Quick Details
Availability:
6 days, 5 nights of adventure
- 2026 departures: September 5th, September 14th
- 2027 departures: August 8th, August 16th, September 9th
Duration: total of 6 Days beginning and ending in Smithers
Meeting in Smithers 1 day prior to the departure date at 7:00 PM in the evening.
Rafting guests responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Smithers before and after the river trip as well as any food and meals before the river trip.
Make a real connection with nature on an adventure like nothing else while leaving the everyday digital distractions behind. The Nass and Babine Rivers will give you a intimate experience in true British Columbia wilderness. Let our team of World Class guides take care of everything so you can enjoy your adventure to the fullest. We will provide all the equipment you need while also providing some of the most delicious meals available on a wilderness expedition anywhere. Both delicious and nutritious, the food will leave you asking for 2nds and 3rds. Our philosophy is based around providing the most comfort possible while journeying through some of the most amazing places around the world. Powerful, adrenaline filled Class 4 whitewater rapids are handled with ease with the best, most skilled guides in the industry. You will be amazed by the incredible
Embark on a 6-day rafting expedition like no other, journeying through the wild and pristine waters of the Babine River. Leave the distractions of modern life behind – no service, just pure adventure and connection to nature.
Our expert guides handle every detail so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. From setting up camp to preparing your meals, including delicious appetizers and fresh coffee each morning; this trip is where comfort meets rugged wilderness.
Feel the power of Class 4 whitewater rapids, navigated by seasoned professionals who ensure your safety while delivering adrenaline-pumping thrills. Beyond the rapids, savour breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings, and the unique ecosystem of the region.
This is a journey for those who want to disconnect, recharge, and challenge themselves in the heart of British Columbia’s untouched rivers.
What is Included
Riverside Adventures provides everything you will need to have the most unforgettable experience.
- World class guiding from our Industry leading team of guides. They will provide everything from instructions and training, to leadership and a great atmosphere while on the river.
- All necessary gear: Wetsuits or Drysuits, life jackets, helmets, rain jackets, rain pants, and river footwear.
- Camping gear: 2 or 4 person tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats.
- Dry bags to keep all your clothes and personal stuff dry and secured.
- Amazing meals: 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks and drinks.
- A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks provided. (Alcoholic drinks will only be available to consume once we get to camp in the evenings)
- Any necessary park permits and entrance fees to areas
- Transportation from Smithers to the River, or from Clearwater to Smithers and then to the river.
Guest
CA$ 130
Youth (under 16)
CA$ 110
Trip Itinerary
THE MEET & GREET: Meeting on the evening before the trip departure, we will go over everything you need to know about the trip we will embark on the following day.
Day 1: After breakfast at the hotel we will double check we have all personal stuff and drive to the top of the river. You’re then outfitted with wetsuits (fleeces and splash jackets are available depending on the weather conditions). We also provide shoes (or neoprene booties in colder weather) for guests who don’t have appropriate river footwear as well as rain jackets. Your clothing and valuables are stored in dry bags. We will then enjoy a riverside lunch, do a quick safety talk and head out on the river to raft to our first camp where you will enjoy hors d’oeuvers and cocktails as we set up camp followed by the first of incredibly delicious dinners on the trip.
Days 2, 3, 4, and 5: the first thing you will hear when you wake up is the soothing sound of the Babine River, followed quickly by the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a delicious, hearty breakfast. After breakfast we will break down camp, get into our rafting gear, and continue down the river through deep canyons on exhilarating rapids. The scenery of the dense forest, incredible mountains and glaciers of the Sicintine Range will truly amaze you. We will raft through some long stretches of class 3 rapids with one of the highlights being the aptly named “Pinball Alley” rapid. We will set up camp deep in the Babine Canyon near a waterfall. We will also visit the famous class 4 rapid section called “Grizzly Drop” where we will be able to spot some bears fishing for salmon to fatten up before winter. A hike to the abandoned Native village of Kisgegas comes after Grizzly Drop rapid and is now overgrown with many different species of wildflowers. After this, the river valley begins to open up and you will be able to see the majestic Mount Thomlinson in the distance. We will raft to the confluence where the narrow Babine River joins the comparatively wide Skeena River. There will be more large splashy rapids of sinuous waters through canyons and coastal cedars before the last campsite of the trip.
Day 6: We will begin to see signs of civilization along the shores as we pass the Native village of Kispiox which has some giant totem poles. We will get to shore in Hazelton and after putting all the rafts and gear on the raft trailer, return to Smithers. After we are all set up at the hotel in Smithers we will meet to enjoy a final dinner with our new friends and guides. This is a great time to exchange contact information to share photos/videos that anyone may have taken during the trip.
