General Questions

Can you explain to me how this works ?

Sure! We’d love to! Every day from mid-May to mid-September we run Whitewater Rafting, Stand Up Paddleboarding, & several other tours. All of the tours that we offer are based on river experiences, and all of our tours are guided. This means that you don’t need any prior experience. It helps if you are adventurous – but even that isn’t a prerequisite!

You can book 1, 2, 3, 4 or many more people at once, you don’t have to fill the boats or worry about even numbers – let us take care of that! Once you book in, we will send you a confirmation that goes over what to bring, what time to arrive, as well as a map to our office.  The confirmation will let you know that we are going to provide all your on river gear ( for each tour this may be slightly different)

When is the best time to book for Summer 2017?

With spring being right around the corner, we recommend locking in your dates for your Whitewater Rafting trip down the Kicking Horse River as soon as possible. The reason is, the Kicking Horse River run is extremely popular and our seats do fill up fast.  If you need to cancel there are no penalties within 72 hours prior to trip departure. So rest assured that you can place your reservation with us, lock in your seats and receive your confirmation. Should your plans change, no worries. Just give us a call and well be happy to reschedule or provide you with a full refund. Within 72 hours of trip departure we retain 50% of your deposit. We always say that even letting us know the night before that you can’t make is better than a no show. If we can fill your seats we are happy to return your 50% deposit to you. If you need better still we do offer a $5 per person cancellation insurance upon checkout which waives the 72 hour cancellation policy.

WHY SHOULD WE RAFT WITH ALPINE?

  • LONGEST TRIP ON THE RIVER – We begin our day in Yoho National Park, and raft 4 extra kilometres than other companies. For first-time rafters, this means extra time to get comfortable in the raft, learn the paddle strokes and commands from your guide without pressure. Did we also mention that this is one of the most beautiful stretches of the river? We offer the longest day on the River.
  • EXCLUSIVE TRIP SELECTION – Alpine Rafting is proud to offer CatRafting and our Family Whitewater trip beginning in Yoho National Park. The exclusive trips mean we have more ways to make you smile!
  • WHITEWATER GUARANTEE – Nowhere else in the Rockies will you find a company that stands behind their product to offer a guarantee. We’re not satisfied unless you are!
  • BIGGEST RAPIDS IN BC & ALBERTA – For those of us that are 16 & up – the Lower Canyon is a MUST do when rafting the Kicking Horse – 4 kilometres of Class 4+ Some companies run this section a couple times a week, or not at all. We raft the Lower Canyon 7 days per week!
  • BEST GEAR ON THE WATER – We invest in your comfort. From our Gore Tex SprayJackets, to Neoprene Boots, Gloves, and Canadian made wetsuits, we’ve put a lot of thought into your comfort. Our equipment is cutting edge. Our fleet of candy red rafts and splash jackets make for amazing rafting shots!
  • LUNCH IS SECOND TO NONE – Private Riverside Lunch area where we serve: Hot & Cold Drinks including freshly squeezed lemonade, Veggies & Dip, Alberta Steaks, Free Range Chicken Breast Burgers, grilled Potato Wedges, Salad, and Cookies for Desert. Between the Middle & Lower Canyon, we offer our clients a snack of Cookies, Fruit and Water to keep you stoked!
  • GREAT TEAM – It’s true, we’re not afraid to say it – you’ll have a great day out on the water with the Alpine Rafting Team. We are family owned and operated. Say hello!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO RAFTING IN 2017?

Whatever time of year you decide to raft, you will have a great time! The Kicking Horse is both Glacial Fed and Snow melt Fed, meaning the river has great water levels all summer long

  • MAY 2017 – Great early season rafting, slightly cooler temps, great water levels, early season discounts. High water very likely in May 2015 due to record snowpack levels in the mountains.
  • JUNE 2017 – Warmer temps, great water levels, high water.
  • JULY 2017 – Hot summer fun on the river, closer to the end of July, great time to raft the Middle Canyon
  • AUGUST 2017 – Emerald coloured water, clear days, Middle can will be experiencing fantastic conditions &  Class 4+ rafting is still abundant.
  • SEPTEMBER 2017 – Emerald coloured water, clear days, Middle Canyon still offers up Class 3 & 4 thrills!

