If you’re headed to Banff National Park or Golden, BC, this summer and are looking for a thrill-inducing adventure that’s sure to get your heart pumping and leave you with plenty of memories, Hydra River Guides has you covered. As your all-access pass to the Kicking Horse River, our team of experienced guides are here to help you experience one of Canada’s most infamous bodies of water like never before.
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of rafting the Kicking Horse in summer 2026, and get ready for a Rocky Mountain adventure unlike any other. If you’re looking for something unforgettable, it’s time to grab your paddle, suit up, and hit the waves!
Below, we’ll answer some of the most common FAQs we get about rafting the Kicking Horse. Read on to learn more!
Rafting FAQS
What Do I Need to Wear?
All you need to bring for rafting is a swimsuit and a towel! Hydra provides all the professional gear you need to stay warm and safe, including 3mm wetsuits, fleece sweaters, spray jackets, and neoprene booties. We recommend wearing your swimsuit under loose, layered clothing so you can get through the changing rooms and down to the water even faster.
Is There a Long Bus Ride?
If you’ve rafted anywhere else, or with any other company here in Golden, you’ve likely had to take a long bus ride to get down to your launch site. One of the biggest things that sets us apart is our private river base, located on 5 acres of land right on the banks of the Kicking Horse River. That means our guests can gear up and walk straight to the water to get started, instead of wasting time on a bus. After you’ve tackled the rapids, we’ll hop on a quick shuttle bus to bring you back to the base for a hot shower (that’s right, we have hot water and flush toilets!) and your dry clothes.
What if I’ve Never Rafted Before?
Don’t worry—most of our guests are first-timers! Before we hit the water, your guide will lead a full safety briefing and teach you all the paddling commands you need to know. We start on a scenic stretch of river so you can find your rhythm before the Class III and IV rapids begin.
Can the Kids Come Too?
Absolutely! We love hosting families. For younger rafters (ages 8-11), our Family White Water Rafting trip is the perfect introduction to the river. If your teenagers are 12 or older and at least 90lbs, they can (and should!) join you for the full adrenaline rush on the Kicking Horse Classic.
Where Do I Put My Keys?
We’ve got you covered. We have a secure spot at our river base to store your car keys and valuables while you’re paddling. For your safety and convenience, we strongly recommend leaving valuables like your phone and cameras behind—the Kicking Horse likes to “collect” tech! Our professional photographers will be stationed at the biggest rapids to capture the perfect shots for you.
Ready to Experience the Magic the Kicking Horse?
The 2026 season is shaping up to be our best one yet! Whether you want to take on The Last Waltz or bundle your day with one of our Rafting Packages, we can’t wait to see you on the water.
Contact our team today to book your Golden rafting adventure with Hydra!