

ABOUT ALPINE RAFTING
Since 1984, we’ve guided over 160,000 people down the Kicking Horse River. With this many years in operation comes experience. From our fleet of rafts to our selection of trips: we’ve spent the last 35 years honing the experience we provide.
THE EARLY DAYS
How did we get to where we are? It hasn’t always been an easy go for us, but it’s been a fun ride. Jimmy’s first summer as Owner of Alpine was interesting. He broke his neck and after a long hospital stay wore a halo all summer. He recovered, and over the years Alpine grew slowly. In the late 90’s the internet came along, and Alpine Rafting was the first rafting company in the area to have a website, imagine that! We spent our first summers living in a school bus that we lovingly converted into a house. The crew was small but brought a lot of talent to the table.
Just over a decade ago, Jimmy decided to overhaul our fleet of grey rafts to a handful of candy red rafts. Yes, they really do look yummy! The bold red and white are an awesome contrast to the blues and greens of the river landscape and as such, their presence is commanding and unmistakable. As we expanded our fleet of red rafts every year, something never changed. It never got “old” for us. When another shiny raft arrives, it still feels like when the first one showed up. We are just as excited as the day we started. From our humble bus beginnings to rafting leaders in the west, we know what it takes to have fun. And why is that? Because that is what we are after ourselves.
Alpine Rafting History
1984 – In may of 1984, Alpine Rafting begins commercial operations on the Kicking Horse River
1985 – A trip down the Kicking Horse River costs on average $70 in 1985
1986 – The Kicking Horse River is commercial run by Alpine and one other outfitter
1987 – Neon wet suits were a staple of 80’s rafting
1988 – This is the last year that a glass of wine is served with our Riverside BBQ Lunch
1989 – Helmets are now a requirement to raft the River
1990 – Alpine Rafting’s fleet of rafts is expanded to five rafts
1991 – In the Summer of 1991, Canadian icon Bryan Adams goes rafting with Alpine!
1992 – The early 90’s sees the explosion of whitewater kayaking as a sport
1993 – Jim Pleym, the company’s current owner, begins guiding on the Kicking Horse
1994 – As rafting the Kicking Horse gains popularity, more outfitters emerge
1995 – Alpine Rafting begins a small retail shop selling Kayak Gear & Equipment
1996 – Alpine Rafting’s first season rafting in Yoho National Park
1997 – Jim Pleym purchases Alpine Rafting from the previous owners
1998 – Alpine Rafting moves from ‘bucket boats’ to self-bailing rafts
1999 – Alpine Rafting acquires the domain name alpinerafting.com
2000 – Alpine Rafting is the first operator on the Kicking Horse to have a website
2001 – Val Pleym joins Alpine Rafting in Sales & Marketing
2002 – Alpine Rafting moves locations next door the the Golden Rim Motor Inn
2003- Alpine Rafting moves from printing photos to digital images
2004 – Alpine Rafting acquires Canadian Whitewater Adventures and consolidates their assets
2005 – Alpine Rafting now has eight full time guides during the busy summer season
2006 – Alpine Rafting launches “Sportrafting” on the Kicking Horse River
2007 – Alpine Rafting introduces an online reservation system and revamp their logo
2008 – Ryan Joins Alpine Rafting as Head Guide
2009 – Alpine Rafting’s fleet of candy red rafts is thoroughly expanded
2010 – Alpine Rafting pioneers Catrafting on the Kicking Horse River
2011 – Alpine Rafting celebrates 10 years next door to Golden Rim Motor Inn.
2012 – Alpine Rafting Acquires new office location a 2 acre, 3,000 square foot space
2013 – Timber arch construction is completed Go Pro Fleet Expanded
2014 – Alpine Rafting celebrates 30 years on the Kicking Horse River
2015- Alpine Rafting Begins Offering Stand Up Paddleboarding & Inflatable Kayak Tours
2016 – Alpine Rafting’s Wapta Falls Wild & Scenic Stand Up Paddleboard Tour is designated a Canadian Signature Experience by Destination Canada

Volleyball Game at Alpine Rafting Riverside BBQ Lunch Area, 1989