Need help planning your trip?
Open since 1973, Kumsheen has welcomed over 300,000 rafters and built a legacy spanning decades of Dry Grad events, raft guide training, weddings and generations of returning guests, and staff. With a perfect safety record since day one, we’re proud to be one of BC’s most trusted and longest-running whitewater rafting resorts.
Located in one of Canada’s warmest, sunniest regions known as “Canada’s Hotspot”, guests can enjoy a warm, dry climate ideal for rafting, swimming, and relaxing outdoors. It’s a completely different experience from the coastal rainforest most people associate with BC and feels like an entirely different getaway, only three hours from Vancouver.
After your trip, you can enjoy all of our resort amenities:
hot showers, a swimming pool and hot tub, weekend live music, lawn games, a full disc-golf course, our coffee bar (serving espresso drinks & snacks), and breakfast and dinner at The Cutting Board Restaurant. Many guests turn their rafting experience into a relaxing getaway, thanks to the atmosphere and offerings. If you have guests in your group who are not interested in rafting, they can stay and enjoy the resort too., making it a vacation for everyone!
Kumsheen Raft Adventures is the only outfitter offering commercial trips down the Fraser River and the iconic Hells Gate, and one of the only places in the world offering Power Rafting outside of the Grand Canyon. Power Rafting is thrilling, fast, and beginner-friendly, perfect for families, teens, adults, seniors, first-timers, and experienced rafters alike.
Your trip travels through BC’s dramatic canyons and desert landscapes. You’ll experience badlands, sagebrush, ponderosa pines, and ancient canyon walls which will give you a warm, stunning, and unexpectedly unique environment you won’t see elsewhere in the province.
Reviews consistently highlight how well our trips work for mixed groups, including:
families, school groups, dry grad celebrations, youth programs, sports teams, corporate groups, and large reunions. We’re also a popular setting for weddings, engagements, and special events, thanks to our scenery, space, and resort amenities.
With major highway improvements nearly complete, the drive between Lytton and Spences Bridge for our rafting trips, and getting to Kumsheen is now smoother and quicker.
Our guides return season after season because they truly love what they do — and it shows. Guests frequently tell us that their guide made their entire experience, thanks to the team’s passion, professionalism, and deep knowledge of the Thompson and Fraser rivers.
We proudly partner with industry leaders like NRS and other top outdoor equipment providers, ensuring every guest is outfitted with trusted, high-quality gear and equipment for safety, comfort, and performance.
For those wanting a simple, curated getaway, our office team looks forward to helping you create packages that offer built-in value and help make planning your full weekend trip effortless.
We know everyone has at least a few questions before their trip!
Below our team has answered our most common questions we receive about rafting and staying at the resort, if you still need help please contact our office!
Power vs Paddle?
This is probably the most common question our team gets asked – and it is a great question! We are fortunate to offer two styles of rafting on the Thompson River: power (motorized) rafting and paddle (oar) rafting.
Power rafting is our suggestion for first-time rafters, or those just looking for huge rides through the rapids. Power rafting is one of Kumsheen’s most unique experiences as a majority of the rivers in British Columbia aren’t big enough for power rafts. With this style of rafting, guests experience the biggest and wettest ride possible. The outboard motor (at the back of the boat) powers the raft through the waves. Meaning that guests simply need to hold on to the raft and the Raft Guide does all of the work. One of the awesome things about power rafting is that some rapids can be run more than once as the motor helps get the raft back upstream.
Paddle rafting is for guests that are interested in being a little more active or are looking to bond with a team. With this style of rafting, everyone has a paddle and works as part of a team to get the boat through the waves. The ride seems a bit smoother than power rafting as the boats are smaller and don’t have as much force, they flow over and with the rapids. Due to the large volume of the Thompson, our paddle rafts allow you to truly feel the height of the waves as you glide over and through them. As guests are holding onto a paddle and not the boat, there is a greater chance of falling into the water. Physical fitness and the ability to swim is strongly recommended for this style of rafting.
When should I book?
To ensure space on the date of your choice, we recommend booking as early as you can. Some dates fill months in advance, others you can still book the week of.
Remember: sooner is better! For example: our accommodation usually sells out for most long weekends in advance or we have to run a waitlist for some high-in-demand rafting dates.
Can I just show up?
Please try and contact us in advance if you’d like to book, especially if you have a group of interested guests. This allows us to prepare the proper amount of gear and coordinate your lunches. Kumsheen Raft Adventures requires full payment at the time of booking to secure all reservations for rafting, accommodation and meals.
I have never rafted before! Is this okay?
