Canada · RAFTING & KAYAKING IN BANFF
The 15 best rafting & kayaking in Banff you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Spend four hours rafting the Kananaskis River near Banff and Canmore, punching through 10-plus Class 2 to 3 rapids and an Olympic kayaking course. Guides such as Sam, Geoff, Eoghann, Leah, and Quynton keep the mood lively while you learn paddling, play river games, and perhaps swim.
“Seeing the natural sites was Fantastic!! Our guide offered tips for the best views and helped us getting amazing photos.”
Join Hydra River Guides at the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute guided trip up and back along the Bow River. You’ll paddle a 12-seat Big Canoe with no experience required, watch for elk, bald eagles, ospreys, loons, and muskrats, and hear local stories from guides such as Abbey, Maddie, Cam, and Darby.
“Fun trip with great views. Phone safe (you will not get wet). Some exertion as you paddle upstream, but not too intense. Stephanie is great.”
Meet at Nakoda Lakeside Lodge for a four-hour Kananaskis River trip with 1.5 to 2 hours on the water. Guides such as David, Hazel, Alex, and Rachel teach every paddle stroke, steer class 2 to 3 rapids, and finish with a float, swim, snack, hot drink, and free online photos.
“My guide was great and the rafting was a lot of fun. There was a lot of focus on safety and I learned a lot. Would recommend.”
Join Banff Adventures at the Banff Canoe Club for a gentle 90-minute paddle on the Bow River. Your English-speaking guide, such as Abbey, Brie, CJ, or Mardi, handles safety, paddling tips, local stories, and wildlife facts. The tour suits families and beginners, with lemonade served afterward.
“Ethan our tour guide was awesome!! We had a great experience and would definitely go again”
Join the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute paddle on the Bow River in a large shared canoe. No experience is needed, and guides such as Abbey, Madi, Cam, and Fergus add local stories about beavers, mountains, wildlife, and Banff’s waterways. You paddle upstream, then float back.
“Tim was an awesome guide with tons of useful and interesting information. He made this canoe ride super memorable. Thanks Tim. I highly recommend for anyone. It wasn’t that hard paddling at all since there were 8+ people rowing.”
Join guides such as Cam, Amelia, or Marti for a 90-minute evening paddle from the Banff Canoe Club. You will share a 12-seat canoe, learn about local wildlife and conservation, and look for bald eagles, elk, beavers, muskrats, and osprey.
“It was a fun activity. Didn’t see any wildlife but still fun!”
Spend 9 to 10 hours visiting Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in a 14-passenger van from Banff, Canmore, or Harvie Heights. Choose more time at either lake, then hike, rent a canoe, or sightsee independently. Guides such as Corey, Yannick, Lenka, and Radek add local tips along the way.
“The views are amazing! Something you didn’t think existed. Hikes are awesome and well worth the struggle! Our tour guide was awesome.”
You’ll paddle class 3 and 4 rapids through Horseshoe Canyon with an English-speaking guide such as Adam, Gavin, Georgia, or Tim. Expect 1.5 to 2 hours on the glacier-fed river, a choice of cliff jumps, wildlife views, provided wetsuits, and snacks afterward.
“We had a blast, our guide, Georgia s, was full of energy and very informative which made the experience even better. 5 stars all the way.”
Join a guide from the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute paddle upriver and float back on the Bow. You’ll share a 12-seat canoe, learn wildlife etiquette, and look for elk, beavers, bald eagles, loons, herons, and more. Cam, C.J., John, Jacob, and Nieve have all guided this outing.
“A nice easy paddle upriver and then a leisurely float back down. We were fortunate to see two bears, one chasing the other. We also saw beaver, weasel and ducks. Jacob was great at getting us all working together and was able to keep us entertained as we went along. It was definitely worth the time and money.”
Join Banff Adventures at the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute guided big canoe trip on the Bow River. You paddle as a team while your guide steers, shares local history and wildlife notes, and serves refreshments at the end. Guides such as Cam and Ethan are known for lively, clear commentary.
“Gondola, Bear Trail, Big Canoe Tour, Cascade Garden, Blackfoot Dance Performance, FOOD FOOD FOOD Our family group ages from 9 to 74 had a thoroughly wonderful time. We’re cramming in as much as we can while we’re here. This was a much-delayed and rescheduled trip because of the pandemic. We are so happy we can travel again.”
Ride from Banff or Canmore in a small 14-passenger van to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Choose more time at either lake, hike at your own pace, bring a paddle board, or rent a canoe. Guides including Corey, Yannick, Dave, and Mike add local stories and practical trail advice.
“Our guide Leslie was superb. And we were very lucky with the weather.”
You’ll raft the Bow River through Horseshoe Canyon on a 210-minute half-day trip with Canadian Rockies Rafting. Expect Class 2 to 4 rapids, steep shale walls, a 15-minute bus ride, optional 8-foot and 30-foot cliff jumps, and guides such as Sam, Ames, Quynton, and Bets.
“Lots of fun and beautiful scenery. Our guide, Sam, told us great stories about the area and kept us all feeling safe and exhilerated. I went with my husband and mid-twenties year old children. We all had a wonderful time. We were in a raft with a mom and 2 teenagers and felt we were very well matched.”
Spend 330 minutes visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from Banff, with scenic stops at Castle Mountain and Vermilion Lakes. English-speaking guides such as Hari, AJ, Guru, and Guri lead the small-group outing. Transport, water, and the park pass are included, but canoe hire is extra.
“It was very good activity . We earlier had Columbia Icefield adventure trip with Guru and had a good experience. Will recommend it again .”
Spend 10 hours in Yoho National Park with a small group of up to 11 people. Visit Natural Bridge, stay 2.5 hours at Emerald Lake for hiking, lunch, or optional canoeing, then walk to Takakkaw Falls. Guides such as Travis add facts, humor, and photo help along the way.
“It was a great day! Saw a lot more than expected - some hidden gems included. Guide was flexible, friendly and attentive to what we were looking to see.”
Paddle a double kayak from Banff Canoe Club along the Bow River and into Vermilion Lakes for about two hours. A guide such as Maddie, Darby, Ben, Amelia, or Abby leads the way, shares local insight, takes photos when possible, and may guide you across a beaver dam.
“Such a wonderful experience and a great way to see some of Banff’s amazing views from a new perspective. It was a great change of pace after lots of hiking. Maddy, our tour guide, was exceptional. She was so sweet, gave wonderful suggestions and told us so much about the land. We learned so much, and enjoyed our tour! Would definitely recommend for a quick morning tour.”
Pick a mountain, a shoreline or a table.
