CLEARWATER RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Paddling the Overlander Route: Scenic Rafting on the North Thompson
A 2–2.5 hour scenic, historic raft down the North Thompson River in Wells Gray Provincial Park; this guide compiles the key timing, pricing and on-river expectations.
Paddling the Overlander Route: Scenic Rafting on the North Thompson.
On the North Thompson River through Wells Gray Provincial Park, Riverside Adventures Ltd. offers a calm-but-authentic rafting route that traces the original path of the Overlander Party. Guides weave folklore of early explorers and Hudson’s Bay Company history while groups stretch out and take in canyon walls, wildlife and optional side hikes to waterfalls. The trip is presented as suitable for all ages and abilities and emphasizes smaller groups, personalized guiding and professional river gear.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A heritage waterway: the Overlander path
This trip follows the historic route of the Overlander Party, pairing slow scenic stretches with storytelling about early explorers and Hudson’s Bay Company history to recreate a pioneer-era river experience.
Canyons, wilderness and wildlife viewing
Expect striking canyon scenery and opportunities to observe the unique wilderness and wildlife of the North Thompson Valley as you float through Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Relaxed rafting with side hikes to waterfalls
Riverside Adventures mixes paddling with optional side hikes to waterfalls and guided interpretation, delivering smaller-group service, personalized safety coaching and an authentic, historic feel.
What the day feels like
What it feels like on the river
The outing settles into a leisurely rhythm: paddling stretches of the North Thompson while guides tell folklore and history, moving through canyon scenery with occasional challenging whitewater and pauses for side hikes to waterfalls—an experience framed by smaller groups, personalized guiding and professional river gear.
THE ROUTE
A heritage waterway: the Overlander path
This trip follows the historic route of the Overlander Party, pairing slow scenic stretches with storytelling about early explorers and Hudson’s Bay Company history to recreate a pioneer-era river experience.
THE SCENERY
Canyons, wilderness and wildlife viewing
Expect striking canyon scenery and opportunities to observe the unique wilderness and wildlife of the North Thompson Valley as you float through Wells Gray Provincial Park.
THE EXPERIENCE
Relaxed rafting with side hikes to waterfalls
Riverside Adventures mixes paddling with optional side hikes to waterfalls and guided interpretation, delivering smaller-group service, personalized safety coaching and an authentic, historic feel.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Operator-provided river gear is used on all British Columbia rafting trips; guests should follow operator guidance on any additional personal items.
Riverside Adventures supplies the best river gear available and rafting professionals lead each trip.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rafting trip?
Trips run 2 to 2.5 hours.
When do departures run?
There are daily departures at 5 pm.
What are the rates and age categories?
Guest (ages 16+) is CA$150; Youth (ages 15 and under) is CA$130.
Do I need previous rafting experience?
Trips are described as suitable for all ages and abilities, with personalized guiding and safety provided.
Do you provide rafting gear?
All British Columbia rafting trips use the best river gear available provided by the operator.
When should I arrive before my trip?
Guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time.