Definitely! If you are a bit more nervous, or have never rafted before, we recommend checking out Power Rafting before jumping into Paddle! This way you don’t need to be concerned about paddling along and can just enjoy the ride!
As long as you are comfortable, you can raft any of our trips without going down the river before. You will be following the instructions of our certified guides.
When is the best time of year to go rafting?
We are fortunate that the Thompson and Fraser Rivers offer excellent rafting conditions throughout the entire season from April until October. Our schedules and raft styles adapt to the water flows, it’s always a great time to raft!
Water levels are always sufficient on these large rivers, and the Thompson River can reach temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius from late-July into September!
Do I have to be able to swim?
Swimming ability is required for all guests on our Paddle Rafting excursions. If you are not a swimmer or not comfortable in the water, we recommend our Power Rafting trips as there is a very slim chance of falling out. Just make sure to listen to your guide’s instructions and to hold on!
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. Every guest of Kumsheen Raft Adventures (rafting or not) must read, agree to and sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement prior to their rafting trip or stay on our Resort.
The guest who makes the booking will receive a digital copy of our waiver. This will be forwarded onto other members of the group (as necessary) to read, agree to and sign at the time of booking. If you can’t complete it ahead of time, there will be time to do this at our rafting base when you arrive.
Each adult guest must read, agree to and sign THEIR OWN Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Assumption of Risks Agreement prior to rafting. Guardians must sign for those under 18.
To view and read this document, click here.
How many guests can fit in one raft?
Capacity can vary with the size and style of the raft.
Power Rafts: 16 – 21 people
Paddle Rafts: 10 – 11 guests
*Please note, if you have a large party and are requesting to all be together, please let our office know at the time of your booking.
*If you are booking your reservations separately but would like to raft together, please let our office know at the time of your booking. You can email rafting@kumsheen.com with your reservation details and the names of the other reservations you are joining.
What's the minimum age for rafting?
| Power Rafting: | 10 years old & 60 lbs in High Water 8 years old & 60 lbs in Low Water * |
| Paddle Rafting: | 12 years old & 90 lbs |
| Fraser River x Hells Gate Run: | 12 years old & 90 lbs |
| Upper Thompson River Trip (Power): | 10 years old & 60 lbs in High Water 6 years old & 50 lbs in Low Water * |
What do you provide?
For all of our rafting trips we provide farmer john wetsuits (weather dependent), splash tops and pants, lifejackets, helmets, paddles. Your PFD (personal floatation device) will be fitted and checked by a guide and all buckles must be clipped while on the river.
All of our trips include shuttle to and from the Resort, lunch, complimentary rafting photos and access to the Resorts facilities (hot showers, pool, hot tub, and more).
Are there any group discounts?
Yes! For group discounts, specials and events at Kumsheen, head here!
What groups do you host?
We host everyone! If you’re coming for a family reunion, your bachelor/bachelorette party, corporate retreat, summer vacation with the kids, a spontaneous getaway with some friends or on a couples getaway – we have something for everyone in your group!
For more details on the follow groups please visit their pages:
Dry Grads
Weddings
Corporate Groups
For groups of 10 or more rafters, you receive a 10% discount on rafting, meals and accommodation.
Please touch base with our office team to book your ideal getaway now!
Do you offer any other discounts for special groups?
- Locals?
- Firefighters/First Responders?
Can we bring alcohol?
No, you can not bring or have alcohol before or during your rafting trip . Safety is always our priority on and off the river. Kumsheen Raft Adventures has a strict, zero tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol. Any guest(s) suspected of intoxication or impairment upon arrival will not be permitted to raft and you will forfeit your refund.
For non-rafting guests, or for after rafting: Alcohol can be purchased and consumed at the resort within our licensed areas (Cutting Board Restaurant and Gazebo Bar) and in moderation at your accommodation sites. Quiet time is between 11:00pm and 8:00am – please be respectful of your neighbours.
Do you provide any trips that allow me to travel to/from my next destination in the same day?
Yes! You can plan a whitewater trip on the Thompson River and still make it to your next destination on the same day, or join us in the afternoon on your way through.
Our Devils Gorge Run (Paddle or Power) is a perfect option. Check-in is at 11:30 AM, and you’ll be back by 4:00 PM, making it a great adventure stop along Highway 1. Plus, you won’t need to stop for lunch on the way, as we provide a tasty build-your-own burrito bar before getting on the rafts!
Alternatively, our Devils Gorge Motor Express (Power) is ideal if you decide to stay over and raft before heading out. Check-in is at 8:30 AM, and you’ll return to our office by 12:00 PM. You’ll also receive a delicious packed lunch, which can be picked up at our coffee bar before you leave, a perfect way to fit rafting into a busy schedule.
