Question 1

Do I need to stay in the Chalets in order to go rafting?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not!  We recommend that you stay in the beautiful 4 1/2 star chalets operated by Riverfront Chalets, but you are welcome to come rafting with us and/or rent our equipment even if you are not a chalet guest!  We have many other great accommodators as partners as well!

Question 2

I can't swim!  Can I still come rafting?

Accepted Answer

You most definitely can!  We take non-swimmers every day, and also kids as young as 5yrs old!  We provide you with top of the line safety equipment and our guides are extremely well trained to keep you safe.  There is no better way to overcome a fear of water than to take part in our Badger Chute whitewater rafting adventure!  If you can't convince yourself into our whitewater trip, we also have a gentle nature float that may serve as a "first step".  That said, our Exploits Canyon adventures are not really suitable for non-swimmers.

Question 3

Is there an age limit?

Accepted Answer

In general, we have trips available for youth 5yrs and older.  All of our trips do have a minimum age requirement as well as a minimum weight requirement.  Just check out the individual trip for details. The minimum age is a guideline only and exceptions can be made (just call us at 709-700-8807).  The minimum weight however is the strict minimum;   no exceptions can be made.

Question 4

What is the best trip for our group?

Accepted Answer

All depends... if you are comfortable with water and seeking a real thrill, you should consider our Exploits Canyon rafting adventures as long as your kids meet the minimum age requirement.   If you would prefer a full day on the river with a meal or if you are less comfortable with water, our Badger Chute Whitewater Rafting Adventure would be best.  We have been running the Badger Chute trip since 1997 and it is BY FAR our most popular trip.  This family friendly trip can accommodate kids as young as 5, but still packs a day full of thrills, BIG splashes, laughs, and amazing swimming opportunities.    That said, in spring or fall when the river becomes too cold to enjoy getting soaking wet, our Scenic Nature Float is a nice day on the river as well.  We'll do our best to keep you dry as you take in the peaceful beauty of the Exploits River (a Canadian Heritage River).  The nature float is not ideal for kids - kids really have a lot more fun on our Badger Chute trip.

Question 5

Do I need a group in order to come rafting?

Accepted Answer

Not at all!  Unless the trip you are looking at specifically has a minimum booking, you can book on your own or with a group of any size!  We like to tell guests we can accommodate groups from 1-100!

Question 6

When is the best time of year to raft?

Accepted Answer

When the river is NOT frozen over!  Seriously though, there is excellent rafting to be had from the beginning of May right through to late October.  For our whitewater rafting trip, the ideal time to come based on water temperature would be from mid-June to late-September.  For our scenic nature float, you won't be spending time in the water, so the trip is quite lovely even in the early spring or late fall.   As far as water levels are concerned, the Exploits River is dam controlled.  The dam maintains a fairly consistent water level throughout the summer season.  Parts of our whitewater rafting trip are better in high water while other parts are better in low water, so the water level shouldn't factor in to planning your trip.  The exception would be our Exploits Canyon high-adventure trips which do greatly increase in intensity based on water level.  Maximum intensity from June through to mid-July.  The Exploits Canyon is still crazy wild in August, but not quite as nuts as during the spring run-off.

Question 7

What about the weather?  Do you go in the rain?

Accepted Answer

Our trips leave regardless of weather. We go rain, shine, or snow.  We suggest that you prepare for the worst and hope for the best - plus, you're going to get wet anyway!!  Thunderstorms are fairly uncommon in Central Newfoundland and tend to be very short-lived.  In the unlikely event of lightning in the area while we are on the river our guides have emergency plans in place.  It will mean a short delay of your trip as the rafts pull over to safety, but it likely won't affect your day much.

