River of Golden Dreams Self Guided Experience

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Summary

Exploring the River of Golden Dreams is the must do activity here. The river has remained one of Whistler’s unspoiled jewels. Little to no development has occurred on its riverbanks, lending a great opportunity for resort guests to see how Whistler balances its human development while preserving nature. The river is alive with fish and critters such as beaver and mink and sometimes bears playing in the water. The riverbanks are lined with wildflowers and birds that burst off the water in front of your boat and dart across your path from tree to tree. If you look up you’re likely to see an osprey or bald eagle soaring high overhead with the glacier-capped mountain peaks in the background....but watch where your going or you'll miss the next corner. Ask any local about the river they'll "yes do it"!. Not to hard, not to easy, definitely a giggles and kicks trip. Backroads Whistler is the only river specialty company in the valley. We have the right gear, river orientations and go with the flow down the river our free shuttle brings you back. You can to Guided or Unguided

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

The river is heaps of fun. People come back year after year to paddle it. It's a twisty turny shallow flat water (no rapids) creek that winds it's way through Whistlers wetlands. We'll start you off with a river orientation, give you steering tips, lifejackets and all your gear. You start on the lake to get used to your boats then enter the river. It's not just a float, you have to steer your boat around the corners or get stuck in the streamside foliage. Single kayaks are the easiest boat to use but Canadian Canoes are way more fun as you have to coordinate with your partner navigating the corners. We call them the divorce boats!:) We have beginners to experts join us. Often paddlers without moving water experience hire one of our guides. Either way we're happy to answer all your questions so you have a memorable time.

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What’s included?

  • all equipment, river orientation, shuttle transport back

  • dress for the weather. closed toes shoes are best. bring some snacks and water, hat, sunglasses

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 3h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

We are BC Health Covid-19 compliant. Guidelines are changing often, we abide by those changes. Please wear a mask when interacting with our staff.

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Operator Website

Operated by:

Backroads Whistler - River of Golden Dreams

About operator:

Discover Whistler's original summer activity the legendary River of Golden Dreams and scenic Alta Lake – The flat water river is more than just a float it’s a Exploring Adventure. Beaver, Eagles, Osprey, Heron’s and even Black Bears are regular sights will have you eagerly wondering what’s around the next bend in the river including spectacular views of mountain peaks in a natural environment. Our River trips have limited availability and often sell out, please pre book to assure your spot. Unlike an amusement park ride River of Golden Dreams trips allow you to be an active participant. One of the reasons people keep coming back to paddle the river is it is different every time they come. In the spring the water levels can be high and moving though always flat and no rapids. By mid-summer water levels are gentle. By late summer the beaver start rebuilding their dams creating pools to paddle in. Water levels are low and steering the boat properly avoids obstacles. Guides are recommended though experienced river paddlers go unguided. It’s most certainly not what you expected. Our staff present river orientations to make this a fun, eco-friendly, educational exploring outing. Located at Lakeside Park minutes from Whistler Village. Free Transportation is available for River of Golden Dreams Tours from all Whistler Village hotels and vacation/ holiday accommodations.

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  • 134 reviews