Before You Go

Planning
Your Trip

Everything you need to know before you step into the raft - what to pack, what to expect, and how to get here.

How It Works

Three Steps to the River

Submit a Booking Request

Fill out our booking form with your chosen trip, group size, preferred dates, and experience level. We'll review it and get back to you within 24 hours.

Confirm & Pay

We'll confirm availability, answer your questions, and take full payment to secure your spot. For large groups, we can discuss payment arrangements.

Show Up & Paddle

We send a full pre-trip info pack including logistics, gear list, and what to expect. On the day, our guides handle everything - you just need to arrive.

START YOUR BOOKING →

What to Bring

The Packing List

Whitewater Gear (We Provide)

Wetsuit
Helmet
Lifejacket (PFD)
Paddle
Splash jacket
Neoprene boots & gloves

You're welcome to bring your own if it's appropriate for the trip.

Overnight Gear (You Bring)

Tent
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag (rated for cool nights)
Dry bags for valuables
Shoes that can get wet
Headlamp

For day trips, no overnight gear is required.

Clothing

Quick-dry base layers
Warm mid-layer (fleece)
Rain jacket
Sun hat & sunglasses
Wool or synthetic socks
Change of clothes for camp

Avoid cotton - it stays wet and gets cold fast.

Personal

Sunscreen & lip balm
Personal medications
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Small towel
Camera (waterproof or in dry bag)

For day trips, no overnight gear is required.

Common Questions

Planning FAQs

Do I need rafting experience?

No. Many of our guests are first-timers. All we ask is that you can follow instructions, are willing to paddle, and are comfortable in and around water. We brief everyone thoroughly before launch.

How fit do I need to be?

A reasonable level of fitness helps, but you don't need to be an athlete. Class III–IV trips require active paddling and swimming ability in moving water. If you have health concerns, reach out and we'll talk through what's right for you.

What happens if I swim?

Swimming (going overboard) is a normal part of whitewater rafting. Our guides are Swift Water Rescue certified and are trained to recover swimmers quickly and safely. We practice this in calm water before every trip.

How do I get to the put-in?

Most trips begin with a shuttle from a nearby town - Terrace or Smithers for Northern BC expeditions. We coordinate logistics once your trip is confirmed. Fly into Vancouver, Kamloops, or Prince George and we handle transfers from there.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations more than 3 weeks out receive a full refund. We review all cancellations individually and appreciate as much notice as possible. If you'd like to change your date rather than cancel, we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Do you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes - note any dietary needs in your booking request and we'll plan camp food accordingly. We cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-based requirements with advance notice.

Ready to go?

Still have questions? Our guides are real people who love talking about rivers.

First Nations Land Acknowledgement

West Coast Whitewater acknowledges that our operations on the Nass River take place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Nisga'a and Gitanyow Nations, and adjacent to the Lake Babine and Gitanmaax Nations. We recognize the deep cultural, spiritual, and historical connection the local indigenous people have to these lands and waters, and we are committed to operating in a way that respects their sovereignty, values, and stewardship. We are grateful for the opportunity to travel through these territories and strive to uphold practices that honour their ongoing guardianship of the Nass and Skeena Valleys.

Planning Your Trip