The B.C. government is investing $45,000 to help the Golden community find a long-term solution for accessing the lower Kicking Horse Canyon and maximizing the tourism opportunities in the region.

Together with the local governments, the river rafting sector, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour will jointly select an expert consultant to conduct a feasibility study and develop a work plan.

The study will look for a long-term solution to find a safe entry point to allow rafters to access the Lower Canyon route of the Kicking Horse River, which is considered the crown jewel of Golden’s whitewater rafting industry. In the interim, two rafting companies based in Golden (Glacier Rafting and Wet n’ Wild Adventures) have started running heli-rafting to bring customers to the Lower Canyon. This creative solution provides a one-of-a-kind, birds-eye view of some of the best whitewater in the Canadian Rockies and helps maintain the region’s international reputation for river adventure.

Quotes:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond –

“We’re committed to helping Golden find the solutions necessary to help them maximize the benefits that the rafting industry provides. This world-renowned adventure experience brings tourism dollars into the community, creating and supporting jobs. We have worked hard with the community, fully recognizing the challenges they have faced this season.  I appreciate their willingness to find innovative solutions including the work we will do together to provide long-term certainty for this important sector.”

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone –

“We are working closely with Golden and local partners to conduct a feasibility study looking into how to allow safe access to the lower canyon of the Kicking Horse River without crossing CP Rail tracks. The B.C. government recognizes the value of river rafting tourism to Golden and the surrounding region, and that’s why we are working quickly to resolve this issue and help people gain safe access to the lower canyon.”

Town of Golden Mayor Ron Oszust –

“The Town of Golden is very appreciative of the investment being made by the Province. We will continue to support our local partners in their efforts to have a long-term solution in place for the 2017 rafting season.”

Owner, Glacier Raft Company Ryan Johannesen –

“Our main focus now is to look towards long-term solutions that will allow our customers the very best of the Kicking Horse River. This season, we’re really excited to be able to offer a new adventure that includes a thrilling helicopter tour of the canyon to access the lower portion of the river. We’re thankful that the B.C. government continues to be an active partner in building a sustainable tourism sector in Golden."

Learn More:

To learn more about or watch a video about the new heli-rafting experience offered by Glacier Rafting, visit: http://glacierraft.com/trip/ultimate-adventure/

To learn more about Wet N’ Wild’s new heli-rafting experience, visit: http://www.wetnwild.bc.ca/