Denali Park Adventures

Canyon Wave Rafting Tour

Canyon Wave Rafting Tour

Tour Provided By: New Wave Adventures

Tour Dates: 5/20/25–9/6/25

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)

Tour Rates:

  • Ages 12 & up: $140

Tour Description

On the Canyon Wave Raft Tour, you’ll journey through 11 miles of awesome rapids on the Nenana River with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems, like Mount Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain. Join the team as a Paddle Rafter or play it cool and be an Oar Boat Rider — whatever floats your boat.

  • Class III and IV
  • Suitable for ages 12 years and older (15+ to paddle)
  • Tour Length is 3–3.5 hours

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 1st timers, an oar raft, is rowed by the guide while rafters sit, hold on and enjoy the view. In a paddle raft you will be expected to follow instructions and be an active participant by paddling the raft down river. 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.

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.

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