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Kicking Horse River

The Kicking Horse River is one of the wildest, most intense recreational waterways in Canada and is popular with kayakers for its Class II to IV rapids.
The Kicking Horse River descends swiftly from the ice fields of the Canadian Rockies, slows briefly into a broad, U-shaped valley, then plunges wildly to its Columbia River confluence. Rising from the ice-cold glacial waters of Wapta Lake, and joined by the tributaries of the Yoho, Emerald, Amiskwi and Ottertail Rivers, the Kicking Horse falls steeply in its upper reaches before widening onto a flattened valley floor. Suddenly, it drops again, rushing recklessly through the narrow, turbulent channels of the infamous Kicking Horse Canyon. The Kicking Horse is a river of contrasts: wild and free, it flows untamed and unobstructed through some of Canada's most spectacular mountain terrain. The waters of the Kicking Horse flow through the protected lands of Yoho National Park, part of the vast and beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. As an ecological, recreational, and historical jewel of the Canadian West, the Kicking Horse enjoys the distinction of being the first British Columbian river to be recognized as a Canadian Heritage River.

The water level for the Kicking Horse River is measured on the gauge located below the north end of the Hwy. 95 bridge in town. Hydrometric data for the Kicking Horse River is provided by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. 

TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews
Tripadvisor
5.0 based on 109 reviews
“Lovely riverwalk to confluence”
Lovely riverwalk to confluence
September 12, 2022, by Joan88
Beautiful walk along the river, across the pedestrian wooden bridge to the confluence with the Columbia River. Mountains all around! Quite lovely, flat, many locals with their dogs.
“Whitewater Rafting on Kicking Horse”
Whitewater Rafting on Kicking Horse
July 03, 2022, by breannes2017
The Hydra River guides made our whitewater rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River one we will never forget! The team were very professional, fun, and put an emphasis on safety. Our guide, Dave, was...
“Go for it !”
Go for it !
August 09, 2021, by mjllopez
This was a most memorable experience with the best group of people possible on our raft :) Thank you so much for the unforgettable experience !