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Frequently Asked
Questions About Whitewater Rafting Trips
Which is better, the Clearwater River or North Thompson River?
When should I book?
What should I wear?
What's the difference between Riverside and other whitewater rafting companies?
How do I get to Clearwater, BC?
How do I choose the right rafting company?
When is the best time of year to go on a river adventure in Wells Gray Country?
What is the minimum age for rafters?
Do I have to be able to swim?
How many people are there per river craft?
Is traveling on a river safe?
What happens if it rains?
Can we bring tent trailers and recreational vehicles to the meeting area?
What about alcohol?
Is my pet welcome?
Is a baby sitting service available?
Can we bring our own camera?
Which is better, the Clearwater or North Thompson River?
The Clearwater and the North Thompson differ in many ways by nature and therefore
complement each other very well for different river adventure purposes.
The Clearwater River in Wells Gray Park has better rapids for whitewater
rafting purposes, offers a full canyon sensation and a more remote Park
setting. The Clearwater River drains out of a very large lake system
in the Park, which offers pristine waters and gives it a chance to warm
up to swimming temperatures. The North Thompson River is directly feed
by glacial melt from the Caribou and the Monashee mountains. It is more
adequate for scenic raft float trips and the legendary Voyageur Canoeing
guided river adventures. It offers more of a cultural history background,
broader mountain scenery and excellent wildlife viewing.
When
should I book?
To ensure space on the date of your choice, book as
early as you can. Some dates fill months in advance, others
slowly filter in. Procrastinate and you may be disappointed.
Generally, as Clearwater is an international tourism destination,
we are equally buys seven days a week. Remember: reserving
sooner is better. We operate from mid April to mid October.
Our busiest season is from end of June to early September.
Fall paddling in Wells Gray Country is a must river experience
with often very warm weather and colourful scenery.
What
should I wear?
Riverside Adventures provides the
following: farmer john neoprene wetsuits in all sizes (covers
your legs up to your shoulders), fleece tops and spray jackets
for cooler weather, extra footwear available if needed, towels
for afterwards, approved personal flotation devices and helmets.
So technically, you could walk off the street and come rafting,
no special clothing required from you. A
change room and locker is provided to get into your river
gear and safely lock up your personal belongings. What is
nice to have is a bathing suit or a pair of shorts for under
your wetsuit, a pair of personal running shoes or proper
sandals that you don't mind getting wet (bare feet or thongs
are not safe in the river, croakies that will hold your sunglasses
(available on site), on cool days or for kids, add a personal
wool, fleece or polypropylene top (no cotton) and a rain/wind
breaker jacket. To enjoy your river adventures, basic swimming
ability and good health are recommended.
What's
the difference between Riverside and other whitewater rafting companies?
Even our equipment is the finest on the river. We use
very high quality self bailing rafts and inflatable kayaks
that have been built to our specifications for the North Thompson
and Clearwater River. Riverside is a small family operated
rafting company offering authentic river experiences with smaller
diversified groups, personalized guiding and safety.
How
do I get to Clearwater, BC?
To find us follow the Yellowhead (Highway 5) to Clearwater - about 1½ hours drive north of Kamloops, 3½ hours south of Jasper, Alberta, 5 hours from Vancouver and 6 from Edmonton.
Upon arriving in Clearwater, take the town site junction opposite the Wells
Gray Inn - to the left if arriving from Kamloops, or the right if driving from
Jasper. (We are approximately 2 km's off Hwy #5.) After driving
off Hwy #5, go pass Dutch Lake on your right, over the Clearwater River bridge
and watch for a Super Save gas-station. Turn left immediately onto
Young Rd. Drive past the Mohawk Gas-Station staying on Young Road (the commercial
frontage road) for another 200 meters. We are located Uptown Clearwater at
the Clearwater Plaza (58 Young Road) next door to the BC Liquor Store, Credit
Union/Bank, Supermarket etc. (Follow the "Rafting & Fitness Centre" signs).
We can also go pick you up at the Greyhound bus depot in Clearwater or other
sites upon request.
How do I choose
the right rafting company?
Riverside Adventures and Fitness Centre takes pride
in its reputation as one of the world's leading outfitters.
