Chinook Rafting
Chinook Rafting
5
08:00 - 19:00
Monday
08:00 - 19:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 19:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 19:00
Thursday
08:00 - 19:00
Friday
08:00 - 19:00
Saturday
08:00 - 19:00
Sunday
08:00 - 19:00
Full view
About
Closest whitewater rafting available from Banff and Calgary with daily half day trips. Whether you want Mild or Wild, our fun-loving professional guides will provide you with the best whitewater rafting adventure. Perfect activity for families (5 years and up), and groups like Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties or your Corporate Team Building Event.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
2,550 reviews
Excellent
2,374
Very good
147
Average
16
Poor
7
Terrible
6
Jenna Natalyia L
Calgary, Canada1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
So much fun i highly recommend. We were lucky enough to have Tadhg as our guide, he was excellent. This is something that is fun to do as a local.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you for the review and recommendation for local guests! We are glad you had a great time with Tadhg. We will share the feedback with him.
Hope to see you again!
Written 19 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Orlaith ‘O Callaghan
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
We had the most amazing experience, the laughs, the stories, not what I expected. Gav made the trip worthwhile, he had so much life experience & knowledge to share. From giving it a good paddle to cruising down the taking in the views. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime. You have a good one there with Gav, & the Irish guy he has a few wise cracks as we’re getting prepped before getting started. You have a lovely team. The views are amazing. If I come back🤞 Gav is our man. Beautiful soul
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you for such a nice review! We are excited that you connect so well with our guide, Gav!
We will ensure he and the team will get your kind words!
Best!
Written 19 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DAJ74
Las Vegas, Nevada111 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Our groups had the honor to be on Gav’s team, he kept the tour fun and was full of information regarding the natural history of the river. The trip was amazing, thanks Gav!
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jason,
I am happy to hear that you were a proud member of Gav's team! Thank you for leaving such a nice review for us and Gav! Hope to see you again!
Written 19 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AMR
4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Team Tadhg!! Wow, this rafting experience was a highlight of our trip! Tadhg was amazing and made our adventure even more exciting. Everyone in our group was hoping our names would be called to ride with Tadhg. He didn't disappoint! Such a fun day!!
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey there! We're stoked to hear that Tadhg gave you a day to remember! Thanks for shouting out his superb skills. We can't wait to have you all back for another river adventure!
Written 19 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beverley M
2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Such a professional organisation, made the experience exciting but safe. Adrian was a superb event leader and guide. All the guides were keen to make the experience fun! A great experience that I would recommend to all ages.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We're happy to hear that Adrian and our team made your adventure both exciting and safe. We look forward to welcoming you back for another great experience.
Written 19 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lori w
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
Team Gav - the crazy Scot! You made our afternoon. What a fun time on a beautiful September day.
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for a great review! Hope to see you again in the Rockies!
Written 19 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter W
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
Awesome afternoon on the river. Had a great time. All the staff were fantastic but our guide Gavin was the best.
A must due adventure when you are in Banff.
A must due adventure when you are in Banff.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your great review! We're thrilled to hear you had an awesome time on the river and that our staff, especially Gavin, made your adventure memorable. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in Banff!
Written 19 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather Y
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
This was such a fun day with awesome crew - from the instructions and gear check to the transportation and rafting - 10/10 would recommend! My friends and I had high hesitations because it was a cold and rainy morning but we are so happy we did it! The crew was reassuring, educational and so much fun!
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're thrilled to hear that you and your friends had a fantastic day on the river despite the cold and rainy weather. Our crew works hard to ensure everyone feels confident and safe, all while having a great time, so it's wonderful to know that their efforts paid off. We're glad that the gear, instructions, and transportation all met your expectations and contributed to a memorable adventure. We hope you had a great rest of your stay!
Written 19 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Larry J
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Family
I booked this with my three adult sons on our four day trip and did not know what to expect. It turned out to be one of the top highlights of our trip. We arrived early to avoid any hassle which there was none of staff were super friendly they told us we had time if we wanted to walk around which we did at the beautiful lake there. When it was time the guides were easy to follow with their information on how to suit up and were very funny had people laughing through out his explanation. Once we're at the river we were paired up with our guide Gav who made the trip great again another funny guy always smiling and making jokes, you could tell he has been doing this for awhile and new exactly where to raft would be going and made sure everyone in the boat was wet. It was an absolute blast and highly recommended our guide Gav if you can get him.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your nice review! We're thrilled to hear that your rafting adventure with Gav was a highlight of your trip. It's great to know that our team's friendliness and humor added to your experience. We appreciate your review and hope to see you and your family on the river again soon!
