The Western most province in Canada is home to the second largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver. Most of the the river rafting featured here is within a three hour drive north-east from Vancouver and an hour’s drive east from the town of Whistler. British Columbia is known for its varied climates, most unusal being the sub-mediterranean climate of Victoria on Vancouver Island.

Fraser River Rafting (Class III):

Ride rapids such as “Scuzzy Rock” and “China Bar” through scenic Fraser Canyon in comfort and safety. Enjoy the majestic views, wildlife and cultural history on this diverse and incredible waterway.

Nahatlatch River Rafting (Class III-IV):

The section from the Nahatlatch lakes to the Canyon entrance features 25 rapids and an average gradient of 85 feet per mile. What makes the Nahatlatch so addictive and perfect for rafting is the near-continuous, rapid-fire white water. Few rivers in North America offer such continuous action, yet are still suitable for first-time rafters.

Stein River Rafting (Class IV):

The steepest commercially rafted river in Canada, the Stein is a challenging white water rafting adventure, ideal for advanced whitewater paddlers and adventurers.

Thompson River Rafting (Class III-IV):

Wild and fast and known for its cold, high water. The warm desert like climate of B.C.’s interior make this a perfect river for summer rafting fun.

More about rafting in British Columbia, Canada

Lush coastal lowlands and desert like river canyons make host to a dizzying amount of wildlife species throughout British Columbia. Mountain goats, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, cougar and three types of bear (Black, Grizzly and Kermode or “spirit bear” named for its cream colored coat) make their homes in the region. With such a broad range of wildlife, you’re likely to see a creature or two that you won’t ever see on a typical day in your neighborhood. An intense amount of salmon, including steelhead, and other spawning fish fight their way upstream each season and though you won’t see them from your raft, the entire world’s population of Pacific Grey Whales migrates up the coast of British Columbia past Victoria Island twice a year!

Thinking about joining a whitewater rafting trip in Canada? Whitewater is bountiful in Canada with many high-volumne rivers, spectacular scenery, and wildlife.

Alberta Whitewater Rafting Trips

Choose from the Bow River, Highwood River, Kananaskis River, or the Kicking Horse River.

British Columbia Whitewater Rafting Trips

Choose from the Fraser River, Nahatlatch River, Stein River, and Thompson River.

Ontario Whitewater Rafting Trips

Choose from three rafting trips on the Ottawa River.

California has one of the highest concentrations of navigable whitewater in the world, with the vast majority draining the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

• American River Rafting Trips (Class III – IV+):
  The level of difficulty on the North, Middle and South forks of the American River varies from Class III to Class IV+. The American Rivers are located in the heart of Gold Country… forty miles east of Sacramento between I-80 and Hwy. 50.
• Merced River Rafting Trips (Class IV):
  Merced rafting trips usually run from mid April to early July, depending on snow pack. Merced river rafting trips have three different sections to run. Each section is available depending on the amount of water in the river.
• Tuolumne River Rafting Trips (Class IV+):
  The federally protected Wild and Scenic Main Tuolumne River is the classic Sierra rafting trip. Only two commercial trips launch each day.
• Cherry Creek Rafting Trips (Class V+):
  Cherry Creek (the Upper Tuolumne River) is the most challenging commercially-rafted river in California. Previous rafting experience is highly recommended.

More About Rafting in California

Located within a few hours of the San Francisco Bay area, the American, Tuolumne, and Merced are the most well known rivers, for half, 1, 2, and 3 day rafting trips. The availability of rafting trips varies by season and annual snowfall. Rivers with upstream reservoirs, such as the American and Tuolumne Rivers, usually have higher flows in the months from April to June, with more consistently regulated flows throughout the summer. Free-flowing rivers, like the Merced, do not have dams and are reliant on melting snow. These rivers may run into July in a good snow year. Generally the level of difficulty ranges from beginner-intermediate (Class III) to experts only (Class V).

Morocco whitewater rafting trips offer an incredible traveling experience. In addition to exceptional whitewater and beautiful scenery in remote river canyons, adventurers in Morocco get the chance to experience the rich northern African culture. While in towns before and after trips, rafters will get to explore souks and busy marketplaces, taste delicious food and local wine, and marvel at brightly colored tapestries.

Ahansal River Rafting Trips (Class III-V): A multi-day trip in the Atlas Mountains with stunning scenery, crystal clear water, and exciting rapids. Additionally, this trip is a phenomenal cultural experience as groups get to experience wonderful villages to and from the river.