What does your accommodation include?
Kumsheen offers a range of accommodation options, from Anishinabe-style teepees and cozy canvas cabins to RV sites and campsites. Combine your stay with a rafting adventure for the ultimate weekend escape.
Canvas Cabins and Teepees include: duvets, linens, pillows, towels, face cloths, soap, shampoo, earplugs, rustic antique furniture and a copy of Bernie’s “Majestic Thompson River” book.
Each Canvas Cabin is equipped with a battery capable of powering interior string lights illuminating the cabin with a warm glow, as well as to charge your own personal devices such as phones or laptops. Please note that due to the limited power of the batteries, they are unable to operate any large devices or electronics. Please contact our office directly if you need additional power for medical devices such as C-PAP machines as we have options for you.
While there is no power inside our teepees, you can charge your items in our Reception Office during open hours. A lantern is provided in each Teepee for a cozy atmosphere and fresh-air with your open teepee.
We offer both standard tenting sites (flat space for tents and/or trailers and a picnic table) and RV Sites with Electrical hook-up (30amp) at the Kumsheen Resort. Please note that all camping sites at Kumsheen have no water or sewer hook-ups, but these facilities may be available at our secondary site at Shaw Springs. Please contact the office directly for more info.
Please note that we will do our absolute best to accommodate any requests for specific units, however, we are not able to make any guarantees.
Checking In/Out
You are able to check in with our Reception Office after 3:00PM on the first day of your reservation. Check-out time is 10:00AM on the day of your departure.
Please note that you are welcome to arrive at the Resort before check-in time to enjoy our facilities, including the pool and hot tub, outdoor basketball and beach volleyball courts, and more. We just ask that you park any vehicles outside our Reception Office and refrain from entering your Cabin/Teepee/Campsite until 3:00PM.
Main Season (June 1st* – September 4th),
The Reception Office and Coffee Bar will be open seven days a week. Office Staff will be available daily to welcome guests upon arrival, serve handcrafted beverages with tasty goods, and answer questions. *Note: select dates in June the Reception Office may be closed for Staff Training/Orientation events. Please contact the Office Team for the exact dates for the upcoming season.
Shoulder season (April 1st – May 31st, September 5th – October 31st)
The Reception Office and Coffee Bar will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If your reservation falls on either of those days, an information package will be left with your check-in information. A campground staff member will be at the Resort in case assistance is needed at any time.
Do you do multi-day trips?
Currently, we do not offer multi-day trips that include overnights on the river. We do offer multi-day rafting packages that you can pair with accommodation at the resort (Camping, Canvas Cabins, Teepees or RV Sites).
Our two-day rafting packages give you the opportunity to experience two days on separate rivers or different styles on the same stretch. These packages include two days of rafting and five meals (accommodation must be purchased separately).
What meals are included in my two-day package?
Your two-day rafting package includes:
*Accommodation is not included in packages, please contact us to add on your preferred style of accommodation at the Resort (tent & RV sites, Canvas Cabins, or Teepees).
Night of arrival – Dinner not included
Day 1 – Breakfast
Day 1- Riverside Luncheon
Day 2 – Dinner
Day 2 – Breakfast
Day 1 – Breakfast
Day 2 – Riverside Luncheon
*If you’d like to add on dinner for the night of your arrival, please let us know to reserve in advance.
What meals are included in my two-day package?
Raft twice and save
Keep up to date with our socials and newsletter for updated specials and contests.
Check out special weekend deals here:
*Make sure to keep your River Rat Certificate as it has a $25 coupon for next time! (cannot be combined with other deals)
Cancellations & Policies
For all of our policies; including our cancellation policy, please visit our Policies page.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our office at rafting@kumsheen.com
Payments
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure all reservations for rafting, accommodation, or meals at the Cutting Board Restaurant. Payment can be accepted via credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) over the phone or through our online booking system.
All services of Kumsheen Raft Adventures Ltd. are subject to 5% GST. An additional 15% gratuity is automatically applied to all meals at the Cutting Board Restaurant.
How can I find out details about my trip?
Have a read through this FAQ and don’t forget to check your emails for all pre departure emails with tips on how to pack and what to bring! You can also check out our DAY TRIPS for exact details on your trip, when it starts, and what to expect!
Still not sure? You can check out our socials for a look into the experience or check with our office to learn more!
How do I get to Kumsheen?
We are located at 1345 Trans Canada Hwy. Lytton, BC. V0K1 1Z0.