Question 8

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We have two different locations, so it depends on which trip you have booked!  All Badger Chute Trips We meet at Riverfront Chalets which is directly on the Trans-Canada Highway on Aspen Brook Resource Rd.    From the West (Springdale, Deer Lake, Corner Brook): We are 10km East of Badger on the Trans Canada Highway.  Turn right in the Riverfront Chalets driveway just before the Aspen Brook bridge.  From the East (Gander, Clarenville, St. John's): We are 20km West of Grand Falls-Windsor on the Trans Canada Highway.  Turn left in the Riverfront Chalets driveway immediately after the Aspen Brook bridge.  GPS: 48.950128, -55.912586  Google: https://goo.gl/maps/ohXDRsRsYLyLHNRB6   All Exploits Canyon Trips and Rattling Brook Float We meet at our office (renovated red school bus) on the parking lot at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre on Taylor Road in Grand Falls-Windsor.    From the West (Springdale, Deer Lake, Corner Brook):  Take Exit 20 and turn RIGHT on to Scott Ave.  Follow the signs to the Salmonid Interpretation Centre.  Continue 3.75km until you see a big salmon statue on the left side of the road.  This is Taylor Rd, turn left.  Keep right on Taylor Road for 1.85km until you arrive at the entrance to the Salmonid Interpretation Centre which will be on the right and clearly signed.  If the paved road ends and you end up on gravel, you have gone too far.  If the gate at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre is closed, please call us at 709-700-8807 and we will come open it for you.    From the East (Gander, Clarenville, St. John's): Take Exit 20 and turn LEFT on to Scott Ave.  Follow the signs to the Salmonid Interpretation Centre.  Continue 4.3km until you see a big salmon statue on the left side of the road.  This is Taylor Rd, turn left.  Keep right on Taylor Road for 1.85km until you arrive at the entrance to the Salmonid Interpretation Centre which will be on the right and clearly signed.  If the paved road ends and you end up on gravel, you have gone too far.  If the gate at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre is closed, please call us at 709-700-8807 and we will come open it for you.  
 Please note: If you are coming from the East your GPS/Google Maps may suggest you exit the Trans Canada Highway before Bishop's Falls and take Highway 360 (Bay d`Espoir Highway) - DO NOT FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS!  Instead, remain on the Trans Canada Highway and your GPS/Google will correct (or you could just follow our directions above).   If you take Highway 360 (Bay d`Espoir Highway) it will lead you to a dirt logging road that is NOT safe!  To be clear, there are NO dirt roads on the way to the Salmonid Interpretation Centre, so if you are on one, please turn around.  GPS: 48.929656, -55.671396  Google: https://goo.gl/maps/VPdBgfcwNCkMAjzm6

Question 9

I'm feeling sick, can I still come rafting?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately no, we cannot accommodate sick clients.  If you or anyone you are in regular contact with is feeling sick, we are asking you to PLEASE stay home!  We will reschedule your trip for any day, any year, with no penalty.    We will have the same expectations with our guides and other employees.  All of our staff are asked to sign a declaration of good health every day before work.

Question 10

Do you offer student discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do!  Students receive a special rate of $10 off the adult rate on any of our river trips.  For students older than 18yrs old, proof of enrollment will be required.

Question 11

Do you offer military discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do!  Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces receive a 25% discount on any of our water trips.  Thank you for serving our country!  Valid Canadian Military ID will be required.  If booking online, just use offer code "MILITARY" so we can get you the appropriate discount.

Question 12

Do you offer Scouts Canada members a discount?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do!  Scouts Canada is the foremost program for educating youth in the sustainable use of our natural world, and we are very proud supporters!  Rafting Newfoundland hosted the 2014 National Venturer Scout Jamboree and welcomed over 500 Scouts from all over the country for five incredible days of rafting!   We have exciting programs especially for Scouting Groups including training in the Outdoor Adventure Skills program!  We can also help you plan a rafting and/or canoe camp for your group!  All of our rafting guides have signed the Scouts Canada Code of Conduct, and many of our guides are registered and active Scouts Canada volunteers.  Check out our dedicated Scouts Canada Page for more details!  All active Scouts Canada members will receive a minimum 10% discount.  Members will either need to present their membership card (Scouters can print membership cards for you at myscouts.ca) OR come rafting wearing their Scouting necker.  If booking online, please user offer code "SCOUTSCANADA" so we can get you the appropriate discount.

