Blog

We get it, there are plenty of people who would consider a 22km stretch of some of the best white water rafting in North America ‘quite enough excitement for one day’, but there are also those who want a little extra. Thankfully there are a number of activities which can be added to your trip to make the day complete.

Horseback Riding

It definitely seems a fitting past-time in an area named Kicking Horse (though our animals are a lot friendlier than that). Our horseback tours are a great way to experience the rockies in true cowboy style. Before setting out on the river, you can head over to Banff National Park to take in a 1-hour trail ride, which takes in the historic Cave and Basin National Historic site (birthplace of Banff National Park) as well as wildlife spotting opportunities. Our cowboy cook-out tour is a 2-hour guided tour which takes you deeper into Bow Valley, as well as a delicious steak dinner including western games like horseshoes and roping & lassoing.

Canoe down the Bow River

For those who just love being on the water, it doesn’t get much better than heading down the Kicking Horse River rapids before taking on the slightly more serene surrounds of the near-by Bow River on a 2-hour canoe ride. The canoes are provided by our friends at Banff Canoe Club whose docks are conveniently located in the heart of the town of Banff.

ATV

One for the thrill seekers, our Raft & ATV package has everything you need for an adrenaline packed day. As well as taking on our famous series of grade 3 & 4 rapids, you’ll get the chance to spend 2hrs experiencing the surrounding forestry on your very own All Terrain Vehicle with one of our guides. We provide the gear and (of course) the vehicles, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure!

Meet a Grizzly Bear

After tackling the rapids, why not take a  ride up the Kicking Horse Mountain Sightseeing Gondola for another typically Canadian experience. The Grizzly Bear refuge is a unique opportunity to meet and learn about these majestic creatures in a safe environment.

Experience the Rockies two-ways

With our rafting adventures taking you through 20km of continuous rapids, many might consider that quite enough excitement for one day. There are, however, a number of other attractions located a short hop from the Kicking Horse River for visitors to fill the hours prior to and after your time on the water. 

The World’s Largest Paddle

Keeping with the rafting theme, the World’s Largest Paddle is located just to the south of Kicking Horse, on the banks of the Columbia River. Measuring in at just over 60 feet and weighing 2,404kgs, this may be one oar that’s best left on dry land but it is a definite draw for any fans of the weird and wacky (the surrounding area is also a great spot for a roadside picnic)!

Hiking in Yoho National park

If you haven’t quite had your nature fix filled on the river, there are a number of great hikes to be found in the surrounding Yoho National Park. Emerald Lake is an ever popular destination with locals and visitors alike, while the Rotary Trail is a great hike for those wish to take in some of the local scenery in a small amount of time. A moderate hike or drive to the upper launch site on Mount 7 gives a spectacular view of the town of Golden and the Columbia Valley.

Golden & District Museum

Located just one block off of main street in Golden BC, the intimate Golden & District Museum details the settlement of the surrounding area as well as the history of Canadian Pacific Railways’ Swiss Guides.

Wapta Falls

Sitting at about 30 metres high and 150 metres wide, Wapta Falls is the Kicking Horse River's largest waterfall. A relatively quick and easy (4.6 km round-trip) hike from the nearby parking lot, Wapta Falls offers some stunning visuals and photo opportunities.  

Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre

Located to the North of the Kicking Horse River, the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf centre aims to   support conservation through education and visitor interaction with these truly symbolic canadian creatures. Providing interactive talks beside the 1.25 acre wolf enclosure, guests are given a unique opportunity to walk with wolves in their natural habitat while learning about the role the animals play in maintaining a healthy local habitat. 

Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge

Unsurprisingly, given the surrounding forestry, big things made of wood are somewhat of a local trademark. Located in downtown Golden, the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge spans the Kicking Horse River and, at 151 feet, is the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada. 

With a myriad of excellent restaurants, bars and eateries in the local, there’s a whole lot to do, though we’d of course suggest starting with rafting #1 trip advisor rated activity is the best place to start!

