RAPID CLASSIFICATION GUIDE
A Rapid Guide is an international scale that rates individual rapids from class 1 (easy) to class 6 (nearly impossible) is used in all our river descriptions. A rapid may vary in terms of time from just a few seconds to 20 seconds or more.
Please remember that this scale is subjective and is only a guideline. Rapids can change in difficulty throughout each month based on a number of variables. It is best to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives to discuss river levels at the time of your visit to ensure you are selecting the best experience possible.
Grade 1 Rapid
Gentle, moving water. Very small waves requiring little or no maneuvering.
Grade 2 Rapid
Regular waves, easy to see, may reach 3 to 4 feet in height. Avoiding rocks, river bends or other obstacles may require simple maneuvering.
Grade 3 Rapid
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 experienced of river persons.
Grade 4 Rapid
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.
Grade 5 Rapid
For most people, class 5 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.
Grade 6 Rapid
Virtually non-navigable, or navigable only at particularly favorable river levels.
What an experience, this was our 3rd White Water Rafting outing, and what a difference form other outfits. Kit very new, dry and clean, boats looked good and loved the... read more set up - changing rooms!! Super professional in their approach and safety, could not be faulted, Best bit the guides - made it a great fun for our teenagers (13,15,16,17)! Oh yes the water, some great moments and perfect for what we wanted, thank Spencer made our day! Highly Recommend.
July 8, 2022
We took our 7 and 5 yr old and it was awesome! Dean did a great job guiding us, making us feel safe and at the same time enjoying a... read more great adventure. Loved every minute and would love to do again some day.
August 4, 2019
My husband and our kids (ages 11 and 15) just did a level 3 white water rafting and we had an amazing time. I cannot swim so going in... read more the water was a big step for me, nonetheless our guide Spenser made me feel very comfortable and walked us through the entire process with do’s and dont’s. His instructions were very clear and he kept us informed. We were in the water for about 2 hrs but the time just flew by. We all got dressed at the store, their body suits were quite comfortable and they provided us with helmets and life jackets at the location where we rafted. They gave us some snacks at the end of our trip. All in all we had a great time and would definitely do it again.
August 11, 2021
My wife and I selected White Wolf Rafting after seeing their flyer at Canmore visitors centre after a last minute decision to visit Banff National Park. By chance... read more the meeting point was a short walk from our hotel, after playing which two very cute and friendly dogs we were quickly kitted up with all the equipment we needed to keep up safe and warm while on the water, I must mention that all the equipment was in excellent condition. Before we knew it we were on our way to the river in an old school bus which I thought was awesome. After a drive of about 20-25 minutes we arrived at the river and after a quick but detailed safety briefing we were on the water. The rafting was amazing on such a picturesque river, the rapids although enjoyable were not as frequent as I had hoped however the river was so beautiful to look at this was quickly forgotten. At about the half way point there was a point were we could come ashore and jump off some of the rocks that surround parts of the river, there was no pressure to do the jump however I would highly recommend doing at least the smaller of the two jumps, the water was cool but not freezing and very refreshing. Following the rafting and carrying the raft up the bank and to a waiting trailer we were provided with snacks and cold beverages before boarding the bus and heading back to White Wolf Rafting HQ. In summary I would highly recommend joining White Wolf Rafting when your next in Canmore.... I know I will be dropping by next time I am in Canmore. …
September 1, 2019
I was a little apprehensive about this white water rafting trip since it was my first one ever. The staff are awesome and so is the equipment, it is... read more all new. Our trip had rapids rated 3 and 4, they were just perfect, just enough to get the adrenolin flowing and a splash or
August 1, 2019
First time with this company. Did the dog cart in the morning and white water rafting in the afternoon. Group included kids and adults and the company was... read more great to deal with. Staff is very focused on making the experiences informative, interactive and enjoyable. Highly recommend for any age.
July 22, 2022
Discover the White Wolf Difference
WHITE WOLF RAFTING INC.
109-829 10TH STREET,
CANMORE, AB, CANADA
INFO@WHITEWOLFRAFTING.COM
403-675-0632
RAPID CLASSIFICATION GUIDE
A Rapid Guide is an international scale that rates individual rapids from class 1 (easy) to class 6 (nearly impossible) is used in all our river descriptions. A rapid may vary in terms of time from just a few seconds to 20 seconds or more.
Please remember that this scale is subjective and is only a guideline. Rapids can change in difficulty throughout each month based on a number of variables. It is best to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives to discuss river levels at the time of your visit to ensure you are selecting the best experience possible.