HOW MANY PEOPLE DO I NEED TO GET A GROUP DISCOUNT?

Groups of 6 or more receive a group discount. Send us the details: contact us and we’ll send you a quote.

WHAT IS THE BEST TRIP FOR OUR GROUP?

It really depends. Here is some help….

  • HAVE NEVER RAFTED BEFORE, we recommend all of our trips. They are all suited to first-timers!
  • ARE A FAMILY WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, we recommend the Family Whitewater, ages 4 & up!
  • ARE ON A STAG/STAGETTE, we recommend the Ultimate Whitewater or the Kicking Horse Challenge.
  • WANT THE MOST COMPLETE RIVER EXPERIENCE, we recommend the Kicking Horse Challenge. All three sections of the Kicking Horse River, lunch, and a snack, this is one awesome trip. Take on the Challenge!
  • WANT AN ‘ALL AROUND’ RIVER EXPERIENCE, we recommend the Kicking Horse Classic, a great balance of the Upper and Middle Canyons, this is our most Classic River Experience.

WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT?

There is no age limit to rafting. No experience is required. Folks with medical conditions should consult their doctor first. Some of our trips have a minimum weigh/age – If unsure, please ask us or have a look on the trip page.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN SELECTING A RAFTING COMPANY?

If you’re researching a Whitewater Rafting Company to raft with, here are some questions to ask:

  • How long has the company been in business? The longer an outfitter has been in business, the more honed the river experience will be.
  • What condition is their river gear in? This is probably the most important question, as you need to make sure you are comfortable. Look for a company that replaces the River Gear you will be wearing all day on an annual basis. Tears, holes, and faded equipment is not acceptable for your day out on the water. Newer rafts provide a better ride for passengers.
  • How many rivers do they run? When companies run multiple rivers, often their guides are not adequately trained for the river they will be running. Look for companies running one or a couple rivers. That way, you know the guides are experienced on that stretch of water.
  • What is the minimum age of their guides? This says a lot about the experience level of guide. Look for companies with Guides that are at minimum in their late twenties/early thirties. This will likely ensure adequate life experience and river expertise.

CAN I SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE BEFORE WE GO?

Sure! The best way to experience rafting is to actually go rafting. But we’d be happy to give you a taste of what’s to come check out our Photo Gallery or Rafting Video.

WE ARE TRAVELLING WITH A PET. ARE THERE PET CARE FACILITIES?

There are day kennels in Golden visit this link for more information http://tourismgolden.com/activities/services/pet.

WE ARE TRAVELLING WITH A CHILD. ARE THERE CHILD CARE FACILITIES?

There are child care facilities in Golden. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers a day care service. In the town of Golden. Also, you can check out Child Care Choices to view approved child care providers in the area.

DO YOU TAKE PICTURES ALONG THE WAY?

Yes, we take photos of your rafting trip from shore and have them on display at our office at the end of your trip. You can view and purchase them in-store at the end of the day or at a later time from our online store. Once you have purchased your photos they are instantly available to share or download.

CAN I BRING A CAMERA?

You are definitely welcome to bring a waterproof camera along, or for that matter your own waterproof video camera. Our guides are super helpful and can even snap some pics or video of your group. We have waterproof disposable cameras for sale in our office for $20. These two options are great for getting photos from within the raft. However, if you don’t bring a camera, that’s fine too, as we’ll be taking photos from shore throughout the day. You can view and purchase your photos in-store at the end of the day or at a later time from our online store.

OUR GROUP WOULD LIKE TO ALL BE IN THE SAME RAFT. IS THIS POSSIBLE?

Yes, we do guarantee that you all get to raft together. Our rafts hold 8-10 people, so if you’re group is larger than that, you’ll have to be split up into smaller groups. Our Head Guide is a logistical genius and we’ll make sure you’re divided up the way you would like.

CAN WE REQUEST A RAFT GUIDE?

Yes! We would love it if you requested a guide ahead of time. We will do our very best to fulfill your request.If you’re not sure which guide you would like, that is fine as well. All of our guides are experienced, knowledgeable and fun. You can check them our and size them our by checking out our Guide Team Page.

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

Whitewater rafting is fun in any type of weather, provided you are properly dressed. We gear you up extremely well for your day out on the water so we can all have a great day! We raft daily rain or shine, and you’ll get wet either way.

