Banff 
The province of Alberta is full of opportunities to hop onto a body of water or a river, so the fact that there is an amazing number of places to enjoy some rafting is not a surprise.
Credit: Wild Blue Yonder, Grande Cache
The river systems that run throughout the province offer rafters of all abilities a chance to get out and enjoy some white water, or simply float.
With some of the best rafting in Canada, Alberta is the perfect destination to get into the sport. Regardless of your choice, be aware of the dangers associated with rafting on your own. Do your research, get a map, carry the proper equipment and have the right experience. If you are not an experienced rafter, or even if you are, but want to try a new route, it’s better to enjoy the water with a qualified and experienced company.
St. Mary’s River
Located in the southern part of the province, the lower part of St. Mary’s River is classified as an area for “river running” and has amazing Class III and IV rapids, and the upper part of the river has some great Class II rapids for everyone to enjoy. This section of the river is ideal for families with small children or beginners looking to try rafting for the first time.
If you’re heading out on your own to do this river, make sure to do your research before putting in. The run into Kimball and Highway #501 provides some good intermediate white-water rapids. Below Highway #501 is a pleasant, fast river paddle through scenic cottonwood flats and open southern Alberta rangelands.
You can also book your adventure with Incept Adventure Co.
Guided Whitewater Rafting Offered by:
- Incept Adventure Co., Cardston
The Bow River
The Bow River runs through the magnificent Rocky Mountains, down through Calgary, and beyond, making it an ideal river to experience in various areas.
Within Calgary, of course, you can float on the Bow without putting in much effort, but if you want a little more adventure and some white waters, take a rafting trip through the part of the river that runs through Banff National Park. You will hit Class III and IV rapids and a whole lot of beauty, not to mention wildlife and birdlife. One of the highlights of this trip is being able to jump into the glacial river waters!
This is a popular rafting trip out, and there are many companies that provide services, such as Canadian Rockies Rafting or White Wolf Rafting.
Companies Offering Guided Whitewater Rafting at Bow River
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- Chinook Rafting (From Nakoda Lakeside Lodge in Kananaskis Country)
- Canadian Rockies Rafting and Adventure Centre (From Stoney Nakoda Resort, 888 Morley Way in Kananaskis Country)
- White Wolf Rafting (Company Address: 109-829 10th Street, Canmore)
Kananaskis River
The Kananaskis River runs through, well, Kananaskis. This is a fantastic starting rafting adventure for families and those who don’t have any experience on the water at all and want a bit of a calmer ride.
With the incredible views of the nearby Rocky Mountains, Kananaskis River offers white water rafters a Class II and III experience. With the gentler flow of this river, there is ample opportunities to enjoy the scenery and keep a lookout for wildlife as well.
You can raft here well into the fall as well, not just in early summer months. There are several companies offering tours in the area, primarily located in Canmore or Banff, including Chinook Rafting, Hydra River Guides, and Kananaskis Whitewater Rafting.
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Guided Whitewater Rafting Offered by:
- Chinook Rafting (From Nakoda Lakeside Lodge in Kananaskis Country)
- Hydra River Guides (base located in B.C – 2936 Kicking Horse Road, Golden)
The Bow River from Canmore
More of a float than a white-water adventure, you can easily raft down this river from Canmore, enjoying the phenomenal mountain views and keeping an eye out for the local wildlife, such as bears, elk, deer, beavers and birdlife such as eagles and osprey. Perfect for families with smaller children or those who just want to get their feet wet!
Guided Rafting Offered by:
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- Canmore River Adventures (From Canmore Public Boat Launch )
- Canmore Raft Tours (Company Address: 829 8th (Main) Street, Canmore)
- White Wolf Rating (Company Address: 109-829 10th Street, Canmore)
Athabasca River Mile 5 and Athabasca Falls
If you are heading off to Jasper National Park to explore the area and want to try something special for the first time, the Athabasca River is a must-do.
Not as well-known as the rivers in the Banff area, Jasper still has a lot to offer those seeking a water-based experience with a more remote feel. Not to mention the fact that you will be travelling on one of the most historically significant rivers in the area.
