Whitewater recreation in British Columbia is available in most of the province. Except for north-central and northeast British Columbia, the province is mostly mountainous with many glacial fed rivers draining though steep terrain creating excellent whitewater. Most commercial whitewater operations in British Columbia are rafting outfitters. However the provinces rivers are also well known to be good for whitewater kayaking, whitewater canoeing and river surfing (in select spots) although these activities are often done unguided.
Commercially Guided Whitewater Rivers
British Columbia has many commercially rafted whitewater rivers ranging from half day float trips to week-long wilderness expeditions though raging Class 5 Rapids. Only the most notable are mentioned below.
Fraser River
The Fraser River is the largest un-dammed whitewater river in North America with an average flow rate of 3,475m3/s. The river has a steep gradient in a 270 kilometre long Fraser Canyon forming major rapids rated up to Class 5. Major named rapids include Hells Gate and the Bridge River Rapids. Due to its high flows, scenic canyon and numerous rapids it represents the pinnacle of whitewater rafting and kayaking in British Columbia and is one of the largest commercially rafted rivers in the world. Several outfitters and rafting companies run tours on the Fraser River.
Thompson River
The Thompson River is a major tributary of the Fraser River and features rapids and canyon scenery similar to the Fraser but on a smaller scale. While it is a slightly lower difficulty than the Fraser due to its lower water volume, its whitewater is considered among the best in British Columbia. Due to its slightly easier rapids it sees more commercial rafting than the Fraser. Some runs start on the Thompson River and continue down the Fraser after the Thompson merges with it in Lytton.
Chilcotin and Chilko Rivers
The Chilcotin River is a midsized tributary of the Fraser which along with its main tributary the Chilko River contain notable whitewater. The two rivers travel largely though wilderness and the running them both takes multiple days. Trips on these rivers often include the Fraser as well after they merge. A few outfitters offer theses rivers as a weeklong rafting trip.
Clearwater River
The Clearwater River is a midsized tributary of the North Thompson River (part of the Fraser River Drainage) located in central British Columbia. This river's watershed is mostly located in Wells Gray Provincial Park a popular camping destination. Due to the geology of the area the river contain's numerous whitewater features including several waterfalls and major rapids. A section of the river near the downstream end of the Park is very popular for commercial rafting day trips mostly organized from the nearby town of Clearwater. The largest rapids on this section are Class 4. Other sections of the river contain large waterfalls and rapids up to Class 6 and are only suitable for expert whitewater kayakers. The lower section of this river also contains several features that are good for river surfing.
Kicking Horse River
The Kicking Horse River is a small tributary of the Columbia River located in eastern British Columbia near the town of Golden. Due to its location along the Trans Canada Highway the area sees significant tourism including numerous day rafting outfitters. Only the section of the river below Wapta Falls is commercially run.
Chilliwack River
The Chilliwack River is a small tributary of the Fraser River located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Due to its proximity to Vancouver and moderate whitewater it is frequently run by both guided and un guided rafters and kayakers. In late summer and fall the river goes almost dry and cannot be run.
Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers
This Alsek River system is located in the extreme north west corner of British Columbia and flows into Alaska. It unique scenery and significant rapids. In several locations glaciers feed directly into the river and rafts can paddle on lakes next to icebergs. Being located in an extremely remote area only week long expeditions are possible with a fly in and out required. Despite the remoteness, several outfitters operate on this river. The Turnback Canyon section is never run by commercial rafting outfitters and has only been conquered by a handful of world class whitewater kayakers.