Backroads Whistler - River of Golden Dreams

Backroads Whistler - River of Golden Dreams

Backroads Whistler - River of Golden Dreams
4.5
Boat Tours • Gear Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Discover Whistler's original summer activity the legendary River of Golden Dreams and scenic Alta Lake – The flat water river is more than just a float, it’s an Exploring Adventure. Spectacular views of mountain peaks, Beaver, Eagles, Osprey, Heron’s and even Black Bears are regular sights that will have you eagerly wondering what’s around the next bend. Unlike an amusement park ride River of Golden Dreams trips allow you to be an active participant, one of the reasons people keep coming back to paddle the river. In the spring the water levels can be high and moving though always flat and no rapids. By mid-summer water levels are gentle. By late summer the beaver start rebuilding their dams creating pools to paddle in. Guides are recommended, though experienced river paddlers go unguided. Our River trips have limited availability and often sell out, please pre book to assure your spot. Located at Lakeside Park minutes from Whistler Village.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

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Tours and Tickets by Backroads Whistler - River of Golden Dreams
Travelers talk about
(2 reviews)
(3 reviews)
(23 reviews)
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
145 reviews
Excellent
103
Very good
25
Average
3
Poor
3
Terrible
11

Nathalie
Princeton, Canada10 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
The self guided canoeing trip down the river of golden dreams was a lot of fun. We had 2 canoes with 3 people in each. It was a beautiful day and very quiet. There were many beaver dams to go over so I don’t recommend using an inflatable.

We were picked up at the end and brought back. Everything was perfect!
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Perfect stoked you had a great time
Written July 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

João Felipe
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Friends
We did a guided kayak tour with Marley and Megan and loved it. The guides were really cool and helpful and made our tour much more enjoyable. Our tour took around 3 hours and at this time of the year it’s relatively easy as the river levels are low (your biggest worry should be getting beached and not falling in the river!). We went in a group with 8 people and everyone enjoyed it very much :)
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Sally K
5 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We had a great trip down the river with our guide Sage who helped us navigate the more challenging part of the river. Most of the trip was relaxing and easy going - a great way to spend a morning in Whistler. Sage was fantastic and able to give us information about the local area that we paddled through.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Kathy
New Westminster, Canada1 contribution
Jun 2020
I emailed Backroads to ask about their shuttle bus service- I have my own canoe and was hoping to access the shuttle service at the end of our trip down the river. Eric replied very quickly to my question and offered an excellent alternative by way of bringing bikes to travel between the put in and pull out areas. I appreciated the thoughtful response!
I have paddled the River of Golden Dreams several times and would highly, HIGHLY recommend it! It is peaceful, beautiful and has just the right amount of an "adventure" feel for any age or ability. Simply gorgeous. Consider renting a boat or taking a tour with Backroads Whistler- you won't be disappointed and will likely head home with fun memories and lots of great photos!
Written June 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HI 751katharine1 Glad you called. Yes you are correct, lots of ways to enjoy the river. I always find it interesting how many guests are repeat paddlers and like yourself have unique ideas on how to enjoy it even more cheers Eric
Written July 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

NancyC
West Kelowna, Canada3 contributions
Sep 2020
A group of 4 of us did the self guided tour, one of which was kayaking on her own for the first time, and loved it. The trip was super fun, easy with just a few fun bumps in the proverbial road - beaver dams, which you had to navigate, which only added to the fun, and an easy assisted portage in the middle. It was beautiful, and the staff are amazing, super friendly, and take care of getting you out and back safely. Highly recommended for the whole family!
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
awesome It was beautiful, and the staff are amazing, super friendly, and take care of getting you out and back safely. Highly recommended for the whole family! We are fortunate to have such a great crew Eric
Written July 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Humphrey M
Burnaby, Canada91 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
It was a fun and relaxing experience. We didn't used the guided tour. The water level was pretty low so there were sections needed to carry the canoe over logs and sandbars. I would say there was part of the fun experience. The staff was very friendly and professional during the pre-trip orientation and pack-up service at the end of the river. I would recommend this tour to anyone has some outdoor experience.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
great to hear you embraced it all as a true Canadian experience cheers eric
Written July 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mel E
Delta, Canada30 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
Very poorly run rental place at Alta Lake, went to rent some paddle boards and they were extremely disorganized and very poor customer service. They made an error with our rental and began to berate us and not apologize for their error. I do not recommend renting from this place. They do not deserve the business.
Written July 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello Mel E Thank you for your review. You had mentioned you were going to write one. Safety of our guests is paramount. When our staff noticed you putting adult lifejackets on your children they intervened. When they found out you had helped yourself to our boats without paying, had already been out paddling and were about to go again they intervened, You took equipment ahead of other people who were waiting, hadn't signed up, didn't want to take part in our safety orientation and got quite perturbed when they directed you to our sign up desk. Our Risk Manager was asked to intervene, this matter was brought to my attention as well. Both our Risk Manager and myself attended to find out what was going on. It was only when we talked about calling the police did you offer to pay. I'm writing this note so that others know what happened cheers Eric Wight
Written August 1, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gabrielle B
50 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
We did the self guided tour. They cautioned us about going alone and paddling on moving water. It was a little tricky in the faster water but we managed to get through fine. My husband is a stronger paddler so he was in the back and that helped a lot. I'm not sure if I would have been able to manage it alone in a canoe with my daughter. Probably OK in a kayak alone. It's a beautiful trip down the river with nice views of the mountains. We also saw a beaver and lots of different birds and ducks.

