RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ATV/UTV FIELD GUIDE
Raft ’n’ Ride: Class‑III Runs and High‑Alpine Mining Roads Above Radium
A six‑hour combo from Toby Creek’s Class I–III rapids to an 8,000‑foot ATV/SXS ascent to a turn‑of‑the‑century silver mining town, useful as a one‑day primer for planning logistics and what to bring.
Raft ’n’ Ride: Class‑III Runs and High‑Alpine Mining Roads Above Radium.
This is a compact, full‑throttle day in the Columbia Valley: a morning on Toby Creek negotiating Class I–III rapids, followed by an afternoon ascent by ATV or side‑by‑side to the Paradise Mine and an early‑1900s silver mining town at about 8,000 feet. It’s streamlined for travelers who want a mixed‑modal hit of whitewater and high‑alpine exploration in a single outing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Toby Creek’s Playful to Punchy Rapids
The trip opens with rafting on Toby Creek, where Class I–III rapids provide sustained excitement while remaining accessible to newcomers and challenging enough for experienced paddlers.
ATV/SXS Climb to Paradise Mine
After the river section, guests board ATVs or SXS vehicles for a 2.5‑hour journey that climbs to roughly 8,000 feet and delivers sweeping alpine views and a sense of remoteness.
A Glimpse of an Early‑1900s Silver Mining Town
The route culminates at the Paradise Mine site, where the terrain and remnants recall the region’s silver‑mining past and make the combo tour part whitewater day, part historical ride.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Expect a briskly paced day: meet for the river section in the morning, run Toby Creek’s varied rapids, then regroup and transition to the ATV/SXS portion in the afternoon for a sustained high‑country ride to an historic mine. The combo keeps momentum—rafting first, then an off‑road ascent—so the itinerary reads like a tightly linked two‑act adventure.
THE RIVER
Toby Creek’s Playful to Punchy Rapids
The trip opens with rafting on Toby Creek, where Class I–III rapids provide sustained excitement while remaining accessible to newcomers and challenging enough for experienced paddlers.
THE ASCENT
ATV/SXS Climb to Paradise Mine
After the river section, guests board ATVs or SXS vehicles for a 2.5‑hour journey that climbs to roughly 8,000 feet and delivers sweeping alpine views and a sense of remoteness.
THE HISTORY
A Glimpse of an Early‑1900s Silver Mining Town
The route culminates at the Paradise Mine site, where the terrain and remnants recall the region’s silver‑mining past and make the combo tour part whitewater day, part historical ride.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day is best for—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a six‑hour experience. Meet at 9:40 a.m. at Kootenay River Runners for rafting (raft departs 10:00 a.m.); then meet at 1:00 p.m. at Toby Creek Adventures for the ATV/SXS portion (departure ~1:30 p.m.).
Closed‑toed shoes are mandatory for ATV/SXS tours. Long pants and a jacket are recommended for the higher‑elevation ride to the Paradise Mine.
Drivers must be 18 or older to operate ATVs/SXS; passengers may ride from age 8 upward. Guests should be prepared for a day that mixes moderate physical exertion on the water and in off‑road vehicles.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Raft 'n' Ride Combo Tour?
The full combo is a six‑hour experience.
When and where do I need to meet for the rafting and ATV portions?
Meet at 9:40 a.m. at Kootenay River Runners for the rafting section (rafting begins at 10:00 a.m.), and at 1:00 p.m. at Toby Creek Adventures for the ATV/SXS segment (afternoon tour begins at about 1:30 p.m.).
What are the age limits for driving or riding the ATVs/SXS?
Drivers must be 18 or older to drive; riders can join from age 8 and up.
Are the rapids suitable for first‑time rafters?
Yes—the Toby Creek rafting portion includes Class I–III rapids and is appropriate for first‑time rafters while still offering sections that will engage experienced paddlers.
What should I wear for the tour?
Closed‑toed shoes are mandatory for ATV/SXS tours; long pants and a jacket are recommended for the higher elevations reached on the ride.
How long is the ATV/SXS portion and where does it go?
The off‑road segment is about a 2.5‑hour journey up to the Paradise Mine area at roughly 8,000 feet, visiting an early‑1900s silver mining town site.