FAQ's

When is the best time of year to go?

Rafting is excellent in Northwestern BC from early May through the end of September.

Expeditions are scheduled with the more consistently stable weather patterns and run from early July through early September.

Day trips run from mid May through mid September.

For those that are interested in a whitewater trip but perhaps a little bit apprehensive, book a whitewater trip in late August or early September when river levels are lower and the rapids are, in general, more tame.
For those who desire the most excitement, book your whitewater trip in mid June when the river levels are high and the rapids are at their biggest.
As we cannot always predict the exact time that the rivers will flood, trips booked between mid May and mid June may be changed at the last minute to a different river or river section to ensure we do not run certain canyons when the water levels are inappropriately high.

What does my trip include? What do I need to bring?

A Skeena Valley Expeditions trip is high class whether you join us for half a day or 10 days.

On all trips you are provided with:

All specialized clothing such as wetsuits, helmets, lifejackets, and neoprene booties.
Professional and certified guides
All necessary transportation and logistics
All the appropriate permits and licenses
Lunch, snacks and drinks

On expedition trips you are also provided with:

All food and beverages for the trip
High quality camping equipment

From the time of our official "meeting" until we drop you off everything is included. All expedition trips include dinners at the end of the trip. You need only bring your personal camping/active clothing for which we will send you a complete packing list.

What are the age limits?

Skeena Valley Expeditions' travelers have ranged in age from 7 to 72 years old. The most important "skill" you can possess is the desire to have Fun!! There are, however, some minimum requirements:

All participants under the age of 19 must have a parent or guardian present at the time of booking to co-sign our liability waiver
On family float trips, participants must be 7 years of age or older
On whitewater trips participants must be 13 years of age or older AND weigh at least 90 pounds
- Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

What does it cost?

Our trips are all inclusive and our prices include everything you need as outlined above. In otherwords, from the moment you walk through the door, until when you drive away, the trip price includes everything you need whether it be technical clothing, food, transfers, whatever.

Whitewater Day Trips $149.00
Family Float half day trips $99.00
Babine 6 day Expedition $2900.00
Nass 6 day Expedition $2900.00
Tatshenshini 10 day Expedition $4800.00

Do you have group rates?

Yes, absolutely. The more people you bring the better deal we'll give you.

The regular price of an SVE day trip is $150 per person. Our group rates are 10% off with 7 or more, 15% off with 14 or more, and 20% off with 21 or more. Alternatively, you could choose to have everyone at 10% off and take one free seat with 14 or more and 2 free seats with 21 or more.

Do I need to know how to raft?

Not at all. We assume that this is a new experience for everyone. Before you ever step into a boat, your guides will give you a full explanation of the raft and all of the associated gear to make sure that you are comfortable and feel completely safe. The first day of our trips is planned to be easy-going to allow you time to adjust and soak in your new surroundings.

Is it safe?

There will always be some element of risk inherent in River Rafting. Having said that, there are many things that SVE does to make this a reasonable thing to do. Rafting in Canada is regulated Federally by Transport Canada. BC standards have a reputation as being the strictest in the world. All of our raft Guides are certified and carry BC River Outfitter Association raft guides' certifications. In addition to paddling skills, guides must hold a current Occupational or wilderness First Aid certificate & a Swiftwater Rescue Technician certification.

All trips begin with a safety briefing to ensure guests are aware of the hazards inherent on a river. This also allows us to discuss prevention techniques as simple as how to stay in the raft and how to paddle effectively to complex like how to be towed back to the raft with a rope.

Our boating and camping equipment is top-of-the-line. On whitewater trips all guest are provided with a wetsuit, wetsuit booties, a splash jacket, a helmet and a lifejacket. For added safety the guides have short-range radios for communication between the boats and the bus driver. All trips carry a satellite phone for communication with "home-base" in the event of an emergency situation.

What sort of information do I get "on the job?"

We promise to keep you informed and ready for whatever is coming every step of the way. At the base we go through a complete trip overview, waivers, clothing, etc. and at the river we go over lifejackets, helmets and a complete safety briefing. Take some time and view our various "talks" below.

Do I have to be an athlete to do a Skeena Valley Expeditions Trip?

Skeena Valley Expeditions does not run "Hard-Core", "Adrenalin-Junkie" trips. Our trips are designed for the person who wants to explore the wilderness and be a part of the experience, not just watch it go by though a bus window. You will be paddling, hiking & living outdoors, so you do need to be healthy…but not a triathlete.

Who Travels with Skeena Valley Expeditions?

While there is no such thing as an average Skeena Valley Expeditions traveler, there are a few things they share in common; the desire for the serenity of the wilderness, an adventurous spirit, and doing it all in a comfortable style that one expects on a high end vacation.

How many people on my trip?

On the expedition trips, our smaller group sizes - maximum 12 travelers per trip – mean better service and the ability to accommodate different activity levels and interests.

On the day trips, we increase the number to 8 guests per raft on whitewater trips allowing a maximum of 24 guests, and 10 guests per raft for the flatwater trips allowing a maximum of 30 guests per trip.

Camping?! Do I have to be "out-doorsy" or "extreme"?

Skeena Valley Expeditions' trips are perfect for those new to camping – and really comfy for those with any camping experience! From your waterproof "spray-shirt" to your fluffy sleeping bag, every thought has been given to your comfort. Furthermore, at "Happy Hour", the first evening, cocktail in hand, you will get a full explanation of the workings and traditions of camp life.

NB – No matter what the Guides tell you it is NOT a tradition for the guest to bring them coffee in bed!!

How's the food? Do we eat weiners & beans?

Only if you request it!! Our menus have been designed by an experienced chef with years of outdoor cooking behind her. All the guides are trained in the finer arts of grilling lamb, creating seafood curry, stuffing brie and kiwi into French toast and do it in a timely manner that gives you great, hot, wholesome food at a spectacular "view table." To further facilitate your fabulous meals, we carry four-burner propane stoves and a full kitchen kit. This means your meals are hot and ready quickly – no more making toast over the fire on the end of a stick!

Does Skeena Valley Expeditions charge extra for transfers or equipment?

Transfers

We want to make this easy for you…after all it is a vacation! Once you meet your guides we'll take it from there. Whether it is a privately chartered airplane, a comfortable van or a quick taxi, it's all included.

Equipment

Tent, sleeping bag and air mattress are all included. All rafting specific clothing is also included. This means you need only bring your personal active/camping clothing. Don't worry, we will send you a complete packing list of what you will need to be warm and comfortable.