ARE THERE WETSUITS LARGE ENOUGH FOR ME/MY GROUP?

This is common question that we receive. Our wetsuits come in an assortment of sizes. They are suitable for folks as small as 4 years of age, and adults up to 350 lbs. Same goes for the rest of our gear.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK FOR SUMMER 2016?

You should book as soon as you know when you would like to raft. Key dates in 2015 are already booked out. Our cancellation policy is 72 hours prior to trip departure, so if you need to cancel it’s not a big deal, we offer a 100% refund. We recommend making a reservation as soon as you have a date in mind. Why not check availability now for some dates you may have in mind?

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Once you book, we will send you a confirmation by email that goes over what to bring, what time to arrive, as well as a map to our office. We will ask you to bring a towel, bathing suit, and a fleece or wool sweater (an extra layer of warmth not made of cotton).

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

You should come to our office the morning of your trip with your bathing suit on underneath your clothes, preferably. When we get to the river, we distribute river gear and give instructions for putting it on. There are change rooms at the start of the trip. The clothing you take off will be placed back into the bus where you can get access to it at the end of the trip.

What about the Lower Canyon?

The Lower Canyon is the third and final section of the river. To access it, we need to to cross railroad tracks. We have done this without incident for almost 40 years.
In the fall of 2015 we entered into negotiations with CP Rail to provide a Safer Crossing. On April 30th, CP announced that we had reached a solution and the Lower Canyon would be accessible
to outfitters and recreational paddlers for the 2016 season. Unfortunately, CP has not held up their promise and has subsequently backed out of negotiations with CP Rail. What this means is that
currently we are not able to raft the Lower Canyon. The same is true for the other outfitters as well.

Thankfully, the rest of the river is still there for us to enjoy. We have two other incredible sections of River to raft – the Upper and Middle Canyons. We are confident that these sections still provide
a world class rafting experience

Questions for Families

WHAT IS THE BEST TRIP FOR A FAMILY?

For a family with small children (ages 4 to 10) we recommend the Family Whitewater. For a family with teenagers, we recommend the Kicking Horse Classic. For a family with Children over 16 years of age, we recommend all of our Rafting Trips. Remember, our trips are flexible in that some family members may opt to continue on after the calmer sections to tackle bigger rapids, while the rest return to our office.

OUR FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE RIVER, BUT REMAIN TOGETHER. IS THIS POSSIBLE?

Not a problem. Our trips are flexible. For Example, a family of four could depart for the Family Whitewater at 9:00 AM. All four would enjoy the Upper Canyon, and all have lunch together. Following lunch, the two older, or more adventurous members of the family could continue on and raft the bigger rapids of the afternoon. The two who are not continuing on would be shuttled back to our office.

WILL MY CHILD BE SAFE ON THE RAFT?

Due to the inherent risks of Whitewater Rafting, we cannot guarantee safety. However, our Family Whitewater trip is suitable for ages 4 & up and the rapids are gentle. If there are any concerns, please discuss them with your guide prior to departure.
We can always make adjustments.

I WILL BE BRINGING A CHILD THAT IS NOT MY OWN. IS THAT OKAY?

If you are bringing a child that is not your own, contact our office and we will send you a copy of our Liability Waiver. Have
the parent or guardian sign the waiver, and bring it with you the day of the trip.

Questions for First  Timers

MY FRIENDS HAVE GONE RAFTING BUT IT IS MY FIRST TIME. IS THIS OKAY?

That is not a problem. No experience is required to go rafting, you will all get to travel in the same raft.

WHAT IF I GO RAFTING BUT AM TOO SCARED TO CONTINUE?

Before the rafting trip departs, you will go through a safety briefing at the river. If you are not comfortable after hearing the safety briefing, we can bring you back to our office and provide you with a full refund.

CAN I SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE BEFORE WE GO?

Sure! The best way to experience rafting is to actually go rafting. But we’d be happy to give you a taste of what’s to come check out our Photo Gallery or Rafting Video.

ARE THERE WETSUITS LARGE ENOUGH FOR ME/MY GROUP?

