Banff White Water Rafting Class Levels and Descriptions

The Kicking Horse River, one of the most famous for white water rafting in Alberta, offers a range of white water rafting opportunities. There is often plenty of opportunity to relax, view the sweeping scenery of Canada’s Yoho National Park, and enjoy the information about this region of Alberta that your guide will share with you. And do not forget to bring the camera to take some memorable snapshots of your Banff white water excursion on the Kicking Horse River.

An international scale that rates individual rapids from class I (easy) to class VI (nearly impossible). A rapid may vary in terms of time from just a few seconds to 20 seconds or more. Below you’ll find whitewater class descriptions that translate the rafting class levels into layman’s terms.

Class I

“Definition: Very relaxing.”

Gentle, moving water. Very small waves requiring little or no maneuvering.

Class II

“Definition: You may get splashed.”

Regular waves, easy to see, may reach 3 to 4 feet in height. Avoiding rocks, river bends or other obstacles may require simple maneuvering.

Class III

“Definition: You will get wet!”

Large, continuous series or sets of waves, some in excess of 6 feet. “Holes” or “hydraulics” may be present, and can be run or avoided. Small drops, ledges or waterfalls may be present. Scouting the rapids is suggested.

Class IV

“Definition: You’ll get soaked . . . like a 9 or 10 on the ‘fun scale’!”

Confused and erratic waves or holes. Large obstructions need to be avoided in what are referred to as “must moves.” Risk of injury if swimming without benefit of a raft! Very difficult and scouting is required.

Class V

“Definition: Adrenaline junkies only!”

For most people, class V goes off the “fun” scale and enters the “kinda scary” scale! Very challenging for even the most experienced river persons. High risk of capsize or injury. Limit of navigation and scouting is essential.

Class VI

“Definition: Niagara Falls in a barrel!”

Virtually non-navigable, or navigable only at particularly favorable river levels.

REMEMBER! This scale is subjective. Rapids can change in difficulty seasonally and as quickly as overnight.