Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I’m interested in participating in a wilderness paddling adventure. Why should I choose a packrafting trip rather than a canoe or kayak trip?

A. We are avid paddlers here at Packraft Adventure Canada. We all grew up canoeing and kayaking, both incredibly fun activities that we still love and recommend everyone try. That said, packrafting became an immediate obsession for us once we gave it a go! It is in our humble opinion, the best way for beginners to learn and gain experience whitewater paddling. The boats are stable and forgiving. At the same time, they are maneuverable and lots of fun for experienced paddlers. Packrafts also offer the chance to get into remote environments in very unique ways - you can easily carry them around on your back or strap them on a bicycle. You can even stick them in your carry on luggage - Alex, the founder of P.A.C., once took his packraft on a resort vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Q. What policies have you put in place related to Covid-19?

A. We have created a detailed list of procedures for guides to follow related to cleaning and sanitizing of gear, cooking and serving food while on trip, hand washing, physical distancing, and mask wearing. Our guides will do everything in their power to minimize the risks of Covid transmission, and we ask that guests respect these policies while enjoying an adventure with us. You can read more about our policies here.

Q. What happens if a trip is cancelled because of Covid-19?

A. If Packraft Adventure Canada is forced to cancel a trip because of Covid-19 regulations, guests will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to participate in another adventure at a later date. Our first priority is your safety and we will follow all government regulations in regard to Covid-19. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Q. I just booked a trip and received an email receipt for my deposit payment but I have not yet received my trip information package. When can I expect further information to arrive?

A. You can expect your information package for your trip to arrive in your email within 48 hours of registering. We will send your package as soon as possible. Being a small company run exclusively by wilderness lovers who are often out hiking, exploring, or paddling, it’s possible that it could take a day or two for someone to get back to you.

Q. I am nervous about participating in a trip with whitewater rapids. How will my guides help me feel confident and comfortable while paddling?

A. Our guides are experienced whitewater paddlers and instructors who are great at helping you develop confidence on the river in a progression that’s suitable for you. We follow a challenge-by-choice policy. If you don’t want to paddle a certain rapid the guides will assist you in portaging. We encourage our guests to paddle most of the class I-II rapids, and in some cases will offer the opportunity to paddle class III rapids. You will never be obligated to do so, your comfort and enjoyment are important to us.

Q. I am an individual interested in signing up for a trip - will you take participants who are traveling on their own?

A. Yes, we are happy to take individual travellers. You will find the wilderness environment a great place to make friends and bond with other group members.

Q. I am interested in participating in a trip with my family - we have two younger children, is it possible to accommodate youth?

A. At this time we are not accepting participants on trip who are under 18 years of age unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you are a family group with teenagers, and would like to participate in an adventure with us, please get in touch directly to inquire about a custom trip, or further information about which trips are suitable for your family.

Q. I am a weak swimmer. Will I still be able to participate in a Packraft Adventure Canada trip?

A. It is not recommended that you participate in a trip if you are a complete non-swimmer but we are able to accommodate weak swimmers. Whitewater rapids are much more enjoyable if you have some confidence swimming. For your safety all our guests are required to wear a lifejacket and helmet at all times while paddling rapids.

Q. I see trips have a skill level rating. How do I know if I am capable of participating in a trip rated ‘intermediate’ or above?

A. We have developed some specific physical criteria for you to use in order to self-evaluate. You can read the details of our trip ratings here (at the bottom of the page). These are general guidelines. Trips labeled as ‘beginner’ are scheduled and designed to allow the broadest range of participants. ‘Intermediate’ trips are still suitable for people with very little wilderness experience. If you are uncertain whether a trip is for you, please send us a query using this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Q. I have food allergies - will you be able to make a suitable menu to accommodate my dietary needs?

A. We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Please be detailed when filling out your trip participant information and we will make a delicious and nutritious menu with your requirements in mind.

Q. Am I allowed to bring alcohol on trip?

A. Packraft Adventure Canada allows guests to bring small amounts of alcohol on trip. The trip environment requires a clear head and focus in order to successfully participate, so please enjoy responsibly. We also ask that guests who choose to bring alcohol be considerate of others and the environment. Space on trip is limited and fragile containers are not recommended, in some parks they are banned outright. If you plan to bring alcohol please transfer it into a non breakable container - companies like Nalgene sell flasks and durable plastic bottles that are ideal for this purpose.

Q. What gear do I need to pack for trip?

A. Packraft Adventure Canada provides all the necessary group gear, food, and paddling gear for your adventure. All you need to worry about are your personal items - clothing, sleeping bag, medications, toiletries and fun extras such as books, a deck of cards, or a camera. Upon signing up you will receive an information package which includes a detailed packing list. A sample list can be found here (near the bottom of the page).

Q. What information will I receive in my trip package when I register?

A. The trip package will include details of everything you need to do/know in order to complete preparations for your adventure. It will include important dates, a detailed packing list with detailed gear suggestions, instructions for paying the remainder of your fee, and links to our dietary and health forms that will need to be completed before departure.

Q. Where do trips depart from?

A. Trips depart from various locations. Typically the group will meet in the morning of day one at the location of our shuttle provider for each specific river. After getting gear organized and introductions we will be shuttled to the beginning of our river journey.

Q. I have a question and I can’t find the answer here on your website - what should I do?

A. Please reach out to us, we are happy to answer any questions you may have! If you would like to speak to a representative of Packraft Adventure Canada in person, please send us your contact information using this form and someone will reach out to you.