(check out www.riveradventures.ca) From the most unique river
adventures to the best safety record, you'll go first class
with Riverside. But don't take our word for it; ask around.
Most people choose Riverside on the North Thompson & the
Clearwater river because of its attention to details and
custom river trips suited to your goals and abilities. Your
holiday time is our opportunity to show you a safe and enjoyable
river adventure in our rafts, canoes or kayaks.
When
is the best time of year to go on a river adventure in Wells Gray
Country?
The Clearwater & North Thompson Rivers feature
very good river conditions all season long. Our schedules and
river crafts reflect water flows. A shortage of water is never
a problem on these two large rivers systems. If you are traveling
with younger kids, mid July to early September are best. If
you are looking for a high water adrenaline rush, come in mid
May to mid July.
What
is the minimum age for rafters?
On our Clearwater & North Thompson whitewater river
trips, the recommended age is 7 years old. Most importantly,
children must weigh at least fifty pounds (20 kg.). On the
more gentile river sections or the Clearwater river in lower
water (August & September), we can take children as young
as 4 years old. Each river adventure package, dependent on
river levels and section chosen, has a different minimum age,
which can be easily determined by contacting us via email at info@riveradventures.ca or
calling us at our reservation office.
Do
I have to be able to swim?
All rafters must wear specially designed whitewater
personal flotation devices which we provide. Swimming
abilities are recommended but not essential.
How
many people are in each river craft?
It depends on the river trip. Capacity varies with
the size and style of river craft. Rafts: minimum 2 per raft;
maximum 13 per raft (we now have 4 different raft sizes: 22',
18', 16' and 14' boats). Voyageur Canoe: maximum of 10.
Inflatable Kayaks: maximum of 2 per boat (we have numerous
kayak types).
Is
traveling on a river safe?
We have an outstanding safety record; over 25 years
of river guiding experience in Canada (see
bio of owner/operator). The owner has lived in Wells Gray
Country for 15 years now and knows all river levels intimately.
Our river guides are fully qualified and are trained in First
Aid and River Rescue.
What
happens if it rains?
River adventures are fun in any type of weather provided
you dress properly. WE GO RAIN OR SHINE - you'll
get wet either way. Keep in mind the Clearwater & North
Thompson River (Wells Gray Country) is within the Caribou and
Monashee Mountain region and therefore we are influence by
mountain weather. We are also influenced by the dry arid interior
of BC landscape for which we experience several very warm,
dry weather patterns.
Can
we bring large recreational vehicles to the
meeting area?
Yes. We have a large 2 acre parking area with full
turn around road access with numerous shaded areas, however
none of our sites are serviced with electric/water hookups.
What
about alcohol?
Drinking is not permitted before or while you are engaged
in any river adventures. Anyone who is drinking or appears
to be intoxicated before the trip will be denied participation.
Refunds or alternates dates will not be given. Guests are permitted
to bring along alcoholic beverages for personal enjoyment after
the trip. Responsible behaviour is expected from all our guests
at all times, and remember, river trips are a lot more fun
without a hangover.
Is
my pet welcome?
Sorry, pets are not permitted on river trips but they
can be left behind at our meeting location at the Clearwater
Plaza. Numerous shaded areas are adequate on our large 2 acre
site.
Is
a baby sitting service available?
With advance notice we can usually arrange baby sitting
service for young children. Our teenage children (15 & 18)
offer the service out of our Fitness Centre Child Minding area,
please contact us ahead of time.
Can we bring our own camera?
For the Clearwater River, by all means if it’s a smaller waterproof camera, we encourage you to bring it along. If the camera is not fully waterproof, we strongly suggest not to bring it because it is nearly impossible to keep it dry during the raft trip. As an excellent alternative, our guests in the past have been very happy with our smaller disposable waterproof cameras available to purchase at our Trip Meeting Location. If you are booked for the North Thompson River trips, we can offer you one of our waterproof camera bags to keep your valuable dry or simply purchase our disposable cameras which are headache free and the kids love to use them.
For any other questions,
please feel free to contact us via email, phone or fax.
Riverside Adventures — Whitewater rafting on the Clearwater River in Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC Canada!
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