Question 13

Do I need to book in advance?

Accepted Answer

While we can often accommodate last minute bookings we do have limited availability on all our trips, so we recommend you book as early as possible.  Typically our Badger Chute Rafting Adventure sells out completely on most days from late July to late August.

Question 14

How many people do I need to get a group discount?

Accepted Answer

Group discounts start at ten people.  For more details, check out our Group Discounts page!

Question 15

What if there is another pandemic and travel is restricted?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry!  In the event of additional travel restrictions that prevent you from visiting, we will refund your reservation in full.

Question 16

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Reservations cancelled or changed with less than 48 hours notice are non-refundable.   Group bookings of 16+ people are non-refundable with less than SEVEN DAYS notice for change or cancellation.    A 10% cancellation fee will be applied for all cancellations with less than 60 days notice.  No cancellation fee if you reschedule with at least 48hrs notice.  Exception for Promotional Rates: Bookings that are discounted more than 15% off are NON-REFUNDABLE.  Full payment is charged at the time of booking.  Reservations can be rescheduled with at least 48hrs notice, but no cancellations are possible.

Question 17

Is the water cold?

Accepted Answer

Water temperature varies greatly on the Exploits River.  In May the average temperature is around 5°C (41°F) but by mid/late July it averages around 22°C (72°F).  The water stays relatively warm through to mid/late September.     Through the summer months, the temperature usually peaks from 2pm-6pm here in Central Newfoundland, so both our day trip and evening trip include the warmest part of the day.    Don't worry though, even on the coldest of days we have the gear you need to have fun!  We provide you with a wetsuit as well as a windproof splash jacket for cooler days (no additional fee).

Question 18

What should I bring?  What do you provide?

Accepted Answer

For our scenic nature float, we try to keep you dry, so feel free to dress as you see fit.  Just keep in mind we will be out on the water for 3.5hrs.  You will be provided with a high-quality PFD which you will be required to wear at all times.  For all our whitewater rafting trips, we provide you with a high-quality PFD, helmet, optional wetsuit and optional windproof splash jacket (splash jacket only available on our Badger Chute trips).  As far as what to wear, regardless of the weather we recommend that you try to avoid wearing cotton as cotton keeps the wetness against your body. Any type of synthetic fiber is best (bathing suits are usually ideal).  Footwear is required at all times, and please try to avoid wearing strapless shoes or sandals.   Please bring a towel and change of clothes and leave them in your car for when you return. We  have change rooms available. For our Badger Chute trip, please bring a long sleeved shirt or sweater with you on the trip and we will keep it in our dry storage bag in case you get cool on the river.  If you have a  health condition that could be serious without the appropriate medication (such as a serious allergy, diabetes, asthma, etc). You MUST bring along your required medication. Your guide will keep your medication in a dry box that is easily accessible at all times.  It is NOT advisable to bring your cell phone, camera or any electronics or valuables with you on the trip. Even if they are waterproof, they likely will not float!  We will provide each raft with a waterproof digital camera (that floats) for you to use throughout the day on our water trips.  Food is provided on our full Badger Chute trip, our Night Badger Chute trip, and our Scenic Nature Float.  Please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or special dietary needs.  Please feel free to bring a refillable water bottle with you on our Badger Chute trips or nature floats.

Question 19

Can I bring a camera with me?

Accepted Answer

On our nature float, sure!  Go right ahead!    For our whitewater trips, we don't forbid it, but it is really, really a bad idea to bring your own camera.  Each season an average of a dozen cameras are lost on the river, sinking to the bottom.  Even if your camera or cell phone is waterproof it probably does not float!  Not only is it a terrible financial loss to lose your camera, but it's also devastating on the environment as the components of electronics are quite toxic.    We will provide each raft with a waterproof camera that floats, and we encourage you to use our camera instead of your own.  On our Exploits Canyon adventures, each of our guides is also wearing a GoPro camera.

