Glacier Raft Company — Local services in Golden

We participated in the half day rafting trip operated by Glacier Raft Company at 11am on Tuesday July 11, 2023. We ordered and paid for the trip online and filled out the online waiver that was supplied to our email. This process worked well and we were not required to fill out another waiver when we arrive (unlike other activities we have participated in). We arrived 15 minutes early, checked-in, waited for all to arrive (about 40 people for five rafts), received instructions for obtaining equipment (full wet suits, helmets – with GoPro mounts if desired – and life vests), collected our equipment, suited-up, and boarded a bus. This process was very well organized. The bus drove about 20 minutes east on the Trans-Canada highway to the drop-off point on the Kicking Horse River. We received some instructions on the bus, more at the drop-off point along with safety instructions before helping to drag our raft to the river to start the trip. During the next two-ish hours, we rafted through class II, III and IV rapids, with one 10 minute stop along the way. At the end, we helped drag our raft out of the river, load it on a trailer before a 10 minute ride back to the office. The process of returning the equipment was well organized and beer and refreshments were provided while viewing the trip pictures and videos. This was an extremely well organized and run operation. All staff and guides were very helpful and enthusiastic – they certainly seem to love their jobs. On the water, our guide kept us informed of what was ahead, directed us in rowing and bracing for waves, and made the whole trip very enjoyable. Our experience with the Glacier Raft Company was fantastic and we would strongly recommend them and return again.

Update: We ordered the picture/video package and have now had a chance to download and reviewed it. The pictures include group shots (our group, the raft group), great action shots from the bank of our raft hitting some rapids, and a variety of other mostly stock shots (some drone shots from above). The video clips include several shot from a GoPro mounted on our guide's helmet and then mounted at the front of the raft, a drone shot from above while our raft was running some rapids, and a variety of stock footage showing the area, including the put-in location. We were lucky to get good exposure in the GoPro clips because we happened to be in the back when the GoPro was on our guide's helmet and in the front part of the time when it was mounted at the front of the raft (perhaps two GoPro's should be used for more individual coverage). Anyway, the GoPro clips captured great action from within the raft. The media is all well done - very professional and high quality. It was easily downloaded and will be available for at least 1 year and you can share the link so others can view the media. We were very happy with the package and would...

I can not recommend this company enough. From the minute we arrived we knew this was a well organized bunch of people, We started the day with them showing us exactly where to park and from there we were given a very detailed explanation of what was to be expected. The entire process was so easy and quick. Our boat guide was Dan from NZ and he was incredible. Made us always feel super safe and yet added so much humour to the day. Very informative guide as well. Explained so much about the area which made the first part of our day much more enjoyable. The first half, while still very fun and adventurous was a calmer experience as there were families allowed on this portion. After lunch however was when things turned up a couple notches. Dan did not disappoint. The entire experience was so incredible and something I will be doing again next year for sure. If I can make just a couple of recommendations... PLEASE bring some money for gratuities. I know a lot of you come from non tipping countries but please respect that Canada IS one. And these guides deserve a little extra at the end of the day. I mean they really do have your lives in their hands after all. We left Dan $40 which was more then well deserved. Another suggestion is for the guy doing the photos.....you need to charge more. My goodness, the price you charge for the entire package is what I've paid for a single photo at Disney.. The work involved to make sure we bring home these amazing keepsakes is insane. Us tourists would be more then happy to pay an extra $20-$40 to get the quality work you provide. Some may be upset with me suggesting you spend more money but these people really do give you an entire day of the most memorable fun you will experience and I personally think they deserve it. I paid $700C for a 2 day pass for EACH of us to Universal Studios recently and I can honestly say I had a way better time doing this. Thank you Dan, I hope you are reading this and hope to see you in Calgary one day! I hope you are enjoying your...

My family of 3 teenage girls (14/16) and my wife, and I just completed the half day rafting trip down the kicking horse with Glacier. It was the first time rafting for the 2 kids while my wife and I have rafted 3 times in Colorado.

Overall, the experience was a great first trip for the girls. It was not too intense yet it had some decent waves. The river was fun at this time of year but certainly not at its best. In the end, the rafting was a step much lower than the 3 times we have rafted in the Colorado Rockies. Some of that might be due to the time of year but who knows. The reality is that they are selling the rapids as 3-4 but they do not compare to other 3-4 rapids I have been on. Maybe at their best in the early season, they are 3-4 but later in the season, they turn more into 2-3.

Where Glacier really excels is with their hospitality, their humor, and their safety. They take care of each of their rafters like they are family. They are thorough with their safety yet make if fun as they teach and instruct. In addition, their efficiency is incredible. We never got bored the entire time (check in - gearing up - bus ride with instructions - unloading and safety check - floating the rapids - shorter return bus ride - showering and changing in their locker rooms - pictures and cheers).

I might suggest booking a rafting ride in May/June if you are looking for the best ride and true 3-4 rapids on the kicking horse. Still, if you are planning a trip at any time of the year, Glacier is an excellent choice. Jaime was an excellent guide and the rest of the guides were equally qualified, fun, and energetic even in the midst of cold weather and a long downpour.

Thanks for the incredible service Glacier and for the cheers to finish the day! You are a well...