Rafting the Canadian Rockies
The summer after my daughter turned ten, we went on our first white water rafting trip as a family. Since then, it’s become sort of an annual tradition. So far, we’ve hurtled down rivers in Montana, Washington, Idaho/Oregon, and Wyoming. This summer I asked the kids where they thought we should try for our white water adventure. They chose Canada. Bless them 🙂

Every river we’ve rafted on has its own unique characteristics and the trip with Kootenay River Runners was no exception. For starters, the Kootenay is the coldest river we’ve ever been on since the water is fed by glaciers and snow melt. Which explains the lovely blue onesies we sported 🙂 Time of year also contributed to the coldness: we went the first weekend in June, one of the first rafting trips of the summer, so the water hadn’t warmed up.
Despite the chill, it was an awesome trip. The Canadian Rockies are stunning in their beauty. Floating through the canyons between Radium Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs was absolutely gorgeous. And the waterfall we paddled up to was definitely a bonus. Our rafting guides were funny and knowledgeable, and they helped make the day a lot of fun.

On the drive to our put in spot we saw a mama grizzly with her cubs. So cool! But I’ll admit that I was happy to be seeing them from a bus and not from like a tent!

By the time we got off the river, we were pretty cold. Luckily, this area is known for its hot springs and our hotel in Fairmont Hot Springs had several soaking pools to choose from. They also had a zip line course which the kids were more than happy to try out the next day!
All in all this was a fantastic trip for a long weekend. Everywhere we went was accessible and the rumours about Canadians being super nice held true. Seriously, is there a such thing as a surly Canadian? I haven’t met one yet!
Fun Fact: The Kootenay River is one of only four major rivers in North America to start in one country, pass into another, and return to the country of origin.
Know Before You Go: Life vests have always been a requirement for white water rafting. But these days, most companies will also require helmets on anything other than a float trip. Aqua socks, securely strapped sandals, or snug fitting sneakers are also a good idea. And you might want to bring a hat to hide your helmet hair after you get off the river 🙂
Nancie
I think this is a fantastic family adventure and what better way to see experience the Canadian Rockies. I’m not a rafter, but we do have some great rafting here in Nova Scotia. You can even ride the tidal bore when the tide is rushing in!
Sherrie
I haven’t been to Nova Scotia, but I hope to get there one day when I’m on the east coast. I used to ride the waves in my kayak in California. Sounds like your tidal bore would be just as much fun!
Suzy
This looks SO much fun! How wonderful that you were able to see the mumma bear and her cubs – I’d be glad to have seen them from a bus rather a tent too! I really cannot wait to visit the Rockies one day.
Sherrie
The Rockies are quite honestly, stunning. Someday I think I’d like to take a trip just going along their entire range. It’s all beautiful country.
Dagney
Don’t think there is such a thing as a surly Canadian! This sounds like a wonderful trip, even if it was freezing. But sometimes the chill is worth it for the views and adventure. I used to live right by Kootenay Bay, and I actually didn’t realise that Kootenary River went into the US before looping back up. Thanks for the fun fact 🙂
Dagney
Sherrie
Omigosh, you lived in this beautiful area? Lucky!! And you’re right, I don’t think a surly Canadian exists. Is it something they put in the water?? 🙂
Danielle
The grizzlies are amazing! I love water sports but never tried rafting. It looks amazing doing it at the Rockies, such a beautiful location! Great post
Sherrie
I was SO excited to see those grizzlies!! If you like water sports, definitely give rafting a try. It’s a lot of fun and some of those rapids can definitely get the adrenaline pumping!
Bea
May I say that you are amazing?! I am so scared to try rafting. Bravo to you! You are my new hero.
Sherrie
Thank you 🙂 But you don’t need to be brave to go rafting, especially if you go with a company that has experienced guides. They’ll make sure you have a fun, safe trip.
Kelly
I can’t believe I’ve never been white water rafting – it looks like such a fun day out! It sounds like you guys had a great time on the Kootenay River, and so cool that you got to see bears as well. We seriously need to get to Canada!
Sherrie
I love visiting Canada and where we live, it’s only a couple hours away. If you do ever go rafting, this is a great river to try.
Chirasree Banerjee
Enjoyed reading your post. I have no experience in rafting but your post inspired me to try it. Seeing Canadian Rockies while rafting is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this idea.
Retha
What an amazing family tradition! Rafting is something you can all share all over the world. If you’re ever up in Maine try the Dead River on a dam release!
Maggie McKneely
I love white water rafting, and I love the Canadian Rockies! Actually went there this summer too! But we didn’t go rafting there; next time, I’ll add it to the itinerary! My favorite place I’ve ever gone rafting though was in Glacier National Park on the Flathead River!
Federica Provolenti
That’s amazing that the river come back to its country of origin! And love the waterfall you paddled on it!
Emma
Ahh amazing photo of the bears! What a cool way to experience the rockies, I wish I thought to do this when I visited.