Banff White Water Rafting Class Levels and Descriptions
Alberta, and Banff in particular, are famous for their whitewater adventures.
The Kicking Horse River, one of the most famous for rafting in Alberta, offers a range of rafting opportunities. There is often plenty of opportunity to relax, view the sweeping scenery of the Yoho National Park, and enjoy the information about the area that your guide will share with you, or take photos.
An international scale that rates individual rapids from class I (easy) to class VI (nearly impossible) is used in all of the Banff Rafting Association’s river descriptions. 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
“Wild Water definition: Very relaxing.”
Gentle, moving water. Very small waves requiring little or no maneuvering.
Class II
“Wild Water 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
“Wild Water 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 for all but the most inexperienced of river persons.
Class IV
“Wild Water 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
“Wild Water 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
“Wild Water 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! This scale is meant only as a guideline for how easy or difficult a rapid, river or river trip may be. It is best to speak with one of our knowledgeable reservationists at the Banff Rafting Association to find out what the river level may be like at the time when you would like to raft with us, and assist you in choosing the best trip.
