British Columbia is an outdoor-lover’s haven. For those who love the water, Lytton, BC is the best location to get wet. Whitewater rafting trips are offered by Kumsheen Rafting Resort, a friendly company run by the Fandrich family and their passionate staff.
Bernie Fandrich started Kumsheen 36 years ago with $8 whitewater rafting trips and a van on the side of the highway. He was the only one doing rafting on the Thompson River at the time. Now the company runs daytrips, overnight packages, camps and operates a resort for those who want to stick around.
Whitewater Rafting Trips
Choose from a large selection of excursions during the May to end-of-September season.
- Daytrips: The Thompson River and Fraser River Hell’s Gate Run are both full day trips. A shorter half-day excursion along the Thompson, called Devil’s Gorge Run, passes Nicomen Falls and 18 rapids.
- Overnight Packages: From one to three days, there are numerous options that include both rivers, time at the resort and trips for both the beginner and advanced traveller.
- Vacation Packages and Camps: Kumsheen has also drawn up camps for families with children (these are appropriate for those seven and up), teens, families with teens and for teens who want to learn how to become a rafting guide. Each camp is five nights during set dates in the summer.
- Check with Kumsheen for mountain bike tours, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling and hosting special events like dry grad and weddings.
Whitewater River Rafting or Power Rafting
There are two ways to experience the river: by paddling for dear life or powering for dear life.
- Power Rafting: A guide controls the raft by motor, so passengers must hold onto the ropes and be prepared to get completely soaked. This is a good way for children and first timers to test their adventure level.
- Paddle Rafting: More of a team effort, these rafts are smaller and powered by paddles that passengers use. Paddle rafting starts July 1st.
Lytton Hotel
For those who want more than a quick stopover in Lytton, stay at Kumsheen in their unique accommodations (located 6 km/ 4 miles east of Lytton). On-site is a swimming pool, nine-hole golf course, restaurant, hot tub, showers, walking trail loop, sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, mountain bike trails, campground and a common area to hang out.
Rooms are either Anishinable-style Teepees, with a double and two single beds, or Cabin Tents, with double beds, a wooden floor and a propane light ($96 CAD per night, four people max.). Both types of sleeping arrangements include linens and towels. Note that the resort is family-friendly, so lights out at 11:00 pm.
Lytton, BC (Canada)
Located on Trans Canada Highway #1, Kumsheen Rafting Resort (1-800-663-6667) is an approximately three hour drive northeast from Vancouver and Whistler, and two hours southwest from Kamloops.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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