Splash factor: 3-4
Whitewater Rafting
What to Expect
Your adventure begins at Tunnel49’s base in Fernie at 8:45 AM. Here you’ll sign in, get fitted with your river gear, and hop on the bus for a short 30-minute drive to Elko — where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the river and towering canyon walls.
At the put-in, you’ll have a chance to use the toilet before gearing up fully. You’ll then meet one of our friendly guides, who will hand out paddles and lead you down 300+ steps to the river’s edge. This is where your 16 km journey through the wild and roaring Elk Canyon begins, as the river carves its way through the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
After a thorough safety briefing, you’ll load into the raft, paddle in hand. Your guide will run you through paddle commands before plunging into the first Class 4 rapid of the day. Between thrilling splashes, we’ll stop for a delicious riverside picnic lunch, with time to relax and chat with your knowledgeable guides. (If needed, there’s even a wilderness toilet with a view!)
Post-lunch, we enter Phillip’s Canyon, the deepest section of the river, where you’ll have the chance to try cliff jumping. Once the jumping and swimming are done, we’ll float past towering canyon walls and keep an eye out for wildlife — especially the majestic bald eagles that frequent the area.
The river then mellows, perfect for some fun river games before your trip ends before Lake Koocanusa, where the Elk River flows into the lake. From 2:30–3:30 PM, your bus will be waiting to take you back to our Fernie base, where you can check out the photos from your epic day.
Important Safety Notice:
The photos below show the steep, uneven descent to the put-in, which includes over 300 steps that can be slippery—especially when wet. Please wear sturdy, grippy footwear like trail shoes or runners, and take your time.
