★★★★★ 4.8 OUT OF 723 REVIEWS
Canyon Wave Rafting Tour
Nenana River whitewater through a glacier-carved canyon: no experience needed to love it
Includes
- Dry Suit (keeps clothes completely dry)
- River Shoes (swap your shoes at the office)
- PFD / Life Jacket (US Coast Guard approved)
- Helmet
- Shuttle pickup from hotel/lodge
DURATION
3.5 Hours
Getting There
New Wave Adventures Office or we can provide a free shuttle
Highlights
- 11 miles of thrilling glacial rapids on the Nenana River
- Take on legendary rapids including Razorback, New Wave, Trainwreck, and Coffee Grinder
- Heart pounding whitewater action set against stunning Alaskan scenery
- An unforgettable adventure for thrill seekers
- One of the most exhilarating river experiences near Denali National Park
Details
Tour Dates
5/20/26–9/13/26
TOUR TIMES
- 8:00 am
- 10:15 am
- 2:00 pm
- 6:00 pm (May 24–Aug 24)
- Changing to 5:30 pm (Aug 25–31)
RATES
- $147 - Ages 12 & up
Additional Information
Paddle vs Oar Rafts
For all raft trips, you have your choice of oar rafts or paddle rafts (it takes 5 participants to paddle; when possible, parties are combined to reach five or more). Both oar rafts and paddle rafts run the same rapids on the river. Perfect for first-timers, an oar raft is rowed by the guide while rafters sit, hold on, and enjoy the view. In a paddle raft, you'll be expected to follow instructions and be an active participant, paddling the raft downriver. You still have a guide, but everyone has a paddle and the guide instructs you on how and when to paddle.
Recommended Clothing
- Warm outdoor clothes
- Dress in layers (avoid cotton if possible)
- A wool or fleece beanie style hat
- Two pair wool socks
- Eye glass retainers
A Gore-Tex drysuit, neoprene booties, and a life jacket are provided.
What's not included
- Photos available for purchase
- Tips for guide and staff
Itinerary
- Pick-up/Arrival at Office- Arrive at the office for check-in.
- Check-in & Waiver Signing- Sign required waivers and use the restroom before gearing up.
- Dressing into Dry Suits- Receive drysuit and dressing instruction
- Shuttle to River Put-In- Travel by shuttle to the river launch site.
- Safety Orientation- Listen to safety briefing to prepare for the trip.
- Rafting- Enjoy your rafting adventure on the river.
- Takeout & Gear Load- Reach the takeout point and load up your gear.
- Shuttle to Office- Return to the office by shuttle.
- De-suit- Take off your dry suit.
- Drop-off at Hotel- Return to your hotel for a relaxing end to the day.
Why Book With Us
Best Price Direct
Instant Confirmation
Local Experts
Tour Reviews
Kept us safe. I highly recommend this!
We participated in the Canyon Wave Whitewater Rafting in the Denali area on August 15th at 6pm. It was cold and raining but the drysuits really worked to keep you comfortable. Our raft guide was Danila, who knew what he was doing, and made sure we got the full experience of the Nenana rapids, but also kept us safe. I highly recommend this!
justmecpb
Spectacular views of Denali National Park gems
Took the Canyon Wave Raft Tour with New Wave Adventure. We rafted through 11 miles of a glacial river with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems. The water was very cold (~40 degrees Celsius) and glad we had dry suits, warm clothing, & waterproof gloves. 🥶😎
Catherine H.
Policies
Weather Policy
All trips depart rain or shine.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds will be issued for trips cancelled within seven days of departure. All trips depart rain or shine. Cancellations after time of payment with more than eight days notice will incur a 10% cancellation fee.
Child Policy
Recommended age 12 years and older.
Shuttle Availability
Our Shuttle Service provides pickup from local lodging, plus transportation to and from the river.
★★★★★ 4.8 OUT OF 723 REVIEWS
Tour Provided By: New Wave Adventures
Canyon Wave Rafting Tour
$147 / Person
Class III-IV Whitewater
No Experience Required
$147 / Person
From
$619