CANYON RAFT COMPANY
Canyon Raft Company has been offering river trips in Fernie since 1995 – owned and operated by Blair Craig and Lynn Muller. Blair has been in the rafting business since 1987, is a trip leader, guide examiner, and a River Rescue 3 instructor. He has been kayaking since 1977. Lynn has been rafting since 1993 and kayaking since 1990. All our guides are certified in Industrial or Wilderness First Aid and River Rescue, and are licensed by the British Columbia Rafting Association.
FULL DAY WHITEWATER
Canyon Raft Company runs two rivers in the Fernie area – the Elk River Canyon and the Bull River. Both are rated Class IV with outstanding scenery, excellent rapids, and a wilderness setting.
The Elk River Canyon
The Elk River Canyon, a large volume, class IV run that cuts deep into rock exposing high walls of unique geology, is the company's most popular trip no matter the water level. It's a classic river run that has it all: exciting rapids, a wilderness setting, outstanding scenery, big game animals, birds of prey, and deep quiet canyons. And with no roads or trails along most of this stretch of the river the only way to experience it is by boat. The intensity of the rapids vary with the change of seasons and their effect on the water levels. May and June bring the spring snow melt giving us the biggest waves and most powerful rapids. Early July is a great time with lots of water still flowing, but warmer weather prevailing. Mid July and August water levels are at their friendliest with more time to take in the scenery, go for a swim and of course - cliff jumping is at its best during the dog days of August. These levels make a great trip for everyone from seasoned river runners to first time rafters and families with keen children eight years old and older who love water. There is a hike from the canyon rim down to the river. It is not a beach access. It is about a 25 minute drive to the Lower Elk Canyon put in, and a 40 minute drive back to Fernie.
Equipment
• 15 and 16 foot self bailing rafts – holds up to 8 people
• We can accommodate up to 60 people
• We run oar frame with paddle assist boats or paddle rafting
We provide
• Transportation to and from Fernie Alpine Resort
• Wet suit, wet socks, neoprene gloves, spray jacket, life jacket, helmet
• Boats and safety equipment
• River side deli lunch ( all natural baked bread from the Loaf Bakery, meats, cheese, vegetables, fruit, salad, pastries from Sinful Sweetness)
What to bring
• Bathing suit or light shorts to wear under wet suit
• Old sturdy shoes (runners) that can get wet to wear over wet socks
• Synthetic fleece or sweater to wear under spray jacket
• Sunscreen
• Warm dry clothes to change into at the end of the trip
FLOAT TRIPS
We have half day float trips on the upper Elk meeting at Fernie Alpine Resort at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and an evening float meeting at 5:30 pm. All floats must be pre-booked.
We either float from Hosmer to Fernie or Fernie to Morrisey.
It is about a 3-hour trip inclusive with driving time and float time
Scenic float – there is no whitewater
We provide a snack – no lunch
Life jackets
People dress for the weather of the day (no wet suits provided
Note: The government of British Columbia is requiring all commercial operators using crown land to collect a $1.00/person B.C. Land and Water back country tenure fee (LWBC).
To book your river rafting adventure, contact Guest Services:
Phone: 250-423-4655
Email: guestservices@skifernie.com
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