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Chinook River Sports |
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Mirage Adventure Tours |
888-312-7238 |
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Hunter Valley Recreational Enterprises |
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Red Otter Rafting Adventures |
800-661-7379 (in Canada) |
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Otter Rafting Adventures |
800-661-7379 |
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| Section |
Upper |
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Location |
Near
Sundre, west-central Alberta |
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Driving Time |
Calgary—1.5
hours, Edmonton—3 hours |
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Difficulty |
Class
II-III+ |
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Trip Length |
One
day—12-15 miles (19-24 km); Two-day—25-30 miles (40-48 km) |
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Trip Options |
Paddle
raft, oar raft; one and two days |
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Season |
May-September |
The upper Red Deer River,
which flows through the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve, is Alberta's
most popular adventure whitewater rafting trip. The Red Deer's
attraction can be attributed to its location near Banff and Jasper
national parks, its proximity to Alberta's largest cities, and its
stable and exciting whitewater. The Red Deer was twice the site of
the Canadian whitewater championships.
The
Red Deer's exciting whitewater consists of both pool drops and
continuous stair-step ledges. Many of its more technical Class
II-III+ rapids—Big Rock, First Ledge, Gooseberry Ledge, Jimbo's
Staircase, National's Site, Cache Hill, and Double Ledge—require
precise maneuvering by paddle rafters.
The
Red Deer's rafting season is from mid-May until mid-September. Its
waters are always cold, and wet suits are highly recommended
throughout the season. Some outfitters provide transportation to the
river from Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton.
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