Our company has been the number 1 rafting experience provider in Canada according to trip advisor since 2019 and you will understand why. We make sure that we provide a world class experience for every guest. From the best gear, to the best guides in the nation, everything we do will show you why we are consistently rated the best. Our guides are trained to the highest standards in terms of river skills, safety, and are pretty amazing cooks to boot. But, guides need more than that and our guides have made a career in the rafting industry because they are able to make sure you are comfortable and enjoying yourselves the entire time you are with us with their decades of experience.
On DAY SIX, notice signs of civilization along the shores as you pass the native village of Kispiox, where giant totem poles pay silent tributes to generations past. Return to shore in Hazelton, BC before returning to Smithers to gather together for a final diner with friends, old and new.
- Nass 2027: July 30th, August 24th, September 1st
Babine River Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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A: We are happy to offer the Babine River Expedition to anyone who wants to join from first time in a raft or on an expedition to seasoned adventurers. From age 8 and up everyone is able to join us. If you have younger kids and want to bring them please contact us and we can make arrangements for anyone over a certain weight as we need to know that we have gear that fits. As long as you are looking to have a unforgettable adventure, can paddle through some of the rapids, consider yourself in good shape (physically fit), and if needed your doctor agrees that you are in good enough health to join on this once in a lifetime experience. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us for more information and to discuss any concerns you may have.
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A: The Babine River is famous for a few different animals. In the river we have all 5 species of Pacific Salmon and Steelhead Trout. These fish attract both types of bears, grizzly and black bears. There are also possible sightings of moose, wolves, lynx, bobcats, mink, and marten. In the trees and sky there are lots of bald eagles, golden eagles, flacons, hawks, mergansers (ducks), and sandhill cranes. There are also other types of animals that we might come across. Our guide team knows everything about safe practices when dealing with wildlife and each raft will have bear spray and bear bangers. Our guides will always position themselves between the bear attractants like the kitchen and your tents. The bears in this area are not habituated to humans and do not associate us as food. They also have such an abundant supply of salmon and trout in the river system they will barely notice or acknowledge us. If we leave them alone we will most likely not have any issues.
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A: Of course. On this trip we spend about 3 or 4 hours on the river rafting each day. This leaves plenty of time for short hikes, taking pictures/videos off of the rafts, fishing, and relaxing. One thing to remember is if you want to fish while on the trip you must purchase a permit ahead of time. That is something that is easy to do the day before the trip. We bring some fishing gear but do not sell the permits. Depending on the permit you might be able to catch dinner.
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A: We have the highest standards in regards to the meals we provide and go the extra mile in meal planning and preparation. We will have multiple courses of incredibly delicious food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner through the entire trip. If you have any special requirements, allergies, or things you just do not like, we are happy to customize meals, drinks, and snacks to make sure everyone is completely satisfied. We like to refer to it as 5-Star camping food and our philosophy is that great food can make any day more enjoyable.
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All of our gear is the best in the industry and that doesn’t just mean the rafting equipment. Our Tents, sleeping mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows are the best available. The tents are either based on 2 people to a tent or 4 for families, however if you would like a tent to yourself you just have to let us know.
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A: Just because we are in the wilderness does not mean you need to use a leaf to wipe or find a good tree to hang on to. We provide a toilet, toilet paper, and hand sanitation station at every campsite. While on the water we will have some toilet paper, seal-able trash container and hand sanitizer available for if the unexpected happens.
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Trip fares are refundable if reservations are cancelled in writing by email at [email protected] (or by calling 250 318 5223) up to 16 full calendar days before your river trip departure date (10% administrative fees withheld). If canceled in between 9 and 16 full calendar days prior to the trip departure date 50% will be refunded. No refunds will be given for any reason if cancelled within the 8 full calendar days after your cancellation email prior to your trip, or for any “no show” upon scheduled trip departures.
Cancellations have a deep impact on small businesses as ours, therefore if you possibly foresee the need to make changes due to unfortunate circumstances, we do recommend travel insurance.
Water levels and other factors such as condition of road access and extreme weather patterns fluctuate throughout the season, and may effect the river section we are able to run. We reserve the right to alter whitewater river trip itinerary (from the Clearwater to the Upper North Thompson) or to other local river sections due to circumstances beyond our control and/or for the safety of the guests.
All river trips run rain or shine.