Isn’t the River of Golden Dreams a dreamy name for a river?
Well, this river in Whistler, British Columbia, really is like its name. (If you haven’t visited Whistler yet, it’s one for your Canada bucket list.)
It’s easy to paddle, even if you’re a beginner.
And one of the best things to do in Whistler in summer (spring and fall too) is paddling a canoe or kayak down this dreamy river.
River of Golden Dreams, Whistler
The River of Golden Dreams is a 3-mile (5-km) river between Alta Lake and Green Lake. (Some people call it the Whistler River of Dreams.)
It’s short, but incredibly scenic!
The wildflower-lined river meanders through a landscape of snow-capped mountains, cloaked in evergreen forests.
Black bears are sometimes spotted along the way too.
Whistler River of Golden Dreams: Route
You put in at Alta Lake to paddle first down the length of the lake.
You might see Canada Geese (and in early summer, perhaps cute little goslings swimming in a line by the shore).
At the end of the lake, you glide by a field of bulrushes.
Then you enter the narrow, slow-moving River of Golden Dreams for a magical paddle through wetlands, eventually getting out at Green Lake.
Interested in skiing Whistler in winter? Read our post on which has better skiing: Whistler or Blackcomb?
River of Golden Dreams water level
The water runs quite fast and is high in spring.
If you go in high summer, the water level is usually low (only two or three feet) and you can lazily make your way along the river’s many twists, turns and sharp bends.
In late summer, the water level is low, and you’ll probably have to portage one section.
Word of caution:
If you don’t want to get wet, consider portaging the tricky curve of the river. You’ll know it when you come to it!
If paddling without a guide, make sure to ask in advance about this section.
If you don’t portage, your canoe might tip otherwise, and you could get dunked (like one of us did) – especially if the river is running high.
River of Golden Dreams map
See below for the paddling map of the River of Golden Dreams.
River of Golden Dreams tour
The best way to experience the river?
Take a guided Whistler kayaking or canoeing tour of the River of Golden Dreams.
Paddling tours are 3 hours long, including 20 to 30 minutes on Alta Lake. At the end, you’re driven by return shuttle bus back to Whistler Village or Alta Lake, where you started.
We’ve gone with both of these companies and can recommend them :-).
Whistler Eco-Tours:
Go with Whistler Eco-Tours (WET), and your naturalist guide will entertain you with tales about Whistler’s history (and fascinating local characters), as well as the area’s geography, wildlife and flora and fauna.
Sample:
See that beaver den? It actually has different chambers – including a separate beaver “toilet” room and another room for drying off after coming in from the river.
Morning and afternoon tours are offered.
Whistler Eco-Tours: See their website here.
Backroads Whistler:
Backroads Whistler also offers guided trips on the river. Several morning and early afternoon departure times are offered.
Guides are experienced, and we felt comfortable on the water.
Backroads Whistler: See their website here.
Self-guided Whistler canoeing and SUP
If you have previous paddling experience, you can rent a canoe or kayak from either Whistler Eco Tours and Backroads Whistler and explore Alta Lake and the river on your own.
Note: A “rescue fee” of $75 per person applies if you get stuck.
There’s also the option to go stand-up paddleboarding on Alta Lake – SUP rentals and lessons are offered.
What else to do in Whistler? Go on the Joffre Lakes hike – it’s awesome!
Prefer a lazy River of Golden Dreams float?
You can also do as the locals do and float down the river in a cheap little inflatable or inner tube, taking only the bare essentials…
Like beer or soft drinks dangling in the water to keep chilled – and duct tape for that “pffft…” sound.
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Photo credits: 2, 5 to 11, 13 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 1, 12 Backroads | 3 Whistler Eco-Tours
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
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Eric Wight
Sunday 12th of August 2018
Hi! Re cheap vinyl tubes. Foliage lines both sides of the river and pops tubes on a regular basis. You can't just jump out and scramble up the river bank when your tube deflates. In spring and early summer, the water is cold. Remember when you were 18 years old and nothing phazed you? Now you are a little older and realize taking $20 tubes down the river is not a good idea.
Janice and George
Sunday 12th of August 2018
Good tip :-). We agree, paddling in a canoe is better, especially if you're older than 18 :-).
Andrea
Friday 19th of August 2016
I've kayaked down this river before and loved it! I'm just wondering.. if you were to float down in a tube.. where would your starting point be? When we kayaked, we crossed Alta Lake first. Is there a way to park and be able to start tubing directly at the river?
Janice and George
Saturday 20th of August 2016
Glad you liked kayaking down the river... But we don't really know the answer to whether you can park closer to the start of the river. Perhaps look at a Whistler map and see if there's a street close by. Or ask a local - how do they do it?