Question 20

Can I wear my sunglasses / glasses during the tour?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, as long as you have a strap to keep them safe (as we don't want to litter the river).  We have custom Rafting NL straps available for purchase, or we can make you one for free!

Question 21

What happens to my personal belongings when I am on the raft?

Accepted Answer

We encourage you to lock your belongings in your vehicle and then leave your keys with our staff at the office.  They will be kept in our locked office while you are on the water.  While we will do our absolute best to keep your belongings safe for you, we are ultimately not responsible if anything is lost or damaged.  Remember to take your required medication with you on the trip!

Question 22

Is there a place to change?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  We have private changing stalls beside the Raft Shack at our Badger Chute location, and inside our office at our Exploits Canyon location.    Please do not change in the washrooms out of respect for other guests.

Question 23

Are there washrooms on the trip?

Accepted Answer

We have flush toilets available at both of our offices and, on our Badger Chute trips, we have a private outdoor dry-compost toilet at the half-way point .

Question 24

How many people per raft?  Will our group be together in the same raft?

Accepted Answer

We can comfortably accommodate 8-10 people per raft depending on the trip and the size of our guests. Groups are usually able to stay together, but the guides may have to split up larger groups for safety reasons.    All the rafts stay close together though so even if your group gets split up you will still be within water-cannon range...

Question 25

Does each raft have a guide?  Are they qualified?

Accepted Answer

Every raft comes with a guide, and our guides are extremely well trained!  Although the guides make the job look easy, they have all dedicated an enormous amount of time training and certifying.  We also run frequent skills workshops and emergency drills with our team to make sure they are always ready for any possible emergency.    We are exceptionally proud of our safety record, and you have our commitment that we will do everything in our power to keep you safe on the river.

Question 26

Could I fall off the raft?  Could the raft flip over?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the trip, for our Badger Chute Trip most people "fall" off the raft entirely on purpose as there are some amazing swimming opportunities on the Exploits River!  That said, if you really don't want to fall off the raft just be honest with your guide and they will do their best to keep you on the boat.  It is VERY unlikely that you will fall in if you truly do not want to.  As far as the rafts flipping, it is almost impossible for these rafts to flip by accident on our Badger Chute trips... however if you ask nicely your guide would be happy to flip it on purpose for you!  			 THAT SAID, for our high-adventure Exploits Canyon Rafting Adventure the raft WILL flip and you WILL fall off... many times... we promise!

Question 27

Can I bring my own snacks or drinks on the trip?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to bring a drink with you on the river, but please do not bring single-use bottled water if you can avoid it as it is terrible for the environment.  Instead bring a refillable water bottle as we would be happy to fill it for you.  It is really not necessary to bring your own snacks.

Question 28

Does everyone have to paddle?

Accepted Answer

Depends on whether or not you're in a hurry!  The river will take us to where we need to be eventually, but the trip is much more enjoyable if you paddle.  If you cannot paddle for medical reasons, please let us know in advance.  You can still come on the trip, we will just make adjustments to accommodate you.

Question 29

Do kids get to paddle?

Accepted Answer

Our rule for paddles is that you have to be taller than the paddle in order to use one.  On average, kids over 12 will be asked to paddle.

Question 30

Will I see wildlife on the trip?

Accepted Answer

You may occasionally be able to see hawks, moose, bears, caribou, jumping salmon, or perhaps a bald eagle diving for its lunch. That's all up to the animals!

Question 31

Should I leave a tip for my guide?

Accepted Answer

Many clients like to show their appreciation for an amazing adventure by leaving a tip for their guides.  Guides receive 100% of the tips; the business does not hold anything back.  Tips are not required, but GREATLY appreciated!  You can tip your guide in cash, or by debit or credit at our office.

Badger Chute

Trip Details

Night Rafting on the Badger Chute

+1 709-700-8807

Send us a message
and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Badger Chute

Trip Details

Night Rafting on the Badger Chute

+1 709-700-8807

Send us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Send us a message
and we’ll get back to you shortly.