Do I need to know how to swim?
You should be comfortable around water but don’t need to be a swimmer. Our life jackets are very buoyant and will keep you afloat.

Will I fall out?
There is a very rare possibility of falling out but it’s highly unlikely on the Kootenay. We have ropes down the center and around the raft to hold onto and the guides will even tell you when you need to hold on. You will also have a detailed safety talk before you get into the boat and while on the first part of the river.

What class are the rapids?
Rapids are rated from Class One (moving water) to Class Six (waterfalls).
On the Kootenay the rapids are 40% Class One, 35% Class 2, 25% Class Three.

Is this a good trip for kids?
YES! The Kootenay is a fantastic trip for kids five years and older. There’s lots of fun bumps and splashes and our guides go out of their way to make sure that the kids have a super day of rafting.

What qualifications do the guides have?
All of our guides are professional River Guides. Many of our guides travel to Southern Countries like Mexico and Australia and raft there in the Winter. They go through rigorous testing before they are allowed to guide. They are all certified in Wilderness first aid, and swift water rescue.

Is the water cold?
The short answer….yes! The Kootenay River is a Glacial Fed river. This means it is always cold, no mater what time of year it is. But we will give all the gear you need to enjoy your time on the river including rain pants, rain jackets, polar fleece jacket, neoprene shoes, and of course your Life Jacket. We give kids wetsuits, but these aren’t necessary for adults. All of these things will help to keep you warm on the river.

Do you run “Half Day” trips?
Yes. On the Kootenay you have the option of a half day or full day trip. On the Half Day you will do about 22km of river and will enjoy a riverside brunch. On the Full Day Trip you will do about 60km of river and enjoy both brunch and our world famous buffet lunch.

How may people are in the rafts?
Our boats are rated for 12 rafters plus the guide.

Will my group be in the same raft?
Although we cannot guarantee that you will all be in the same raft we will do our best to make sure you are. Remember to tell the guides that you are a group and they will keep you together.

Do you have group discounts?
Kootenay River Runners will give a 10% group discount for 10 rafters or more. The group must be pre-paid on one credit card to get the discount.

Is rafting dangerous?
Rafting is an Adventure Activity which means that there is always a degree of risk. Kootenay River Runners does everything it possibly can to minimize this risk.