Rafting is a great way to get away from the highway and see the Rockies’ wilder side. The key destination (where this entry is placed on the map) is the whitewater of the Kicking Horse River, and several companies in the region offer trips here, all with the necessary gear and transportation. Other gentler “float” trip options with the same companies are available on the Kananaskis, Kootenay and Bow rivers.

• Hydra River Guides, 211 Bear St, Banff 403-762-4554. Long-established company with a range of float and white water trips on the Kicking Horse River. From $74.

• Wet ’n’ Wild Adventures, 1509 Lafontaine Road, Golden, 250-344-6546. Offers full ($109, including shuttle from Lake Louise) and half-day ($74) trips in the Kicking Horse Canyon, a day trip ($119) in the wilder lower part of the canyon for more advanced rafters, as well as easier, child-friendly trips, two-day trips, jet-boat rides and raft and riding packages.

• Kootenay River Runner, 4987 Highway 93, Radium, 250-347-9210. Family-friendly specialist, with half-day trips ($72, $100 for a full day) on the Kootenay River, Toby Creek, canoeing tours various parts of the Kicking Horse canyon ($100).

• Canadian Rockies Rafting, 701 Bow Valley Trai, Canmore, 403-678-6535. Kananaskis-focused operator with the full range of trips from, gentle trips on the Bow River charges (2hs/$55) to white-knuckle riverboarding on the Kananaskis ($98/day). Also has trips on the Kicking Horse.