Are you planning a family escape to the Alberta Rockies this summer and wondering how you can make the most of your time in the mountains? While the team at Hydra River Guides is best known for our rafting expertise and tend to think that a day on the water is one of the best ways to experience the Rockies (can you blame us?), there are endless ways to experience the natural beauty and wonder that make up this incredible part of our big “backyard”.
Banff and its surrounding communities, including Golden, BC, where Hydra is based, attract countless guests each year, all looking to make the most of Alberta’s biggest outdoor playground. With countless hiking trails, viewpoints, attractions and plenty of ways to relax, it’s no wonder that the Rockies are a favourite vacation spot for Albertans from all provinces. Whether you’re a diehard thrill seeker that’s looking to spend your time jumping into heart-pumping adventures or are hoping to take things a little slower, relax, and soak in the natural beauty, Banff and Golden have plenty of ways to keep you satisfied. To help you make the most of your time in the mountains this summer below is a shortlist of some of the best ways to let your inner adventurer shine!
Unplug and Recharge in Nature
The Albertan Rockies are perfect for anyone who’s looking to make a quick getaway from the insanity of the city and refuel their soul in the quiet tranquillity that only nature can offer. Banff National Park offers over 1,600 km (1000 miles) of maintained hiking trails to trek, giving you plenty of opportunities to unwind and escape into the bush this summer. For those wishing to make the 75-minute drive to Golden, you’ll gain the added benefit of being close to several additional National Parks including Yoho, Kootenay, and Revelstoke. This means that’ll you have even more ground to explore and can take in highly renowned natural features like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and more.
For those looking to explore Banff more in-depth and take part in popular activities like mountain biking and horseback riding, Banff Adventures is the perfect local outfit for all your adventuring needs and offers several tours and packages designed to help you experience the Rockies first hand. Hydra is thrilled to partner with Banff Adventures as their chosen rafting guides and your all-access provider for the Kicking Horse River (more on that below)!
View For Days
Looking for the perfect shot to add to the ‘Gram? It’s no secret that the Rocky Mountains are home to some of the most stunning viewpoints in Canada, and there’s no better way to see the region than ascending to the top of one of our many peaks in the area. For those looking to fast-track their adventure and make the climb a little more accessible, the Banff Gondola provides stunning views from atop Mt. Sulphur and gives you access to a world renowned interpretive centre that allows you to learn even more about the area. Hydra offers several packages designed to help
Adrenaline Chasers
Are you someone who can’t get enough heart-pumping, thrill-inducing adventures? We’ve got you covered! One of the most epic ways to see the Rockies and experience the Canadian wilderness like never before is whitewater rafting. The Kicking Horse River is Alberta's premier destination to get wet, wild, and have tons of fun, and Hydra River Guides is here to help you conquer the river in style! Known for its rushing waters and class I-IV rapids that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, our guides have helped rafters of all levels tackle the river for over 30 years. Our ultra-exclusive river base is located here in Golden, right on the banks of the Kicking Horse, meaning you won’t lose any valuable adventure time to travel and have the added perk of warming back up after your chilltastic ride with the comfort of our hot showers and extra comfortable facilities.
If you want to feel unstoppable this summer, the Kicking Horse River is the perfect place to suit up, grab your paddle and conquer epic rapids while taking in the majesty of the mountains. Join us for an unforgettable day of whitewater rafting, with trips that are fit for even the most inexperienced paddlers.
What Are You Waiting For?
If you’re ready to get wet and wild and make this the best summer ever, Hydra River Guides is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our available rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River.