What kind of trips do you have?
We have something for everyone. There is a gentle, scenic trip for those who want to connect with the river and mountains, or have young children. There's also a fun, exciting whitewater trip that is suited to beginners looking for some great action. And then there is a serious, advanced trip for experienced, adult paddlers. All these trips are 3-4 hours in total experience time. You can combine them to create full-day trips: Best of Both or Two Wild. We also have afamily overnight trip and an advanced overnight trip.
Do you provide wetsuits?
Yes! Not only do we provide a wetsuit for everyone, but we also have wetsuit jackets, wind-resistant shells and pants, wetsuit socks and even mitts for cold days. Our Protech helmets and America's Cup Type V PDF's are top-quality and approved for commercial whitewater rafting. All you need is a swimsuit or similar for under the wetsuit, and a pair of shoes that can get wet.
Will you have a wetsuit big (or small) enough?
Most likely. The children's suits start as size 4X. Adult suits go as large as XXXLarge in a extra-wide style. We haven't met anyone yet we couldn't fit in a wetsuit.
When is the best time to go?
All the seasons bring their own special magic. Trips in May are the best time to see wild life, especially spring babies. Canada geese with their distinctive call are a constant presence. High water is June, so book this for the wildest rides. August can be the warmest month. Late season trips in September catch the spectacular fall colours of the Rocky Mountains. The waters are low and clear, and offer great chances to play in endless surfing spots, gather beautiful rocks, and watch the northern lights at night.
What are the minimum numbers for trips?
Only mid-week trips have minimum numbers, and this varies per trip. On weekends you can book any day trip, even if it's just you. Call us if you are not sure.
Do you have group rates?
Yes. If you have a group of 8 or more, you get 5% off. If you have a group of 15 or more it's 10%. 20 or more is 15%, and 30 or more is 20% off.
Do you include meals? What is served?
Full day trips, such as the Best of Both or the Two Wild, include a lunch. It is a selection of cold cuts, cheese, buns, veggies and potato salad. On overnight trips, 5 meals are included:
Sample Overnight Menu
STARTER SNACK: bagels with cream cheese, oranges.
LUNCH: tortilla chips with salsa and sour cream
Rye bread with ham and cheese
home made cookies
hot or cold beverages depending on the weather
DINNER
crackers & cheese or fresh vegetables & dip or hot soup
Chicken stir-fry with rice and vegetables
chocolate brownies - baked fresh on the beach!
and to drink: coffee, tea, iced tea, hot chocolate or water
*Guests may bring their own alcoholic beverages for after dinner on overnight trips only.
BREAKFAST
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Cold cereals or hot cooked oatmeal
fresh baked muffins
Beverages
LUNCH 2:
Pitas with tuna & vegetables
home made cookies
hot or cold beverages depending on the weather
Do you have to know how to swim?
No. Swimming in a river is very different from swimming in a lake or pool: it can be done by anyone. We provide high flotation PFD's and helmets and, before the trip, we demonstrate how to swim in the river if you fall out.
What are your booking and cancellation policies?
These vary according to the trip and how many people are booking. The most common policy is listed below, but the exact policy will be listed on the trip information sheet you either download or are sent when you confirm a booking.
All cancellations pay a non-refundable fee of 10% total booking cost. A refund is money back less 10% of the trip cost. A credit is held by us on your behalf, and is also less 10% of the trip cost. Credits are transferable to other people, are valid for the next 2 summers, and can only be used for FUTURE trips. Substitutions are unlimited on all trips.
GROUPS OF LESS THAN 20: 15 days notice or more results in a REFUND less 10%. 14 days notice or less results in a CREDIT less 10%. 2 days notice or less results in the full cost of the trip being charged, and a 40% CREDIT issued. Less than 24 hours is considered a no-show, see below.
GROUPS OF MORE THAN 20: 30 days notice or more for a CREDIT less 10%. Less than 30 days no credit, no refund available. Individuals cancelling off a group trip will receive a CREDIT less 10% if more than 15 days notice is given.
SHORT NOTICE BOOKINGS: Guests calling less than 3 days before a trip date must pay the full amount of the trip; no credit or refund available.
NO SHOWS: If you arrive with less people than you booked for, the full cost of missing guests will be charged on the deposit credit card. No refund or credit.
MID-TRIP CANCELLATIONS:
Credit or refunds are not available on trip day. No exceptions.
WEATHER/ GUEST SUITABILITY: All rafting trips run as scheduled, rain, shine or snow! Additional rafting gear is provided on cold or rainy days. Guests appearing intoxicated will be unable to participate and will not get a refund or credit. All guests must sign a medical form & waiver prior to trip departure. Wild Blue Yonder reserves the right to substitute, re-schedule or cancel trips. Cancelled trips will be fully refunded. Substituted or re-scheduled trips can be declined and a CREDIT will be issued.
ACCOMMODATION OR OTHER ACTIVITIES: See trip information sheets for cancellation policies.
What if it's raining?
Then you get really, really wet! Seriously, you are dressed for an activity where the goal is to get wet, so of course we go rafting in the rain. You will be pleasantly surprised at how warm you are!
Do we have to book ahead?
We do recommend advance reservations. However, groups of 4 or less can usually be accommodated on a drop-in basis. Groups of more than 4 should call at least a day in advance.
When do the trips go?
Day trips are usually at 9am and 1 pm. In June, Saturday trips are 8:30 am, 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm. We operate trips from the May long weekend to the September long weekend. Sometimes we can do a trip before and after the season starts, so contact us!
Where do you meet us?
All day trips start and finish at the Tourism Centre in Grande Cache. It is located on the east side of Highway at the southern entrance to town. It's recommended that overnight trips guests stay in town the night before and meet us in the evening to get sized into their rafting gear and receive a dry bag for packing their personal gear. Overnight trip guests should meet us at our Rafting House, please contact us for directions.