Kicking Horse River

It’s not biased to call the best the best. Named after an unruly steed, the river plays to a subtly untamed 20km of non-stop rapids, set against the stunning backdrop of Yoho National Park.  The class 3 and 4 rapids will test beginners and old hands alike, and you can do it all in a single day. We’re proud to call the kicking horse river our home! (Find out more about Kicking Horse Rafting Trips)

Are you hoping to kick off your next Rocky Mountain vacation with some heart-pumping adventure? Hydra River Guides is proud to be one of the leading rafting companies in the region, welcoming hundreds of guests to the awesome shores of the Kicking Horse each season. Located just 75 minutes away from beautiful Banff, Golden, BC is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. With glacier-fed waves just waiting to be conquered, adventurers of all ages and experience levels are sure to be thrilled. Learn more about the unique aspects of rafting in the Rockies below!

Dreaming of your next Rocky Mountain escape? Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff, Alberta is the perfect alpine destination for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city living and embrace a walk on the wild side. With plenty of activities to do and places to see, the Banff region is ideal for adventurers of all ages and activity levels. If you’re wondering how to make the most of your next summer vacation in Banff, below!

We get it, the last thing you want to do before taking a thrilling ride down the Kicking Horse River is to have your buzz dampened by spending ages shuttling to and from river bases/changing rooms/ river put in etc.

At Hydra River Guides we have a unique advantage due to the location of our River Base. This 6 acre stretch of land, located right on the banks of the Kicking Horse, gives us unparalleled access to the river, stunning views and enables us to provide guests with a better rafting experience.

Where most other rafting companies have their bases located off-river, meaning you have to spend time hopping on coaches to and from the launch site, our unique base means that you can go straight from the change rooms to the river, therefore leaving you more room to truly enjoy your adventure down the Kicking Horse. We are also the closest operation to Banff (others are based in Golden) which means we will save you over an hour of driving, getting you off the road quicker and onto the rapids.

Comfort is also at the top of our agenda and, as such, we offer separate changing rooms for you to get kitted out before you head out, and warm showers for you to rinse in after you are done. 

Once you are feeling refreshed (and hungry from your excursions down the river) the base also features a picnic area where you can come and enjoy a catered lunch (on most trips)  where we serve delicious burgers, both Certified Alberta Beef and vegetarian, as well as salads, brownies and cold drinks.

Add in the small matter of 22kms of grade 3 and 4 rapids, and there’s a whole lot to fit in a four hour excursion.
We’re proud to call the Kicking Horse River our home and, with our unique access and facilities, it really is. So take the hassle out of your trip and come and experience them for yourself.

Looking to make the most of your Canadian Rocky getaway and extend your fun? With so many fantastic areas to explore in the region, there’s no shortages of adventures to be had. For those looking to make a splash and tackle the mighty rivers that the Rockies are famous for, Golden, BC is a must-visit destination. Home to the epic Kicking Horse River, Golden is just 75 minutes away from Banff, Alberta and is surrounded by six of Canada’s most stunning national parks: Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Mount Revelstoke. If you’re hoping to conquer the river, but are wondering what to do afterwards (after all, a true adventurer never quits!), below are just a few of the many activities you can enjoy in and around the Kicking Horse region.

Itching for a mountain getaway and on the hunt for adventure? Located just a short drive from Banff, Alberta, Golden, BC is the perfect spot for outdoor exploration and is home to the famous Kicking Horse River. With some of the best rapids North America has to offer and plenty of natural beauty to take in, Golden is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure. Learn more about the town of Golden, as well as Hydra’s many available trips, below!

Rushing waters, stunning beauty, and no shortage of adventure to be found. These are the Canadian Rockies! If you’re in search of your next whitewater rafting destination, Canada has some of the best rapids you’ll find in North America. Located in Golden, British Columbia, the Kicking Horse River is infamous for its mighty rapids and attracts countless guests from all over North American and beyond each season. With endless thrills just waiting to be had, you’re sure to enjoy your time on these incredible rapids.

Are you looking to introduce your littlest adventurers to the wonderfully wild world of whitewater rafting? Worried about tackling the killer rapids that the Kicking Horse is famous for? Hydra River Guides is pleased to offer multiple family friend trips, including our Mild Trip on the Kicking Horse in Golden, BC as well as our tours of the Kananaskis River. As a gentler alternative to the Kicking Horse, the Kananaskis is ideal for those wanting a slow and steady intro to rating. Learn more about the Kananaskis as well as Hydra’s trips below.