaline junkies, but it’s only recommended with an expert guide.  

Here at Canadian Rockies Rafting we don’t offer tours at this level.

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Class VI: Extreme – Guided Experience Only

Self-Rafting:
Class VI rivers represent the most extreme, dangerous rapids possible and are generally not rafted commercially. These are only attempted by highly experienced professional rafters. Self-rafting is strictly not allowed on Class VI rivers due to the extreme danger.

Guided Tour:
If you’re looking for the ultimate rafting challenge, you’ll need a guided rafting experience with the most skilled and experienced guides. However, Class VI rivers are rarely rafted in commercial tours due to the level of danger involved.

Here at Canadian Rockies Rafting we don’t offer tours at this level.

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In Summary: Choosing Between Self-Rafting and Guided Rafting

• Self-Rafting: Best suited for calm, Class I to II rivers where you can enjoy a peaceful journey with minimal challenge. If you’re comfortable with handling small rapids and have some experience, Class II can be an exciting self-rafting option.  Always ensure you have the proper safety equipment and gear.  Be sure to check weather conditions and consult the most up to date maps.  Never forget to tell someone your adventure plans and itinerary.
  
• Guided Tour: Highly recommended for any adventure level.  With a Guide you have the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the experience as your guide and the rest of the team is out there to ensure your safety.  Enjoy the thrill and make memories to last a lifetime.
  

At Canadian Rockies Rafting, we offer professional and entertaining guided rafting tours. 

Whatever adventure level you are looking for we have a tour for you. 

Ready to take on the rapids? Book your adventure today!