Please always check DriveBC before you start your drive up to our resort for the most current road updates.
Where do we meet for our rafting trips?
All rafting trips will leave from Kumsheen Rafting Resort: 1345 Trans Canada Hwy, Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0.
We have plenty of parking and we can keep your keys in a secure location in our office, you may also keep items locked in your cabin and our team can keep your cabin keys.
*If pre-arranged, some Fraser River x Hells Gate participants can be picked up in Boston Bar to save driving distance for those arriving the morning of the trip. Please enquire with our office for more details – rafting@kumsheen.com
What should I wear?
Weather conditions vary greatly from month to month and river attire varies accordingly, if you are unsure you can check the Lytton Weather Forecast. When you check-in for your rafting trip, a Raft Guide will be available to answer any questions and give you an idea of what will be good for that day’s weather.
- Footwear: Wear something you don’t mind getting wet that will stay on your feet, such as sports sandals, running shoes or water shoes – no flip flops or bare feet! Your shoes must be fully attached to your foot. (see rentals below) SECURE HEAL STRAP
- Splash gear (pants and jacket) are available for guests power rafting and neoprene wetsuits are available for guests paddle rafting.
- On really hot days, you should be okay wearing shorts and a t-shirt, but it can get windy on the river, so layer up! Always bring a bathing suit!
- On cold days, wetsuits may be provided for power rafters. In the spring and fall we recommend adding a nylon windbreaker, fleece jacket or a toque for extra warmth!
Wear layers of quick-dry and synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, wool, fleece, polyester, polypropylene, etc. We recommend avoiding cotton on the river.
Our office rents water shoes for $10.00, that you are able to get before you hop on the bus! Sizes range mens 4-13 (we do have women’s sizes 5-10.5 available for purchase in our retail shop.)
While we do have sunscreen at our lunch site, we still recommend putting some on before you leave the office! Sunscreen is available for sale in our office if you need for the duration of your trip.
Wanting to bring your glasses?
For glasses, we recommend coming with glasses straps! This way if your glasses fall off they end up hanging from your neck, instead of floating down the river. If you do not have any glasses straps, don’t worry! We sell CHUMS inside our office at the retail shop.
Can I bring my water and sunscreen?
You can apply sunscreen before leaving the resort in the morning, in the afternoon at Shaw Springs we do provide sunscreen on our picnic tables for our guests to use so please make sure to reapply and that you are covered where you will see the sun!
*Pro Tip: Avoid sunscreen on your forehead as your helmet will help cover it, and it avoids getting it in your eyes when you get splashed!
We also offer water, ice tea, and lemonade for drink options to keep you hydrated at Shaw Springs.
*Any items left on the bus will be placed in our lost and found bin inside our main office area.
Can I bring my medication?
Please notify our office at the time of your booking or check-in if you have medication or medical related items that you need to bring with you.
*Please be aware, all items brought onto the rafts risk getting wet or damaged. Even if items are kept inside dry bags
What's the weather like at Kumsheen?
For current forecasts and to know how to pack, check out Environment Canada’s Seven Day Forecast.
The Thompson River ranges from about 12 degrees celsius in the spring to a refreshing 20 degrees and stays nice and warm through September! Check out our river board in the office for daily water levels and temperatures.
What if it rains?
We raft rain of shine – and it’s always fun in any type of weather provided you dress properly! Even if it’s a beautiful sunny day – still expect to get wet on the river! Keep in mind the Thompson/Fraser region is semi-arid desert and gets over 325 blue-sky days every year.
Can I take pictures?
Yes! You can bring your GoPro with you, please request a GoPro mounted head mount in advance with our office. Phones will get wet and you are required to be paddling or holding on during power rafting so please be aware there is not much time allotted to take photos.
Our photographer will be snapping pictures of you rafting along the way! You will be surprised when you see her pop up as you smash through a rapid! All of our rafting imagery is complementary and will be emailed out to you within 48 hours after your trip. On certain trips, our guides will snap photos in certain spots around the way and you will receive these photos.
We do not recommend bringing your phone with you as there will not be many photo opportunities while you paddle or hang on through the rapids. Anything brought on the river has a risk of losing it. If we do wish to have your phone in a waterproof casing around your neck on lanyard, we do sell _________.
What does your accommodation include?
Our stunning desert escape resort features __________________. For amenities you can experience hot showers, our pool and hot tub area with a gazebo bar that features live music every weekend in summer. All of our lawn games, sports courts and disc golf course is available to all of our visitors!
