Are you visiting Banff or Lake Louise this summer? Alberta’s Rocky Mountains are the perfect playground for adventure, and for those looking for the ultimate thrill, there’s nothing like conquering the rushing waters of the infamous Kicking Horse River.  

Summer 2026 promises epic fun in the sun for guests visiting the Rockies, and Hydra River Guides is here to help you get your pulse racing and see more of Canada’s biggest backyard than ever before. Whether it’s your first time on the water or you’re an experienced paddler, our trips are designed to give you an all-access pass to fun. Learn more about white water rafting near Banff below!

40 Years of Epic Splashes

2026 marks Hydra’s 40th year on the Kicking Horse River! For four decades, we’ve been your top guides for navigating the twists and turns of these famous waters, which means we know exactly how to craft each trip so our guests get the “perfect splash”! Our experience also means we know how to ensure that every trip is as safe as possible, giving you unbeatable peace of mind so you can relax, raft and enjoy!

Choose Your Thrill Level

We know every traveller has a different appetite for excitement, so we’ve designed our rafting trips to hit the right level of “wow” for everyone. Top choices for 2026 include:

• The Kicking Horse Classic: Our ultimate adventure and a long-time crowd favourite.  Kicking Horse Classic treats you to the full thrills of the river’s Class III and IV rapids through the middle and lower canyons. 
  
• The Last Waltz: Short on time but high on adrenaline? The Last Waltz departs in the afternoon and is perfect for those who want to start their day with an early morning adventure in Banff or Lake Louise (approximately an hour away from our River Base) and end on the water. 
  
• The Family Whitewater: Perfect for the whole crew! You’ll get plenty of fun splashes and jaw-dropping scenery, and enjoy a much calmer ride that’s ideal for little adventurers (8-11 years) or those who want a gentle introduction to rafting.

Hydra River Guides is the only rafting company in the Banff and Yoho National Park region with our very own river base sitting right on the banks of the Kicking Horse. Guests can enjoy the comfort of changing in private facilities, warm up with a hot shower post-trip, and, most importantly, since you don’t have to take a shuttle to the water, you get as much time rafting as possible!

Ready to Pick Up a Paddle?

The 2026 season is here! Grab your paddle and sense of adventure and get ready for an experience you’ll never forget. 

If you’re ready to get drenched and experience the Kicking Horse, contact our team today to book your trip now!