The Mile 5 area of the Athabasca River is a calm place to start your rafting life, as there are plenty of places to just sit back and watch the gorgeous scene passing by along the stretch of Class I waters. You are likely to see wildlife and lots of birdlife here as well. A perfect soft adventure for all ages. A second section of the river starts just at the base of Athabasca Falls and continues through some Class II rapids into the Athabasca River Valley.
Check out Jasper Raft Tours, Jasper Rafting Adventures or Maligne Adventures for the easier Mile 5 route.
Jasper Rafting Adventures and Maligne Adventures also offer the slightly more challenging Athabasca Falls route.
Guided Whitewater Rafting Offered by:
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- Jasper Raft Tours (Address: 611 Patricia St, Jasper)
- Jasper Rafting Adventures (Address: 618 Connaught Dr, Jasper)
- Maligne Adventures (Address: 604 Connaught Dr, Jasper)
Sunwapta River
Another adventure offered by Jasper Rafting Adventure, as well as Maligne Adventures, this slightly more challenging river will provide rafters with a Class II and III experience. The excitement of the rapids combined with the fantastic views of the area, including the Endless Chain mountain range, gives you an excellent step up in experience. In fact, ‘Sunwapta’ is the Stoney Indian term for ‘turbulent river,’ and once you do it, you will see why. High waters are usually mid-June to late July, which provides the best experience. These are the only Class III river rapids within Jasper National Park.
Guided Whitewater Rafting Offered by:
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- Jasper Rafting Adventure (Address: 618 Connaught Dr, Jasper)
- Maligne Adventures (Address: 604 Connaught Dr, Jasper)
The Upper Red Deer River
Just over an hour away from Red Deer, you will find a unique opportunity to hop on the upper Red Deer River for a rafting experience amid some breathtaking scenery. With rapids ranging from Class II to IV, there is something for every level. Rafting companies such as Mukwah Tours and Hunter Valley Adventures offer opportunities for half-day, full-day, and multi-day journeys with fantastic guides and all the necessary quality equipment.
Guided Whitewater Rafting Offered by:
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- Mukwah Tours (Mukwah’s base camp near Sundre)
- Hunter Valley Adventures (near Sundre)
Grande Cache Area
One of the most extreme rafting trips in the province, this out-of-the-way destination is perfect for those who are looking for something a bit more wild and wet.
Grande Cache is regarded as one of the premier wilderness destinations in Alberta. Those with little experience who want to ride, can choose Class I/II and enjoy the Smoky River, while those who want a bit more adventure can raft on Class II/III on the Sulphur or Muskeg River, Class III/IV on the Kakwa River, or Class IV/V on Sheep Creek.
Guided Whitewater Rafting Offered by:
- Wild Blue Yonder (Company Address: 11113 97 Avenue, Grande Cache)
Kicking Horse River
One of the most renowned rivers for white water rafting near Calgary is the Kicking Horse River.
The Kicking Horse River is located in British Columbia, but many companies from Banff offer this incredible adventure as a day trip, as it is relatively close.
Tucked right into the mountains, with shale canyons providing rapids, and combined with wide-open areas to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery and wildlife, this river offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. Don’t be fooled, though; this is a Class II to IV+ river and the most famous rapids in the area, the mile-long “Portage” and “Shotgun” rapids, are full of continuous, fast-paced white water. This section is Class IV to IV+ and is a true heart-racing adventure.
Guided Whitewater Rafting Offered by:
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- Hydra River Guides (Departs from – 2936 Kicking Horse Road, Golden, British Columbia)
- Wild Water Adventures (Departs from – 2750 Beaverfoot Road, Golden, British Columbia)
- Alpine Rafting (Base Location – 1509c Lafontaine Rd, Golden, British Columbia)
- Glacier Raft Company (Base Location – 1509a Lafontaine Rd, Golden, British Columbia)
Golden is located 90 minutes’ drive from Banff or ~ 3 hours from Calgary.
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