If you do not bring food with you, book into our restaurant for Breakfast & Dinner, and visit our coffee bar during the day for snacks and drinks.
Are campfires allowed?
Campfires are permitted only at the two designated campfire circles on the resort and not permitted anywhere else on the resort.
As we are located in a very dry area with high temperatures, we are normally put on a fire ban in June or July. That being said, we can allow propane fire bowls as long as they are kept on gravel and are used responsibly while following all of the regulations.
Please check with our office if you are unsure.
Government Fire Ban Information
Download the BC Wildfire Service App
Is my pet welcome?
We love seeing our four-legged friends at the resort and allow them to stay in accommodation for a charge of $10 per pet, per night. For the safety of our human and non-human guests, we ask that pets are not left unattended or allowed to roam the resort on their own and that all pets must be leashed at all-times.
Please note that an additional fee of $100 will be charged if any excessive clean up is necessary.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, guests staying at Kumsheen Raft Adventures can bring their own food and cooking supplies. As there is currently no grocery store in Lytton, we recommend arriving fully prepared for your meals and snacks., please be mindful of animals and your surroundings. Please ensure food is securely stored and all garbage is properly cleaned up and disposed of to help keep our campground and rafting resort safe and clean.
Camp sinks are available for dishwashing in two areas of the campground. If you plan to cook while camping or staying on-site, please bring all required food, supplies, and cooking equipment, as these are not provided.
Our Surroundings
As you enjoy your stay at our resort along the beautiful Thompson River, you may hear the sound of trains passing by. The railway has been a vital part of this region’s history and continues to be an active route today. While the trains can be noisy at times, they add a unique charm and character to the area. We provide earplugs in each room for your comfort, ensuring you have a restful and enjoyable stay with us.
Quote: “Expect to be fascinated rather than frustrated by the trains, as they are an integral part of our history.” – Bernie Fandrich
Kumsheen sits right in Canada’s Hotspot, with summer temperatures climbing to 35 degrees celsius. It’s warmer and drier than you might be used to, so pack light, stay hydrated, and definitely bring your swimsuit for the pool.
Quiet Hour on the Resort
Out of respect for other campers, the resort always has a quiet hour after 11:00pm (2300)-8:00am (0800). If our quiet hour will not work for your group, please contact us about booking possibilities at our other location.
Options at Kumsheen
Our Cutting Board Restaurant will be open Thursday-Monday for guests to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Please note that all meals at our Cutting Board Restaurant must be reserved in advance. Dining spots at the Restaurant are limited, so please contact us to book your meals if you haven’t done so already. The Resort is located in a rural area and the nearest grocery store is a 50 minute drive, so we recommend picking up supplies before checking in.
While our Restaurant will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this season, our Coffee Bar (located within the Reception Office) will be stocked with baked goods and simple meals that can be purchased and then taken to-go or enjoyed in the lounge area.
Cutting Board Restaurant
Open Thursday-Monday and closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays, our Cutting Board Restaurant serves Breakfast and Dinner!
Breakfast is served buffet style or family style, please enquire with our office for the option on the date of your choosing. Dinner is served family style with a rotating menu, please check out our menus here.
All meals must be reserved in advance, for dinner we ask you to reserve with our office by noon (13:00) and the day before for Breakfast during office hours.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let our office know at the time of your reservation.
We recommend booking meals at the Cutting Board Restaurant as far in advance as possible. There may be availability for occasional last-minute add-ons, however, this is not something that we are able to guarantee so it is recommended that all meals are booked in advance.
If the minimum booking requirements are not met for the Cutting Board Restaurant, meals may be served out of the Coffee Bar in the Reception Office.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, or special meal preferences?
Yes. Our on-site restaurant offers a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and we do our best to accommodate all dietary restrictions and food allergies.
Our coffee bar is stocked with options for a wide range of guests, and we’re always happy to help where we can. If you have specific dietary needs, severe allergies, or are visiting as part of a group with multiple restrictions, we recommend reaching out in advance so we can discuss availability or pre-ordering options if needed.
*Please always notify us in advance of any allergies and/or dietary restrictions.
Lunch
All of our rafting trips include lunch!
Legendary Thompson & Devils Run – Shaw Springs Luncheon
Fraser, Nicola and Upper Thompson Rivers – Riverside Luncheon
Devils Gorge Motor Express – packed lunch located at our Coffee Bar!
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let our office know at the time of your reservation.
Coffee Bar
For pre-made snacks, ice creams and coffees, please see our coffee bar in our office! You can check out hours here!
Gazebo Bar
Our Gazebo Bar is also open Thursday-Monday for drinks and select snacks!
