"Hi,
We are the 51st anniversary group that did a full day trip on the Kootenay. I completely forgot to come in at the end of the trip and thank you all. We had a fabulous time. It was the perfect trip - a nice blend of beautiful scenery, gentle floating and exciting rapids. My parents (both in their 70's) loved it. One of my best memories was hearing my mom scream in excitement as we roared through a set of rapids. I was a little concerned that my 11 year old son was just going to find it too tame but he too was blown awayby the trip. It worked for all 11 of us. No one was bored and no one was terrified!
I want to especially thank you for remembering the occasion (of my parents anniversary) and going to the trouble of providing a cake. It was totally unexpected and a real nice way to make the memory even more special for all of us. Travis and Tabatha were both just great. We are looking forward to joining you again for a trip down one of the other rivers.

Thanks again."
Kevin W. Calgary, Alberta

The Kootenay River

Kootenay River Full Day

This is family vacation fun at its finest. This trip includes a morning snack and our traditional riverside buffet lunch. Great for kids as young as five. Grandparents are welcome.

Raft Class 2 and 3 rapids on this superior family adventure. Carrying a distinctive wilderness feel, our one day outing is a delightful 30 mile frolic down the more spirited stretches of the Kootenay. Featuring boisterous whitewater, exquisite Rockies scenery, and the chance of seeing wildlife,. This is family fun at its best. This trip includes a morning snack, and our traditionalriverside buffet lunch. Great for kids as young as five. Grandparents are welcome. We departfrom our Radiumoffice at 9:00am and return by 5:00pm.

Price Adult: $97.00
Kids (14 and under): $81.00
Prices do not include $3 river access permit fee or 5% GST

Kootenay Half Day

A shortened version of the all day, this trip takes you on a swift and lively 12 mile stretch of the Kootenay. We serve a brunch of hot and cold drinks, cheese, pastry and fruit on this morning excursion. Trips leave from our Radium office at 9:00 A.M. and return by 1:30 P.M.

Price Adult: $69.00
Kids (14 and under): $53.00
Prices do not include $3 river access permit fee or 5% GST

Read about a typical day on the Kootenay River!

The Kootenay River Trips begin and finish in Radium Hot Springs.  Upon arrival to The Kootenay River Runner’s headquarters, you will check in and finish up any paperwork that needs to be completed.  This may include waiver  forms, payment etc.  The mornings here are pretty relaxed and rarely does anyone feel rushed.  Feel free to relax on our patio overlooking the stunning Columbia Valley, while we let the last of our guests arrive.

The guides, bus and rafts will arrive at the office at 9:00am.  You will have a few moments to grab some last minute supplies out of your vehicle and then it is ‘on the bus!’ The guides and driver will introduce themselves and we will begin our scenic drive to the Kootenay Valley. The drive is approximately 30 minutes and will take you up and over Sinclair pass.  The view from the top is simply breathtaking.   From way up high, you will get your first glimpse of the turquoise ribbon weaving along the valley floor, the Kootenay River. We hop on Settler’s Road and arrive at the put-in in moments.  At the put-in, we get geared up, talk safety, and the guides will outfit the rafts and we depart on our day!

As soon as leave the banks of the put-in, you will soon realize the peace and isolation that this wilderness trip has to offer.  Deer play on the shores, eagles nest and watch us paddle by,  and a connection to the river is quickly made .   After a series of s-bends, ledges and rapids, we land at our morning snack spot.  Here at the snack spots, the deserving paddlers devour hot chocolate, coffee and all sorts of other goodies.  There are endless rocks for skipping on the beach, and plenty of time for photo opportunities before we head off once again.  At this point the half day folks are about half done their excursion.  The laughs and interpretative discussions carry on for 5 more kilometers before the half-day take-out is reached.   The bus, waiting with dry clothes and warmth on those cold days, is waiting to drive back to the village of Radium Hot Springs. 

For the guests who signed up for the full day event, this marks the half waypoint of your voyage.   While the morning guests board the bus and make way for Radium, you will have a chance to stretch your legs on dry land and switch places in the raft.  The second half of your day is even more scenic then the first.  You will paddle past many different types of glacial formations and hoo doos, deep gorges, and pristine beaches.  The lunch spot which Kootenay River Runner’s uses is located just into the bush off one of these sandy beaches.  The lunch consists of delicious gourmet sandwiches, lots of fresh fruit, juices , cookies and other tasty treats.