Written 19 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ricky D
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
Tadhg truly made this rafting trip a 10/10. Would highly recommend getting into Tadhg’s raft. He was hilarious and gave us the best rafting experience!
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your awesome review! We're thrilled to hear that Tadhg made your bachelor party rafting trip unforgettable. We'll be sure to pass on your compliments to him.
Looking forward to your next adventure with us!
Written 19 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hiram Lag B
Hermosillo, Mexico110 contributions
Buen dia somo una familia de 4 dos adultos y dos jovenes de 13 y 15 años estando en verano nos gustaria tomar la aventura no hemos echo rafting pero si sabemos nadar. la pregunta es nos no es demasiado calmado el paseo de principiantes; ya que a mis hijos les gusta la emocion ayudaria me recomendaras
ChinookRafting
Banff National Park, Canada1 contribution
Hi Hiram, Great to hear you and your family want to come whitewater rafting with us. With regards to which river to raft on, as you haven’t rafted before but are looking for a thrill we would recommend that you should choose the Horseshoe Canyon Rafting trip, class 3-4 rapids with the optional cliff jump. You don't have to have rafted before to join this trip. This rafting trip has the meeting point of Nakoda Lakeside Lodge which is the closest rafting trip to both Calgary and Banff/Canmore (only 45 minutes drive). We do currently have space on the 2nd July 2020 and this trip runs in the morning. We would suggest booking as soon as you can as we do sell out in July and August. If you need any more information or to speak with one of our friendly staff please do not hesitate to contact us directly - we look forward to seeing you out on the river with us.
CathyR87
St. Petersburg8 contributions
My husband and I have rafted before (Colorado, Alaska, Costa Rica) and are looking for the most adventure. Thus what river and or trip do you suggest for the Banff/Lake Louis area?
ChinookRafting
Banff National Park, Canada1 contribution
Hi Cathy, It depends how far you wish to drive and how much time you are spending in the Banff area. The Kicking Horse River trip has the most rapids but it is not that near to Banff. It is near Golden, BC approximately 1.5 - 2 hours drive west of Banff. The Horseshoe Canyon trip is a half day trip with 3 major rapids and 2 cliff jumps and is only 45 minutes drive east of Banff. Please let us know if you have any other questions, and we hope to see you out on the river soon!
Srikanth
San Diego, California3 contributions
Do you need to know how to swim?
ChinookRafting
Banff National Park, Canada1 contribution
If you do not know how to swim, we would recommend joining the Kananaskis River Rafting Tour, as the rapids and river are not as strong. On the day please inform your guide that you are a non or weak swimmer too. If you need any more information or to speak with one of our friendly staff please do not hesitate to contact us directly - we look forward to having you out rafting with us!
Stephen H
1 contribution
HI, do you do private trips rafting for my family of 6 (including 1 x 18 year old, 2 x 16 and 1 x 13)?
ChinookRafting
Banff National Park, Canada1 contribution
With regards to private rafts we would need at least 4 strong paddling adults to get the raft down the Kananaskis river, and at least 6 strong paddling adults to get the raft down the Bow river (Horseshoe Canyon section). So we could take your booking for a private raft on the Kananaskis river trip, you would just need to purchase the 4 extra spots to make your raft private. Most people prefer to share the raft with others, as you get a wetter ride with a heavier boat, there are more people to paddle the raft, so it is less strenuous, and it is great fun sharing new experiences with people from all over the world. And you can spend your extra $s on other fun stuff. If you need any more information, or to speak with one of our friendly staff to make your reservation, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We look forward to creating great memories with you and your family!
Meryl S
Hollywood, FL30 contributions
Hi, my husband and I are 58 and 60 and our daughter is 24. She would like to do a higher level rafting trip but I am afraid. I just don’t want to get hurt. We will be in Banff July 20-24. What do you recommend for us?
ChinookRafting
Banff National Park, Canada1 contribution
Hi Meryl, Rafting is an adventurous sport, so we can’t guarantee that you won’t get bumped, knocked or even come out of the raft on any whitewater rafting trip. That being said it is very rare that this happens and we go through thorough safety orientations prior to the trip and also in the raft we practice our paddle strokes. It does sound like the Horseshoe Canyon would be the fit for your family, as it is a half day trip with the optional cliff jump for the adventurous. Please let us know if you have any other questions, and we hope to see you out on the river soon!
Any promo codes or coupons for the chinook rafting company?