This is common question that we receive. Our wetsuits come in an assortment of sizes. They are suitable for folks as small as 4 years of age, and adults up to 350 lbs. Same goes for the rest of our gear.

Health Questions

I HAVE A HEALTH CONDITION. IS RAFTING SAFE FOR ME?

Unfortunately this is not a question we can answer, it must be discussed with a doctor, and carefully considered by you.

I HAVE ALLERGIES OR HEALTH ISSUES THAT REQUIRE MEDICATION. CAN I KEEP THIS ONBOARD?

Yes, you may. Each Guide carries a drybag onboard which he/she can place your medication in.

CAN I WEAR GLASSES/CONTACTS ON THE RAFT?

Yes, you may, however, please be aware that they may get damaged or fall off. If you have a pair of older glasses, we recommend wearing those. We also sell straps designed to hold your glasses on while Whitewater Rafting at our office.

I AM PREGNANT, CAN I GO RAFTING?

It is not recommended to go rafting while pregnant.

Reservation Questions

What are the reasons we should raft with Alpine?

Alpine Rafting had its humble beginnings back in 1984.  Our mission is simple. We want to engage our customers in authentic, unforgettable adventures. We endeavour to bring you an unparalleled experience on the Kicking Horse River. In fact, we guarantee it. We believe that our high standards, driven by passion and over three decades of experience, in turn provide the most complete, professional and authentic river experience. Come & discover your next adventure with us.

  • NEW FOR 2016 – Your Photos for Free. To celebrate our 34th year in business we decided to make every photo from your day of rafting available at no charge! No overpaying for photos and waiting for them to arrive in the mail long after your trip is completed. Gain instant access & share with all your friends instantly. We love our Adventures & we love to see you share your photos with your friends & family. That’s what makes us happy
  • LOWEST & FAIREST PRICES – Alpine Rafting offers the Lowest Prices of any of our competitors. Our trips are reasonably and fairly priced at $99 Per Person
  • BONUS 4 KM Section of River – As one of the oldest operators, we have been able to secure the best put ins and take outs to access the river. This includes our put in for the Family Whitewater & the Kicking Horse Classic.  We are exclusively the only operator who has access to raft within Yoho National Park. If you’re planning on spending a day on the Kicking Horse, it’s well worth joining us and experiencing Yoho National Park in a way on a handful get to do every summer. This 4 km section of river also boasts 3 small rapids that are safe and thrilling for small children. In addition, if we are going to see any wildlife throughout the day , its’ within Yoho National Park. The bonus section is not to be missed!!
  • Our Riverside BBQ Lunch is the best. As one of the pioneers of rafting on the Kicking Horse River, we have maintained the most beautiful riverside BBQ Lunch area. Our Open concept area boasts plenty of sun and a constant breeze .While other sites are in squeezed on the riverbank and buggy, we have a spacious area to host you and your friends for lunch. aWe offer the most varied meal options for meat lovers, vegetarians and now vegans! New in 2016, we are offering grilled Salmon as well. Check out the menu here 
  • Dedicated & Returning Management Team – With two Office Managers, two River Managers and an on River Safety Manager, rest assured that your needs are well attended to both on and off the river. For us, word of mouth is paramount. If you have a great day – you’ll tell your friends. We don’t push for online reviews – we invite honest, truthful reviews to be published organically. We are rated #2 on TripAdvisor for Whitewater Rafting on the Kicking Horse River as we don’t force reviews upon our clients. Truthfully, we’re quite confident you’ll think we’re #1 !
  • Family Oriented – Owning an Adventure Company with 2 young children, we have strived to bring value and break the barriers of Adventure for even the youngest ! Our Family Whitewater is suitable for Ages 4 & up & includes Yoho National Park. With other outfitters, children must be at least 8 or 10 years of age. So families with small children, we have an affordably priced adventure for you!
  • FREE Rustic Riverside Camping – Alpine Rafting offers Rustic Riverside Camping free of charge to all our customers. A beautiful 25 acre site along the banks of the Kicking Horse River. No quiet hours – More room to roam that you need – and best of all – No Fees! Check out more Photos of our Camping Here!
  • More Choice – No other company has more product offerings than us. From Stand Up Paddleboarding to Inflatable Kayakingto several float tours daily, we have something for everyone. Our passion for rivers – all rivers – is reflected in the quality and selection of tours we offer
  • No Long Bus Rides – The Kicking Horse River is in Golden, BC. Therefore, we are also based out of Golden. Short bus rides to and from the river mean that we can minimize your discomfort and maximize your fun time. Companies travelling to the Kicking Horse River from Alberta do so with generally 2 hours each way of commuting. Let’s leave the commuting back in the city, shall we?
  • Hands-on Owners – The Owners of Alpine – Jimmy & Val – have developed and created all of these tours themselves. Tested on our family & friends first – they personally hone every tour before bringing them to you. They live year round in Golden BC and there is no other guide on the river that has rafted the river more times than Jimmy. This translates into an unequivocal experience as Jimmy & Val bring their passion for whitewater & adventure to their team of Whitewater Professionals.