Grade 1 Rapid
Gentle, moving water. Very small waves requiring little or no maneuvering.
Grade 2 Rapid
Regular waves, easy to see, may reach 3 to 4 feet in height. Avoiding rocks, river bends or other obstacles may require simple maneuvering.
Grade 3 Rapid
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 experienced of river persons.
Grade 4 Rapid
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.
Grade 5 Rapid
For most people, class 5 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.
Grade 6 Rapid
Virtually non-navigable, or navigable only at particularly favorable river levels.
First time with this company. Did the dog cart in the morning and white water rafting in the afternoon. Group included kids and adults and the company was... read more great to deal with. Staff is very focused on making the experiences informative, interactive and enjoyable. Highly recommend for any age.
July 22, 2022
We booked a rafting trip with White Wolf and were very impressed! The booking agent, driver and guides were all friendly and helpful. The scenery was amazing and the rapids... read more were exactly as advertised. Our 11 year olds were hesitant about rafting but now can’t wait to go again. And the complimentary photos of our trip were a pleasant surprise and a great way to remember this amazing adventure. We will definitely book again and would recommend them to anyone.
August 1, 2019
My wife and I selected White Wolf Rafting after seeing their flyer at Canmore visitors centre after a last minute decision to visit Banff National Park. By chance... read more the meeting point was a short walk from our hotel, after playing which two very cute and friendly dogs we were quickly kitted up with all the equipment we needed to keep up safe and warm while on the water, I must mention that all the equipment was in excellent condition. Before we knew it we were on our way to the river in an old school bus which I thought was awesome. After a drive of about 20-25 minutes we arrived at the river and after a quick but detailed safety briefing we were on the water. The rafting was amazing on such a picturesque river, the rapids although enjoyable were not as frequent as I had hoped however the river was so beautiful to look at this was quickly forgotten. At about the half way point there was a point were we could come ashore and jump off some of the rocks that surround parts of the river, there was no pressure to do the jump however I would highly recommend doing at least the smaller of the two jumps, the water was cool but not freezing and very refreshing. Following the rafting and carrying the raft up the bank and to a waiting trailer we were provided with snacks and cold beverages before boarding the bus and heading back to White Wolf Rafting HQ. In summary I would highly recommend joining White Wolf Rafting when your next in Canmore.... I know I will be dropping by next time I am in Canmore. …
September 1, 2019
Being fans of the Snowy Owl Dog Sled Dog Tours, we wanted to try out their sister company’s white water rafting trips. Our guide was Saskia and she was great!... read more She ensured we all had a fun time but felt safe throughout the whole trip. Everything was seamlessly organized. The wetsuits and gear were all in excellent condition and they had changing rooms at the office which was much nicer than putting the suits on by the river as we had done on different rafting trips! We did the Kananaskis River tour and there were plenty of fun rapids followed by a nice scenic float trip at the end. Afterwards they provided everyone with a cold soda, chips and free photos from the afternoon which was a nice touch. Would highly recommend White Wolf Rafting to anyone looking for something fun to do this summer. …
June 1, 2021
Together with 7 family members, I had my first white water rafting experience on June 26th, 2022. It was GREAT, so much fun! Our guide, Benny was absolutely amazing... read more - can't say enough about this individual. There were different comfort levels amongst the group and Benny picked up on this immediately. He was so respectful of everyone in the raft. It was a fantastic experience for everyone and I would highly recommend the 2-3 grade rapids to anyone who has never tried before. Our group ages range from 23 to 66 years old...something for everyone! Thank you WWR and Benny!!
June 28, 2022
I was a little apprehensive about this white water rafting trip since it was my first one ever. The staff are awesome and so is the equipment, it is... read more all new. Our trip had rapids rated 3 and 4, they were just perfect, just enough to get the adrenolin flowing and a splash or two. The water was really cold but we had wetsuits on, I wore thin silk thermals under mine and was just fine. Dean was our raft captain and he knows that river like the back of his hand and a good thing too, all seven of us that booked the trip had never white water rafted before. This was not a sit back and ride trip, with the exception of the 7 year old all of us had paddles and with the guidance of Dean we were able to stay off of the rocks. Will was always a head of us in a kayak just in case someone fell in, his job was to get them back to the raft. From the bus driver, the photographer, Will, Dean and the staff it is a top notch operation, I would recommend it very highly. Oh yea, at the end of the trip you get a flash drive with your pictures of the trip. …
September 1, 2019