White Water Rafting Rivers of the World - Canada
Kicking Horse River Rafting
The Icefields of the Great Divide feed bustling whitewaters to the Kicking Horse River of Yoho National Park. Flowing through the rugged terrains of the Eastern and Western Main Ranges of the Rocky Mountains, the Kicking Horse gushes down 800 meters in 49 kilometers.
The unusual name of the river is attributed to a strange incident faced by Sir James Hector, the geologist of the Palliser Expedition of 1857-60. En route to his discovery of the Kicking Horse Pass, he was kicked on his chest by a horse. He and his team made significant observations in the Canadian West.
The thrilling rafting ride begins downstream from Wapta Falls. All rapids range in action level III-IV+. Name it and the river has it all. Towering waves, terrific chutes and mind-blowing rapids, all meddle into one - giving you a high level adrenaline fun. The Middle Canyon teases rafters with amazing rapids like Portage, Shotgun and Terminator. But the best among them all is the Roller Coaster, a series of mind boggling nine waves ranging from 7-10 feet high. The Lower Canyon features an even bigger roller coaster ride. The Wave Train is quite similar to the Middle Canyon Roller Coaster, except that the waves here go up to fifteen feet! The Double Trouble is a Class IV+ rapid and is meant for experienced rafters. The river banks offer a wonderful scenic experience with an abundant wildlife featuring moose, deer, elk, black bear, grizzly, mountain goats and bald eagles. The hilly areas are home to marmots and pikas.
The primary rafting season in Kicking Horse is from May to mid-September. Mid June- mid July is the typical highwater season when rafting enthusiasts pour in huge numbers in the river valley.