Canada · RAFTING & KAYAKING IN BANFF
The 11 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 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!”
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.”
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.”
Spend two unhurried hours at Moraine Lake and two at Lake Louise in a small van with a local guide. You can hike, rent a canoe, eat lunch, and stop at Vermilion Lakes for a Mount Rundle reflection. Pickup is available in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff.
“Would recommend. I wanted a small group (not getting lost on a bus) and this was perfect. Informative & thoughtful guide that answered all our questions and had us smoothly to and from the destinations with ease. We had an amazing, carefree day thanks to Banff Bear Travel!”
Pick a mountain, a shoreline or a table.
