Canyon Extreme

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

We have two different locations, so it depends on which trip you have booked!

All Badger Chute & Float 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

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

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.