Tell me more about your Complimentary Rustic Riverside Camping

Rustic Riverside Camping is First- Come, First- Serve. The camping area is 25 acres, so there is plenty of room for everyone. There are ‘sites’ in the forest and sites along the riverbank. The ‘sites’ are not like sites you would find at a normal campground. They are not numbered, and you do not need to check in and be assigned a site. This means that how the site is when you arrive, is how is should be left when you leave. There is not a campground maintenance crew that goes ’round to do the cleanup. There is a centrally located garbage bin to place your garbage. For more information, please visit our 2016 Rustic Riverside Camping Info Page

WHAT IF OUR PLANS CHANGE?

We realize people’s travel plans can change. This is why we offer a 72 hour cancellation policy on all of our departure. Let us know 72 hours prior to departure that you need to cancel, and we will refund your credit card in full.

DO YOU HAVE CANCELLATION INSURANCE?

Yes, we do. For $5 Per Person, you can purchase the peace of mind to cancelling anytime, for any reason, and receiving 100% of your money back. No exceptions.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DO I NEED TO ROUND UP TO GO RAFTING?

You actually don’t need to round up too many people. If you are traveling alone, or in pairs, you can always book a trip! There is no minimum booking requirement. Our rafts hold between 8 and 10 people, so you will be partnered up with other rafters.

I WANT TO ORGANIZE A GROUP OF FRIENDS, BUT I DON’T WANT TO PUT A DEPOSIT DOWN FOR EVERYONE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

No problem, we get this one all the time! Simply give our office a phone call or email. We will decide on a group name together, for example, “Jane’s Group” & will provide you with a code to Book Online. That way, everyone can enter their own credit card information, and pay their own 50% deposit. While booking, the customer will be prompted to enter the name of their group. That way, we will know you are all together.

DO YOU FILL UP IN ADVANCE?

Yes, we do. Weekends are the busiest, but midweek is notorious for filling up in July and August. If you know when you would like to go, book, and you can always cancel up to 72 hours prior to departure for full refund.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

You may cancel your rafting trip up to 72 hours prior to trip departure for a full refund. Within 72 hours, the 50% deposit is non refundable. You may also opt to purchase cancellation insurance for $5 per person.

HOW DO I BOOK?

It’s easy, you just go to our trips page and choose the trip that you would like to take. Click “Book Now” and from there you can choose the date and time you’re interested in and click “book now.” After that the website leads you through the rest of the booking process then you’re on you way to your whitewater adventure!

WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

Whitewater rafting is fun in any type of weather, provided you are properly dressed. We gear you up extremely well for your day out on the water so we can all have a great day! We raft daily rain or shine, and you’ll get wet either way.

The Lower Canyon

What happenned to your trips that include the Lower Canyon

The Lower Canyon is the third and final section of the river. To access it, we need to to cross railroad tracks. We have done this without incident for almost 40 years.
In the fall of 2015 we entered into negotiations with CP Rail to provide a Safer Crossing. On April 30th, CP announced that we had reached a solution and the Lower Canyon would be accessible
to outfitters and recreational paddlers for the 2016 season. Unfortunately, CP has not held up their promise and has subsequently backed out of negotiations with CP Rail. What this means is that
currently we are not able to raft the Lower Canyon. The same is true for the other outfitters as well.

Thankfully, the rest of the river is still there for us to enjoy. We have two other incredible sections of River to raft – the Upper and Middle Canyons. We are confident that these sections still provide
a world class rafting experience