ChinookRafting
Banff National Park, Canada1 contribution
Seema, thanks for your question. We don't have any coupons or discounts running currently. Sometimes we do before the season starts in February and March, but during our season which runs mid-May to mid-September, unfortunately, we don't have any discounts. We do have a Kids Raft Free promo for their birthday, the child must be 5-15 years old and raft on the Kananaskis river trip. The rafting trip is free if it is the child's birthday on the day that they come rafting. Please let us know if you have any other questions, and we hope to see you out on the river soon!
Bob W
League City, Texas, United States3 contributions
We are coming in early August, think the water will be up still?
ChinookRafting
Banff National Park, Canada1 contribution
Hi Bob, Spring run off happens in June for us, so high river levels happen at that time. Once we hit summer (July & August) our river levels are pretty consistent with fun hits and big splashes. In September our river tends to start to go down, and we stay open as long as the river is still fun. If you need any more information or to speak with one of our friendly staff please do not hesitate to contact us directly - we look forward to creating great memories with you!
Aisling O
7 contributions
Is there an age minimum to do this? Between two families, we have kids who range from 11-16yrs. Would there be an option suitable for them (parents would be along for the ride as well)? Also, could you accommodate a group of 11 (6 adults, 5 kids - ages above)?
ChinookRafting
Banff National Park, Canada1 contribution
Hi Aisling, We do have the Kananaskis River whitewater rafting trip that all your group can do, as it has a minimum age of 5 years old. This river offers class 2 - 3 rapids along with pristine landscapes of Kananaskis Provincial Park for a half day adventure. It is the ideal whitewater experience for families and we can accommodate large groups, so a group of 11 is fine. Extra time is taken on this trip to play the rapids, surfing waves and opportunities to swim in the river alongside the raft are there for any keen rafters. You will get wet! If you need any more information or to speak with one of our friendly staff please do not hesitate to contact us directly - we look forward to creating great memories with you and your family.
My partner and i want to book a trip with the most thrills we haven't been before but are up for a challenge. what would you recommend?
ChinookRafting
Banff National Park, Canada1 contribution
Hi Penny, Great to hear you want to come whitewater rafting with us. With regards to which river to raft on, as you haven’t rafted before but are looking for a thrill we would recommend that you should choose the Horseshoe Canyon Rafting trip, class 3-4 rapids with the optional cliff jump. You don't have to have rafted before to join this trip. This rafting trip has the meeting point of Nakoda Lakeside Lodge which is the closest rafting trip to both Calgary and Banff/Canmore. If you need any more information or to speak with one of our friendly staff please do not hesitate to contact us directly - we look forward to seeing you out on the river with us.
joh07940
Duluth, MN130 contributions
Hi, we are going to be in Banff National Park (July 4th - July 9th, 2017) and Jasper National Park (July 9th - July 14th, 2017) so we are trying to decide if we should go rafting in Banff National Park, which Chinook Rafting seems to have the best reviews and most reviews out of all of the places from both areas. Which river would you recommend going on? We have never white water rafted before, we are from Duluth, MN and are outdoor enthusiasts. From what I have read we would probably want level 2 of rapids if there are 3 levels? or level 3 if there are 5 levels of rapids? I see Chinook Rafting has 3 river options, which one would you recommend? We will be staying at Johnston Canyon Campground while we are in Banff National Park. Which one is closest to this campground? And which one is the best river to raft down for the skill level we are looking for?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions and comments!
Nicole
ChinookRafting
Banff National Park, Canada1 contribution
Hi Nicole, It looks like you have done your TripAdvisor research! Yes we do pride ourselves in ‘currently’ being number 1 on TripAdvisor for outdoor activities in Banff, as we have had lots of our wonderful guests recommend us. We always say with regards to which river to raft on, that it depends on your enthusiasm, and what level of thrill you are looking for. As you haven’t rafted before, and from what you have written we would recommend that you should choose either the Kananaskis River Rafting, class 2-3 rapids, or the Horseshoe Canyon Rafting, class 3-4 rapids with the optional cliff jump. These 2 rafting trips have the meeting point of Nakoda Lakeside Lodge and are the closest to the Johnson Canyon campground. It also depends if you are early morning people, as the Horseshoe Canyon meets in the morning, and the Kananaskis river rafting meets early afternoon. What we can guarantee is on both rivers you are going to get wet from head to toe! We would also recommend booking in advance, as July is super busy for us, and also as you are available mid-week, if your plans allow, pick a mid-week day. If you need any more information or to speak with one of our friendly staff please do not hesitate to contact us directly - we look forward to seeing you out rafting with us.