Quick Details
Availability:
Duration: 3 hours
Family memories that will last a lifetime! Join us on an exhilarating BC river rafting adventure on the North Thompson River north of Clearwater British Columbia. This tour is a safe fun way to introduce your young ones to the world of rivers and moving water. With Class I, II, and 1 III rapids your kids are sure to remember this exciting adventure.
Riverside Adventures Ltd. makes your rafting experience authentic by offering you: smaller diversified groups, personalized guiding and safety, challenging whitewater, spectacular canyon scenery, unique wilderness and wildlife, and side hikes to waterfalls.
All Riverside Adventures River rafting trips use the best river gear available and are led by rafting professionals with outstanding guiding expertise and a vast knowledge of Wells Gray Provincial Park and area. Also available are our two-man mini rafts: highly maneuverable and comfortable. Great introduction and the ideal stepping-stone to a more advanced river running skill development.
We also cater to families and special events (birthdays, weddings, corporate team building and gatherings, family vacations, etc.)
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time.
THE MEET & GREET: You’re greeted and welcomed and then sign a standard waiver that outlines some of the risks and hazards associated with whitewater rafting. We walk together to the trip meeting location, located behind the building.
SUITING UP: 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. Your clothing and valuables are stored in containers, locked in the rafting headquarters.
TEAM MEETING: We do introductions with the whole group and the guide outlines the upcoming British Columbia river rafting trip itinerary which involves mostly Class I or Class II rapids with one section of Class III.
LOADING UP: The team moves into our air conditioned 15-passenger van. We travel approx 30 minutes north of Clearwater to the Wire Cache Rest Stop.
ARRIVAL: After a 30-minute drive, the raft mobile stops at the put-in rest stop where the team exits the van and put on the final and most important pieces of our gear; the Personal Floatation Device (PFDs) and river helmets. Depending on time of year you may not yet be in your wet suits which you will put on at this time as well.
THE PUT-IN: Then the raft is carried down to the put-in, which is located 15 meters from the raft van.
SAFETY TALK/ORIENTATION: The guide outlines the protocols that will be followed to ensure that everyone has a safe and pleasurable raft trip on Clearwater River. The guide also explains how everyone works together as a team to propel the raft down the Clearwater River (if you prefer, some seats do not require you to paddle).
THE FIRST FEW HUNDRED METERS: Provides some friendly water where you have an opportunity to practice the paddling commands. Then, the excitement begins as the raft rushes by an island through the first rapid.
THE MAIN STRETCH OF RIVER: Provides the rapids you have been waiting for. there are some flat stretches where your guide will tell you about the local history, both settler and indigenous. Or they will talk all about the local wildlife and plant life. They are versed in all sorts of interesting local and outdoor topics.
THE FINAL STRETCH OF RIVER: By this point in the river trip, we’re happy to enjoy a peaceful moment meandering down the river canyon while slowly traveling to our final landing zone located to the side of a nice farmers field.
TAKE OUT: At the take out we will need the parents help to bring the boat up a short steep incline. The kids will walk a foot path to the right that will lead directly to the van.
CELEBRATION: We get changed out of our wetsuits; hop in the van for the 20 minute drive back to the raft base. On the drive we will exchange river stories, and funny anecdotes. Our knowledgeable staff is also happy to give out information and maps regarding other adventures in Wells Gray Park. We offer two regular departures at 9:30 am and 2 pm daily, please call us if you have additional questions or would like to make a reservation. Call or email soon!
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 vice versa) 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.