Whitewater Rafting
in Clearwater, BC
The Clearwater River runs through one of BC's most spectacular canyons — turquoise glacial water, towering walls, old-growth forest, and Class II–IV rapids. One of the best river experiences in western Canada.
One of BC's Great River Runs
The Clearwater River is one of the most beautiful rivers in British Columbia — and one of the most underrated whitewater destinations in western Canada. Fed by glaciers and snowfields in the Cariboo Mountains, the river runs a vivid, impossible turquoise that you have to see to believe. It cuts through a canyon of towering walls, old-growth Douglas fir and cedar, and a wilderness that feels genuinely remote even though the town of Clearwater is just minutes away.
The river flows through Wells Grey Provincial Park — BC's fourth-largest park and one of the great wilderness areas of the province. The combination of the park's protected status and the river's glacial source means the water is extraordinarily clear and clean. On calm sections between rapids, you can see the riverbed in detail through several metres of water.
The whitewater ranges from gentle Class II floats suitable for families with young children to technical Class IV canyon sections that challenge experienced paddlers. The river is long enough to support half-day trips, full-day adventures, and multi-day wilderness expeditions that go deeper into the park than any road can reach. Whatever your experience level or appetite for adventure, there is a Clearwater River trip that fits.
Clearwater is the gateway town for Wells Grey Provincial Park, located about 125 km north of Kamloops on Highway 5. The drive up the North Thompson Valley is itself scenic, and the town has good accommodation, restaurants, and services. Most visitors combine a rafting trip with a visit to Helmcken Falls — one of Canada's highest waterfalls, also inside Wells Grey Park.
Choose Your Adventure
From gentle family floats to multi-day wilderness expeditions — there's a Clearwater River trip for every level.
Half-Day Family Float
The perfect introduction to river rafting — a guided float through the lower Clearwater River canyon with gentle Class II rapids, stunning turquoise water, and towering canyon walls. No experience required. Guides handle everything; you just paddle, look around, and enjoy one of the most beautiful river corridors in BC. Ideal for families with young children, first-timers, and anyone who wants the scenery without the adrenaline.
- ▸Gentle Class II rapids — suitable for all ages
- ▸Minimum age typically 5 years old
- ▸Turquoise glacial water & canyon walls
- ▸All safety gear and instruction provided
- ▸No experience necessary
Full-Day Canyon Adventure
The full Clearwater River canyon experience — a full day on the water covering the most dramatic section of the river, including Class III and IV rapids with names like 'The Slot', 'Maytag', and 'Terminator'. Lunch is included on the riverbank. This is the trip that gets talked about for years. The combination of technical whitewater, the extraordinary turquoise colour of the glacial water, and the old-growth forest canyon makes this one of the top rafting experiences in western Canada.
- ▸Class III–IV rapids including named drops
- ▸Full day on the water — lunch included on the riverbank
- ▸The most dramatic section of the Clearwater canyon
- ▸Minimum age typically 12 years old
- ▸Experienced guides with safety kayakers
Multi-Day Wilderness Expedition
For those who want to go deeper — multi-day expeditions into Wells Grey Provincial Park, camping on remote riverbanks, running back-to-back canyon sections, and experiencing a wilderness that very few people ever see. Meals, camping gear, and all logistics are handled by the outfitter. These trips run deeper into the park than any day trip can reach, accessing sections of the Clearwater River that are only accessible by water. Spaces are limited and they book out months in advance.
- ▸2 to 5-day expeditions into Wells Grey Provincial Park
- ▸Remote riverbank camping — all meals and gear included
- ▸Access sections of the river unreachable by road
- ▸Limited group sizes — book well in advance
- ▸The definitive Clearwater River experience
River Sections
The Clearwater River has distinct sections with different characters and difficulty levels.
Lower Canyon
The most accessible section — beautiful canyon walls, turquoise water, and manageable rapids that are perfect for families and first-timers. The scenery is spectacular even on the easier water.
Middle Canyon
The heart of the Clearwater whitewater experience. Named rapids, technical lines, and the full force of the glacial river. This is what most full-day trips are built around.
Upper Canyon
Remote, committing, and extraordinary. Only accessible on multi-day expeditions. Very few people have run this section — those who have describe it as one of the best river experiences in Canada.
North Thompson Confluence
Where the Clearwater meets the North Thompson — a calmer section used for warm-up floats and family trips. The confluence itself is a dramatic meeting of two very different rivers.
What to Expect
First time rafting? Here's exactly what happens from the moment you arrive.