The water is very cold once you get out of the lake. You really don't want to fall in. Bring snacks and water. They sell a few things at the check in but it's limited and pricey. When you get to the end, it's just a parking lot. We put our cell phones in ziploc bags to keep them protected so we could call them when we were done. Highly recommend this trip!
Written July 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Gabrielle B thanks for your excellent review. Eric
Written July 9, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MaryD14
San Francisco, CA154 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
We have been visiting Whistler twice a year for the past 15 years. In August we decided to do a little Kayaking. I called backroads in the morning and made a reservation for 2:30 that afternoon. When I spoke to the lady on the phone she told me the river was a little low so we should reserve 4 single Kayaks and not the two single and one double I originally asked for. At 2:15 when we showed up the Owner Eric told us they didn't have any singles available. He asked a lady working with him and she said i hadn't asked for any particular kayaks? ummm? I was told I needed 4 singles by her! Then he handed my reservation to my husband and it said 4 singles. They had a long conversation between themselves and talked about the family of three that had just come and paid for three singles. Also, she was holding back a single for another guy at 2:30?? WHAT?? To make matters worse he was so rude to us. Eric kept telling me to be quiet when I tried to say that we had made the reservation and why was he not honoring it? Eric then said he could find us some doubles, maybe if we just hung around for awhile. Hello? you said that the river was too low for doubles. I stepped back to talk to my 20 year old daughter and she said "I can't believe the way he is talking to you! I would be fired for that. We shouldn't give them our money" So we didn't. If you want to make a reservation, plan your day around an outing and then have the day ruined, this is for you! Otherwise, don't waste your time. This company is the worst I've ever experienced.
Written August 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HI Mary D Thanks for your review. When you checked in at 2:15 15 minutes prior to our river orientation we were awaiting boats to come back from our morning trips. This is normal operations for us, boats go out in the morning and are back in time for in this case 2:30. Our river orientation takes about 15 minutes meaning boats need to be ready for 2:45 Yes we had other guests wishing singles and the conversation with my staff member was insuring we had our boat counts correct, again this is a normal part of our day. I asked that you let us insure we were organised which we were. You were not satisfied with this and left. I called you at 2:32 and left a message to say your boats were on site and would you like us to hold them for you. We never heard back from you till this Trip Advisor review. Our double kayaks are our most stable boat and are used during our high water season, we stopped using them on the river Mid July this year. I hope you come back and we can get a better start Cheers Eric
Written September 2, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

AJ H
Winnipeg, Canada2 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Had a terrific time on the stand up paddle boards on Alta lake. Less than impressive experience with the staff and owner of this facility. I have never in my entire life been treated with such lack of empathy with the unfortunate incident of having locked our keys in our car. We were without cash, ID, or cell phones, and unfortunately had to rely on this business to help us. We were allowed to use their telephone for a short period of time, and then were asked to hurry up and get of their phone as we were tying up their line. (FYI they had three lines) I was so upset with the predicament we were in, not to mention the lack of empathy from the owner. His main concern was us paying for the calls and getting out of his building so he could focus on making money with other clients. I have over 12years of experience in costumer service, have travelled all across Canada and have never met such ignorance in my life. These people are more concerned about the money they are making, and could care less about helping someone out.
Reminder to everyone, don't wind up needing assistance, and expecting to get it from this company.
Written June 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello AJ H Our reservations agent gave you her desk, computer, internet and phone. Though it was our busiest day of the season we realized the predicament you were in after you locked all your belongings in the trunk of your rental car. ‘Excellent’ and outstanding customer service I trust would be in order. We operate a small beach front concession hut. 2 phone lines (the 3rd is a dedicated fax line with no hand set). It's a busy small space where we had other customers that were wishing to be helped as well as yourself. Over several hours we assisted you in trying to get your car rental company, BMX dealer, auto service companies and tow truck companies to help you get access to your belongings. When I asked if I could help the man with you said no thanks you needed a key and were frustrated that an easy fix was not coming through. I followed up calling the man in your party last week to find out the outcome of your predicament. He said you had to be towed to the city, got another key from the rental car company and resumed your vacation. Why didn’t they just courier up a key? I trust once you have had a chance to relook at the situation you will change your review to excellent and our customer service to outstanding What else could we have done? Cheers Eric
Written July 20, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Backroads Whistler - River of Golden Dreams - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go