Location: In the Atlas Mountains near Tiloguite, a few hours from Marrakech

In addition to the majestic Atlas Mountains and stunning beauty of Morocco, one of the draws of a rafting trip on the Ahansal River is the rich cultural experience travelers get while visiting this region. Marrakech is known for its bustling markets and souks, delicious food, and local wines.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Beginner – Intermediate

The white water on the Ahansal River is continuous and fun. It varies from steep, technical rapids, to big wave trains. More advanced rapids such as “The Squeeze,” “The Wall,” and “Rock The Casbah,” will challenge paddlers’ rafting skills. There are literally hundreds of rapids over the course of this remote, multi-day rafting adventure.

Scenery: Clear turquoise water in the Atlas Mountains

The Ahansal River is nothing short of spectacular. While floating on the crystal blue river, it is easy to forget that this is the edge of the Sahara Desert. Cedar trees, olive groves, and sandy beaches create a beautiful backdrop for Ahansal River rafting trips. Children and adults alike marvel at the monkeys and wildlife seen in this deep, magnificent river canyon in the Atlas Mountains.

Season: March – April

Rafting trips are available on the Ahansal River for a few months each spring, when temperatures are pleasantly warm.

The Middle Fork and the Main Salmon River offer some of the best whitewater rafting and family river trips in North America. The Salmon River flows through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area in Idaho. They are part of the longest free-flowing river system in the contiguous United States.

Main Salmon River: Class II-III
Probably the most notable section the of Salmon River is the Main section. Rising out the Sawtooths, the Main salmon flows past the Middle and South Forks. The Main Salmon is home to abundant wild life, solitude and even some hot springs.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River consists of more than 100 beginner – intermediate Class III-IV rapids over the course of 100 miles. The Middle Fork is considered one of the best river trips in the world. Trips are offered from June through September.

Lower Salmon River Rafting Trips (Class II-III):
There are several multi-day rafting runs on the Main Salmon, all of them are great for children, have beautiful white sand beaches, fun Class II-III rapids, and offer incredible scenery and wildlife.

Alberta, Canada boasts some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. Gushing from the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, a broad range of rivers offer outdoor adventure for any skill level.

Bow River/ Horseshoe Canyon River Rafting (Class III-IV):

Sit back and enjoy the grandeur of the Canadian Rocky Mountains while floating on the magnificent Bow River. The Bow River gives a sense of remoteness surrounded by towering shale canyons and excellent opportunities to view large birds of prey.

Highwood River Rafting Trips (Class III-IV):

The Highwood River is a prime destination for a day trip or weekend adventure. Descend through plentiful rapids, big drops and immerse yourself in the wonders of this gorgeous whitewater canyon.

Kananaskis River Rafting Trips (Class II-III):

Located along the front ranges of the majestic Canadian Rocky mountains, this beautiful mountain river is ideal for families and those looking for an introduction to whitewater rafting.

Kicking Horse River Rafting Trips (Class II-IV+):

Fun for all ages. Nestled among six national parks and two mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies the incredible scenery of the Kicking Horse river make it a popular destination for whitewater rafting.

More about rafting in Alberta, Canada

The whitewater found in Banff and Canamore, Alberta is some of the best for rafting in all of Canada. The fresh and abundant smowmelt from the Canadian Rockies not only provides extreme adventure but also cultivates the habitat for rare Northern American wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou and wolves. Rafting trips take place close to sites of interest such as Banff National Park, Lake Louise known for its striking emerald water, and the largest city in the province of Alberta, Calgary. Prime season for rafting is mid-May through mid-September.

New Zealand whitewater rafting is one of the many activities available in a country known for adventure sports. It is only appropriate that the country that invented bungy jumping would offer some of the best whitewater rafting trips in the world.

North Island New Zealand Rafting Trips

Choose from the Tongariro River, Mokau River, Rangitaiki River, Kaituna River, Motu River, Wairoa River, or the Mohaka River.

South Island New Zealand Rafting Trips

Choose from the Kawarau River, Shotover River, or the Landsborough River.

More About Rafting in New Zealand

New Zealand is an island with a volatile base of faults and volcanic activity. This produces tall, hard rock core mountains with pristine rivers cutting through them.The best part about New Zealand whitewater rafting trips is that they are available year round. The proximity of New Zealand to the Equator results in favorable temperatures most of the year.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a popular destination for travelers interested in nature and wildlife, birdwatchers, and whitewater rafters.

Jackson Hole River Rafting Trips (Class II-III):
Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley is home to the Snake River, which winds underneath the Grand Tetons. River trips through Jackson Hole can be mellow float trips or filled with exciting Class III whitewater. Rafting trips run spring-fall.

More About Rafting in Wyoming

Jackson Hole valley itself lies beneath the spectacular Grand Tetons, and makes up part of the Grand Teton National Park. The Snake River offers fun whitewater rafting trips through the valley for a variety of tastes. Rafters looking for a Wyoming whitewater rafting trip will enjoy Class III rapids and families can relax on gentle float trips. Snake river rafting trips are located near the charming town of Jackson, Wyoming.