Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time are the rafting trips?
A: The Slocan River whitewater and scenic float trips are offered at 9am and 1pm. The Salmo River Shenango Canyon trip departs between at either 8:30 or 10am
Q: Where do we meet the rafting bus?
A: The Nelson Whitewater Rafting shuttle bus - ‘The Woody’ - pulls up to the front doors of the Prestige Lakeside Resort in Nelson (701 Lakeside Dr.) about 5 minutes prior to the scheduled trip time.
Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: We require a credit card number to hold your rafting reservation, but no charges are put through until we see you at the Prestige Lakeside Resort. Then you can pay cash or have your card with you and it will be processed with our wireless terminal.
Q: What else is there to do in the Nelson area?
A: The Nelson and Kootenay Lake region is one of the best places for outdoor recreation in British Columbia. Try swimming and relaxing at one of the many sandy beaches, kayaking on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, hiking up Pulpit Rock (a local favourite), soaking at Ainsworth Hot Springs, taking an ATV or Helicopter tour, fishing for trophy size Rainbow Trout, mountain biking world class trails or just walking historic Baker Street and enjoying a java at one of the eclectic coffee houses.
Q: What do I need to bring for rafting?
A: For the Scenic Float Trip bring yourself and a smile. Dress for the weather of the day, bring sun screen and a camera. We provide the life jacket and an extra rain coat if necessary. For a whitewater trip bring a bathing suit and a towel – that's it. We provide the rest.
Q: What if it's raining?
A: Whitewater rafting trips in Nelson BC go rain or shine. We're dressed to get wet from head to toe. Float trips aren't that much fun in the pouring rain, but we'll do it! Or, we can reschedule and hope for sun the next time.
Q: Do I need to know how to swim?
A: Float Trippers don't need to know how to swim. We'll do our very best to keep you in the raft on this gentle tour. For the Slocan Whitewater swimming skills are good, but not essential. On the Salmo River you should be a decent swimmer comfortable in the water.
Q: Do I need experience?
A: The Slocan River whitewater run is perfect for beginners and paddlers of all shapes and sizes. Children age 5 and up are welcome. You will receive a full safety briefing providing all the information you will need for your first time rafting.
Q: What about the Salmo River with grade IV rapids, can beginner's go on that?
A: A fit person with willingness to paddle hard and have a blast can come on the Salmo without previous rafting experience. People who have rafted on grade II or III before and are looking for something more exhilarating will certainly find that on the Salmo River. Participants must be 14 years.
Q: What qualification do the guides have?
A: Nelson Whitewater Rafting Company is a member of the British Columbia River Outfitter's Assocation (BCROA) – the leading body for guiding certification and outfitter regulation. Our guides are BCROA licensed, trained in Swiftwater Rescue and have Advanced or Wilderness First Aid tickets.
Q: How are whitewater rapids graded?
A: Class I means flat moving water and Class VI is a waterfall that you don't want to go over. Class II & III (Slocan Whitewater) provide great fun for all abilities and class IV (Salmo River) means exciting technical rafting with big waves and lots of action.