Anyone looking for white-water rafting action will want to run the Kicking Horse River. The rafting season runs late May–mid-September, with river levels at their highest in late June.

The Lower Canyon, immediately upstream of Golden, offers the biggest thrills, including a three-kilometer (1.9 mile) stretch of continuous rapids. Upstream of here the river is tamer but still makes for an exciting trip, while even farther upstream, near the western boundary of Yoho National Park, it’s more of a float — a good adventure for the more timid visitor.

The river is run by a number of companies, most of which offer the option of half-day ($70–90) or full-day ($110–160) trips. The cost varies with inclusions such as transportation from Banff and lunch.

Local companies include

• Alpine Rafting

250/344-6778 or 888/599-5299
www.alpinerafting.com

• Wet ‘n’ Wild Adventures

250/344-6546 or 800/668-9119
www.wetnwild.bc.ca

• Glacier Raft Company

250/344-6521
www.glacierraft.com

• Wild Water Adventures

403/522-2211 or 888/647-6444
www.wildwater.com