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Things to do in Golden

Our most recommended things to do in Golden

Kicking Horse River: Whitewater Rafting Half-Day Trip

1. Kicking Horse River: Whitewater Rafting Half-Day Trip

Enjoy an exhilarating whitewater rafting tour on the Kicking Horse River as you brave Class 2 to Class 4/4+ waters with a guide. Take on rapids such as Hopi's Hole, Cable Car, Table Saw, and the famous Portage and Shotgun. Your experience begins at the local partner's day lodge, conveniently located on the TransCanada Highway. After a warm welcome, your crew distributes top-of-the-line rafting gear (wetsuit, wetsuit booties and gloves, spray jackets, life jackets, and helmets). In the comfort of heated change rooms, change into the provided gear before taking a quick shuttle to the "put-in" (starting point), where you receive your extensive safety briefing before jumping in the river. This is the biggest whitewater river in the Rockies. Prepare to hold on and get wet. Enjoy the canyon environment and possibly get a glimpse of a mountain goat, wolf, or bear. Following your trip, another quick shuttle returns you back to the warmth of the base. Once changed back into dry and comfortable land clothes, enjoy snacks and a selection of hot and cold beverages. Stop by the gift shop for a souvenir or photo of the trip to take back home.

Kicking Horse River: Half-Day Intro to Whitewater Rafting

2. Kicking Horse River: Half-Day Intro to Whitewater Rafting

Get a perfect introduction to whitewater rafting on Class 1-3 rapids starting in Yoho National Park of Canada. Experience moderately-challenging rapids and the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies.  Check-in at the lodge conveniently located on TransCanada Highway #1. Be fitted with top-of-the-line gear and transported to the starting point of the rafting experience. Receive a thorough safety briefing before setting off on the river. Embark on a 90-minute downstream journey starting with the "Alarm Clock" rapid, which is sure to wake everyone up. In between the exciting rapids, take in the beautiful scenery surrounding you on all sides. Learn about the wildlife in the area, how the Kicking Horse River got its name, and how the river gets its beautiful blue color. Finish the rafting trip at "Hopi's Hole", which serves as an exciting grande finale. After the rafting, be taken back to the lodge to relax and warm up in the heated changing-rooms. Once back in warm, dry clothes, enjoy freshly baked goodies and seasonal fruit along with a selection of hot and cold beverages. Browse through the gift shop to pick up a souvenir t-shirt or photos from your experience.

Kicking Horse River: Rafting Trip with BBQ

3. Kicking Horse River: Rafting Trip with BBQ

Set off on the famous Kicking Horse River for a genuine Rocky Mountain whitewater rafting experience. The 5-hour trip (2.5-hours on the river) combines all the best the river has to offer: bouncy and splashy waves, calm and scenic float sections, and big whitewater rapids.  Check in at the local partner's base, conveniently located on TransCanada Highway #1, and change into your top-of-the-line gear, which is provided. Transfer then to the rafting start point and, following a thorough safety briefing, it will be time to get on the river. Begin on the upper, more gentle, scenic section of the Yoho National Park. For approximately 1-hour, enjoy splashing through the waves as you warm up for the more intense sections downstream. The second half of the trip, taking approximately 1.5 hours, is made up of 14 sets of rapids ranging from Class 2 to Class 4+. Expect to get soaked during this section! After rafting, transfer back to the base to enjoy the warmth of the DayLodge and heated change rooms. Once back in warm, dry clothes, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch.

Kicking Horse River: Maximum Horsepower Double Shot Rafting

4. Kicking Horse River: Maximum Horsepower Double Shot Rafting

For those looking for the maximum whitewater experience, choose the trip with twice the whitewater, twice the fun, and twice the adrenalin rush! The Maximum Horsepower is not one, but TWO runs down THE best whitewater section of the Kicking Horse River. Rafters experience 24 rapids and cover an accumulated total of 24 kilometers river distance. In order to make this double whitewater trip even more exhilarating, rafters power downstream in two different styles of rafts. The first run is in the ever-popular 16-foot oar-rigged rafts, giving everyone a chance to warm up and get familiar with the river. The second run is rafted in smaller 14-foot boats. Those two feet make a world of difference. Smaller rafts accentuate everything: the bounces, the smashes, and the hits! It may be the second run on the same section of river, but it will be a completely different experience. In addition, all guests are provided a paddle for the second run. It is a thrilling and unforgettable whitewater adventure! First, check in at the RiverBase DayLodge (conveniently located on TransCanada Highway #1), change into top-of-the-line provided gear and be shuttled to the 'put-in' (or, rafting start point). After a thorough safety briefing, it is time to get on the river. After the first run, guests are shuttled back to the top of the trip to run the river again, but in different rafts. For the second run the smaller 14-foot 'all paddle' rafts are used, and every guest is required to assist in the paddling process. 100% participation is required. Afterwards, shuttle back to the warmth of the RiverBase to change back into warm, dry land clothes and enjoy tasty snacks and beverages.

Kicking Horse River Family Rafting Adventure

5. Kicking Horse River Family Rafting Adventure

Enjoy a mild whitewater rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River, the best rafting river in the Canadian Rockies. Start from the private river base and enjoy a serene float down the Kicking Horse River. Marvel at the scenery, look out for wildlife and enjoy some commentary from your friendly guide. Pull over to enjoy a short hike through the canyon to a waterfall before heading back on the water for a taste of the rapids, enjoy the splashes from class 1-2 waves and maybe even share in a rival raft water fight. Back in dry clothes, check out your group rafting shots and pick up a souvenir of your day.

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What people are saying about Golden

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 133 reviews

There were lots of beautiful views to take in whether or not you went over the bridge. Less to see and do if you don't go over the bridge. The best advise is to keep moving, eyes ahead, don't look down if you are nervous and get to the other side. It is worth it to see the other side and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment once your legs stop shaking.

Spencer made for an outstanding rafting experience. He was engaging knowledgable, fun, respectful and sensitive to my husband’s needs. The company was organized and made you feel safe and secure at all times!! I would highly recommend Wild Water Adventures!!

Had a blast! Great water and great guides! Haven’t been on the Kicking Horse for 20 yrs and it was just as fun and exciting as I remember! We’ll be back next year with a bigger group!

The rafting was awesome and our guide Tye was really cool and took care of all the members in our boat. I would definitely recommend everyone to at least do once in lifetime.

Staff were amazing!! Rafting was enthralling. We thoroughly enjoyed it.