Interior Whitewater Expedition
Whether you're looking to take on an extreme whitewater experience or are seeking a family-friendly trip (suitable for families with younger children) and sightseeing adventure that you won't soon forget, the town of Clearwater, B.C. is your destination of choice.
Located approximately 180km from the foot of the Thompson Glacier in the Cariboo Mountains, the North Thompson River is here joined by the Clearwater River – itself, an incredible concentration of waterfalls, rapids and powerful chutes where the water flumes through natural rock formations with amazing intensity. The Clearwater is one of the greatest whitewater rivers in British Columbia, and it runs through the heart of the 520,000 hectare Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Interior Whitewater Expeditions (IWE) was founded in 1983 by Doug Trotter, a tried and true “river-man” who continues to be an innovative leader in rafting and multi-sport adventures in British Columbia. Trotter has been involved with the whitewater scene on the Clearwater River since the day he started the company in 1979.
With a professional guide-team of river adventure fanatics who are chosen for their professionalism and experience, IWE prides itself on its attention to detail and its exemplary safety record. The company uses the cutting edge in quality equipment and delivers the perfect combination of amazing experience and ultimate safety on what are some of the most powerful and pristine rivers in the British Columbia Interior.
“We are one of the original members of the British Columbia River Outfitters Association and have been for almost 28 years,” says Trotter, “We use a minimum of two guides per trip - even with as few as two clients.”
Trotter says it's their sense of commitment that puts the safety of their clients and staff well ahead of making money, plain and simple. “We are firm believers in having the right guides on the river at the right time. And it’s about having the correct boat lengths for certain classes of rapids and paying close attention to the changing water levels of the river during spring runoff. We look for the most qualified guides from across the country and around the world. Ultimately, we want the best guide-team in the industry.”
Multisport excursions can accommodate from 9 to 90 people, but you don’t have to be an adrenalin-charged extremist to take part. IWE provides whitewater experiences for river rookies and seasoned rafters alike. Whether you prefer a gentle drift down a placid river, a wild whitewater experience, or a few days of breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure, IWE offers a diverse set of trips tailored to the unique character of the countryside.
Trips on the North Thomson river include "Take it Easy" - a scenic, wildlife viewing “float” which is ideal for families or those who wish to take in a slower pace; to trips on the Clearwater river: “Catch a Wave” - an all new family rafting experience designed for ages 7 and up which is essentially an introduction to whitewater with lots of fun waves, island exploration, games and a snack that takes place in a section of the lower canyon; to “Guaranteed Addiction" - a full day raft trip in world-class whitewater in Wells Gray Park; and, "Do You Believe in Magic" – a five-day excursion that combines wilderness canoeing, exhilarating hikes and raging whitewater.