Charging down a mountain river in a rubber raft is one of the most popular adventures for many people visiting Canada's western mountains. Trips range from daylong excursions that demand little of a participant other than sitting tight to long-distance trips through remote backcountry where all members of the crew are expected to hoist a paddle through the rapids. Risk doesn't correspond to length of trip: Individual rapids and water conditions can make even a short trip a real adventure. On long trips, you'll be camping in tents and spending evenings by a campfire. Even on short trips, plan on getting wet; it's not unusual to get thrown out of a raft, so you should be comfortable in water and a good swimmer if you're floating an adventurous river (outfitters will always provide life jackets).

Jasper National Park is a major center for short yet thrilling white-water trips. For a weeklong white-water adventure in a wilderness setting, contact an outfitter about trips through Nahanni National Park.