Kayaking & Canoeing
Kayaking & Canoeing
Experience the gentle waters and epic views of Whistler from the River of Golden Dreams. Canoeing or Kayaking with a guide down the river is one of the best ways to enjoy this classic Whistler adventure. The excursion starts at Lakeside Park, crosses Alta Lake to the river and ends at Green Lake. It takes approximately 3 hours with a guide and is fun for the entire family. From your canoe or kayak, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the valley and mountains, with a different view around each bend.
As we move into late summer, the lack of rain and melted mountain snowpack mean that the water level on the River of Golden dreams is LOW.
What low water means for your river trip:
Every year, the water level in one short section of the river becomes so low that guests cannot paddle their boats through it. In order to not disturb the spawning beds for the Kokanee Salmon, Â a mandatory portage is put into place. This means that guests must take their boats out of the water, place them onto one of our dollies (wooden carts with wheels) and wheel their boats along a short trail.
The majority of the portage trail is along the valley trail, a paved, asphalt surface. The last 20 meters or so are along a gravel path. It takes most guests between 8 and 10 minutes to walk this portage. Guests then put their boats back into the water (just after the lower rail bridge) and paddle for the remainder of the trip.
~ Beaver dams ~
The River of Golden Dreams is home to many beaver families who build up dams along the river throughout the summer. In low water season, you can expect to encounter about 8-12 dams on your paddle. Many of these dams have water flowing over them and can be navigated like mini waterslides. Some dams, however, are too big to paddle over, and require guests to get out of their boat and onto the dam to pull it over. A real authentic Canadian experience!
~ In summary ~
At this time of the season, the trip down the River of Golden Dreams is an active adventure, and low water levels require you to get in and out of your boats many times. We recommend wearing closed-toe water shoes so you are prepared for this.
The advantages of lower water levels are that the current is very gentle, making it much easier to steer your boats. This is a great time for people with less paddling experience to enjoy the River of Golden Dreams.
River of Golden Dreams - Guided
With a maximum of 5 boats per guide, your guide is always within reach on the twists and turns of this river. All our guides are certified instructors and will teach you paddling techniques and skills to improve your tour experience while on the river and in the future wherever else you paddle. The tour starts in Alta Lake for a 20 minute warmup paddle to the river mouth. You then follow the meandering flow of the current as you guide your boat down this spectacular river.
- Price: $175/Adult
- Departure: 9:30am dailyÂ
- Duration: 3 hours round trip
- Ability Level: Easy to Moderate
- Minimum Age: 4 Years
- Minimum 2 guests required for tour to run
- Includes: Guide, lifejacket, paddle & shuttle
- Canoes & Kayaks available (max 2 adults per canoe)
- Meeting Location: 3375 Lakeside Road
- Portage required
River of Golden Dreams - Self-guided
The River of Golden Dreams is an ever-changing waterway that provides a different experience each time you paddle. This is what keeps people coming back year after year.
- Price: $118/Adult
- Departures: 9:30am, 10:30am & 1:30pm
- Duration: 3 hours round trip
- Ability Level: Easy to Moderate
- Minimum Age: 4 Years
- Includes: boat, paddle, lifejacket & shuttle
- Canoes & Kayaks available (max 2 adults per canoe)
- Meeting Location: 3375 Lakeside Road
- Shuttle back to starting point provided
- Portage required
River of Golden Dreams - Guided
Taking a canoe down the River of Golden Dreams is a summertime classic. Our guides will teach you basic paddling skills and techniques as you begin your adventure paddling across the historic Alta Lake.
- Price: $159/Adult & $99/Child (6-12)
- Departure: 10:15am & 1:45pm daily
- Ability Level: Easy to Moderate
- Duration:Â 3 hours round trip
- All guests must be able to swim
- Includes: Guide, lifejacket, paddle & shuttle
- Portage required
To view essential information about the tour, click here.Â
SPECIAL OFFER
$20 Off – Midweek Guided Canoe Tours (10:15am & 1:45pm)
Use Code MIDWEEK
Book a midweek Guided Canoe Tour at 10:15am or 1:45pm with Canadian Wilderness and save $20 per person.
Valid on booking Monday – Friday until August 31. Not valid on weekends.
Use code MIDWEEK at checkout. Not valid on weekends.
SPECIAL OFFER
10% Off – River of Golden Dreams Self-Guided Tours (9:30 & 11:30am)
Use Code "SAVE10"
Save 10% on 9:30am & 11:30am Self-Guided River of Golden Dreams Canoe/Kayak tours with Backroads.
Use code “SAVE10” at checkout.
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