Safety Briefing
Every trip begins with a thorough safety briefing on shore — how to hold your paddle, what to do if you fall in, swimming position in rapids, and how to follow your guide's commands. This takes 20–30 minutes and is mandatory for all participants.
Your Guide
Clearwater guides are certified by the BC Rafting Association and trained in swift water rescue. Most have been running the Clearwater River for years and know every rapid, eddy, and line. They're also excellent at reading the river for your group's ability level.
On the Water
You'll paddle as a team with your guide calling commands — 'forward', 'back', 'left turn', 'right turn', 'get down'. The guide steers from the back. On calmer sections you'll drift and take in the canyon. On rapids, you paddle hard and hold on.
The Water Temperature
The Clearwater River is glacially fed — the water is cold, typically 8–14°C even in summer. Wetsuits are provided and mandatory on most trips. You will get wet. This is part of the experience and the wetsuits keep you comfortable.
Season Guide
The Clearwater runs May through September — each part of the season has a different character.
High Water Season
May – June
Snowmelt from the Cariboo Mountains pushes the Clearwater to its highest and fastest. Rapids are bigger and more powerful — an exhilarating time to raft but not recommended for beginners. Water is coldest in May. Some operators run limited trips in May; full schedules typically begin in June.
Best for: Experienced rafters wanting maximum whitewater
Peak Season
July – August
The sweet spot — water levels are ideal for all trip types, weather is warm and sunny, and the full range of trips from family floats to full-day canyon adventures is running. This is when the Clearwater is at its most beautiful. Book well in advance; July and August fill up fast.
Best for: Everyone — families, first-timers, experienced paddlers
Shoulder Season
September
Water levels drop and the river mellows slightly, making September excellent for families and those who want a more relaxed experience. Crowds thin out after Labour Day. The canyon walls begin to show autumn colour. Some operators run into mid-September; check availability.
Best for: Families, quieter experience, autumn colour
Book Your Trip
Interior Whitewater Adventures
Clearwater's own whitewater outfitter — locally based, locally guided, and deeply familiar with every section of the Clearwater River. Interior Whitewater Adventures runs the full range of trips from gentle family floats to multi-day wilderness expeditions into Wells Grey Provincial Park. As the local operator, they have the deepest knowledge of the river's conditions, character, and seasonal changes.
- ▸Clearwater River through Wells Grey Provincial Park
- ▸Turquoise glacial water & canyon walls
- ▸Half-day, full-day & multi-day trips
- ▸Family-friendly & beginner options available
- ▸Local Clearwater-based guides
What to Bring
Wetsuit, helmet, and life jacket are provided — you do not need to bring your own. All safety equipment is included in the trip price.
Practical Information
Meeting Point
Most operators meet at their base in Clearwater, BC — typically near the Clearwater Valley Road turnoff. Exact location confirmed at booking.
Season
May through September. Peak season July–August. Book early for summer weekends.
Group Sizes
Typically 6–12 people per raft. Private group bookings available for families and corporate groups.
What's Included
Wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, paddle, safety briefing, and guide. Full-day trips include riverside lunch.
Water Temperature
Cold — 8–14°C year-round (glacially fed). Wetsuits are mandatory and provided.
Booking
Advance booking strongly recommended, especially July–August. Most operators accept online bookings.
Make the Most of Your Trip
Book ahead — seriously
July and August trips on the Clearwater fill up weeks in advance. If you're planning a summer trip, book before you leave home. Walk-ins are sometimes possible in shoulder season but not reliable in peak summer.
Wear the right footwear
Old runners or water shoes that strap on securely. Flip flops are not allowed on any trip — they come off in the water. If you don't have water shoes, old runners you don't mind getting soaked work perfectly.
Sunscreen before you arrive
Apply sunscreen at your motel before heading to the put-in. Sunscreen applied on the water washes into the river and harms the ecosystem. Most operators ask you to apply it before arriving — respect this.
Waterproof camera or nothing
Your phone will get wet. Either bring a waterproof case or a dedicated waterproof camera, or leave it in the car. Most operators offer photo packages taken by guides — worth considering for the full-day trip.
Embrace the cold water
The Clearwater is glacially fed and cold year-round. The wetsuit keeps you warm, but you will get splashed and possibly swim. This is part of the experience. Don't fight it — the turquoise colour of that glacial water is extraordinary.
Eat a light breakfast
Eat something before your trip but keep it light — a big breakfast before a morning of paddling and cold water splashes is not a great combination. Full-day trips include a riverside lunch, so you won't go hungry.
The Clearwater River in Pictures
Staying in Clearwater?
Find motels and accommodation in Clearwater — the gateway to Wells Grey Provincial Park.