Things to do on the Kicking Horse River

The Kicking Horse River, west of the Continental Divide near Golden, carries some of the busiest commercial whitewater in western Canada, with rapids graded class III to IV+ depending on the stretch and the time of year. Flows peak with snowmelt in June, when the canyon sections run pushiest, and ease off through August and September into calmer, more forgiving water.

Commercial rafting season runs from May to September, with trips typically departing from operators based around Golden. Wetsuits, splash jackets and helmets are supplied; half-day and full-day trips are both sold, and a half-day run is commonly priced from around 100 to 140 CAD per adult, full-day trips higher.

This is a river, not a lake circuit, so plan it as a stand-alone half-day rather than pairing it with a lengthy hike.