Adrenaline junkies and nature lovers are always looking out for the top amazing places to go white water rafting. If you are looking for these places, strap on your life vests and helmets and get prepared to paddle and bounce your way over turbulent rapids within these amazing locations. Whitewater rafting is dramatically increasing in popularity today and many travelers are looking out for off-the-beaten path places to enjoy this adrenaline adventure. Even for the beginners, more and more people are looking for the best places to try it for the first time or challenge themselves with more difficult runs. To find the best place launch your raft, check out these top destinations.
1. Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers, Alaska/Canada
Glaciers and icebergs are among the attractions on these two rivers flowing through an astonishing northern wilderness of mountains and tundra on the borders of Alaska and Canada. As well as superb white water, the trip offers you an unforgettable experience of wildlife, from grizzlies and moose to spawning salmon and luscious blueberries.
2. Magpie River, Canada
A float plane takes you to Magpie Lake, the start of this eight-day trip through the remote pine forests of eastern Quebec province. Your first rapids come as you leave the lake for the Magpie River, and from then on they grow in difficulty until you reach the challenge of Class V rapids downriver from the spectacular Magpie Falls. You camp at night on river islands, and to the north you see the pulsating glory of the aurora borealis (northern lights).
3. Middle Fork, Salmon River, Idaho
This is one of the world’s most popular whitewater rivers, with everything to offer you—rapids up to Class IV and glorious alpine and forest scenery as it flows through America’s largest road-less wilderness area outside Alaska. Wildlife can include the enchanting sight of a mother bear swimming across the river with her cubs.
4. Río Upano, Ecuador
Around you spreads rain forest, where toucans and iridescent butterflies flit from tree to tree. You glimpse a palm-thatched village of the local Shuar people and may stop to visit it. Starting in the remote town of Macas on the far western fringes of the Amazon Basin, you embark on a journey where the pace varies from gentle rapids to tumultuous rides through narrow canyons. The highlight is the Namangosa Gorge, with Class IV rapids and the sight of countless waterfalls plunging down the gorge’s sides.
5. Futaleufú River, Chile
Plunging from glacier-fed lakes in the high Andes of Patagonia, the limpid blue waters of the Futaleufú River offer superb rafting among mountain scenery of alpine grandeur. Stretches are suitable for beginners, but there are also Class V rapids that will challenge even the most expert rafters.
6. River Nile, Uganda
Jinja, the adrenaline capital of East Africa is home to some of the world’s finest grade 5 white water rafting as well as an array of other adventure activities such as kayaking, bungee jumping, jet boating and more. You can enjoy rafting along the Nile River is one of the greatest rivers in the world for white water sports that include white water rafting for those looking for hard adventures, kayaking, jet boating, sunset cruises and family float rafts for families and young travelers. The water is always conductive and there are all varieties of rapids.