For a thrilling, unpredictable and memorable whitewater rafting experience, head just beyond the beaten path to REO Rafting Resort near Boston Bar, British Columbia.
REO is the only rafting company operating on the jade-coloured Nahatlatch River, a destination that stands out for its exciting, continuous wild water action yet is suitable even for first-time rafters.
24 rapids, ranging from class 3 to 4+, provide over two hours of adrenaline.
All this and only a 3 hour drive from downtown Vancouver! The drive is truly spectacular too, with the highway following the edge of a steep canyon above the rushing Fraser River and through mountain tunnels.
Even better, it’s possible to stay overnight at REO Rafting and Yoga Resort. This beautiful property is perched on the edge of the Nahatlatch River and is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature.
In this post, I’ll share what it is like to raft on the Nahatlatch River and everything you need to know to plan a trip.
Published July 2024.
We were hosted at REO Rafting Resort in July 2024 by Destination BC. The resort is located on the traditional territory of the Nlaka’pamux.
Whitewater rafting on the Nahatlatch River
With the Nahatlatch River’s reputation in mind, I thought I’d take it easy on our first run and sat towards the back of the raft.
But ‘easy’ is relative on this glacier-fed river, as the water pounded our boat and sent us through whirlpools, flying past boulders and into huge standing waves.
Icy waves cascaded into us and over our heads almost continuously, without only a few short breaks to get our breath back.
Over 7km, we navigated over a dozen different class 3 and 4 rapids, featuring such nicknames as ‘Twisted Sister,’ ‘Pinball’ and the more blunt ‘A-Hole.’
Knowing that a wildfire had passed through this area recently, I glimpsed some burned trees lining the river but it was the waves and whirlpools that took my attention.
With the Nahatlatch River running so high during our visit to experience some of the class 4+ rapids, we returned to our starting point for a second go. I joined JR on the front of the raft and braced myself.
The final run was the best of all. Our raft guide (and also REO’s owner), Bryan, had obviously decided that our group was more than capable of taking on an even more challenging route along the river.
We hit even bigger waves and scooped even closer to the smooth rocks. We rebounded from a cliff wall, spun around rocks and ducked under tree branches.
Our turns were quicker, the boat spun around more often and I got very, very wet.
The impact of hitting the waves is much more intense at the front and I found myself paddling air more than water. I bounced into the air a few times and landed in the middle of the boat more than once.
And from beginning to end, our group laughed, smiled and whooped through it all.
REO Rafting
REO Rafting was established in 1983 by Bryan Fogelman and is still family-owned and operated.
Bryan has more than 50 years of rafting experience and made the first descent of many BC rivers including the Stein, Similkameen Canyon, Elaho and, of course, the Nahatlatch River.
As noted, REO is the only rafting company operating on the Nahatlatch River. There are 24 rapids along this section, ranging from class 3, 4 and 4+.
JR and I have rafted half a dozen times in both Canada and the USA and the Nahatlatch River has definitely been our favourite experience so far.
As well as the Nahatlatch River, REO also runs rafting tours on the other local rivers, including the Fraser, Coquihalla, Thompson and Nicola. The destination of the tour depends on the time of year.
The best time to go whitewater rafting on the Nahatlatch River is when the flow is high, usually from June to late July. It does vary a little from year to year, so contact REO for more up-to-date info.
What to expect
REO runs twice-daily rafting tours, with a morning and afternoon departure. The rafting experience is around 4 hours long, with about 2.5 hours on water. There is a short bus ride to the start of the river run.
Day trip rafters have access to most resort facilities, including the hot tub, relaxation areas and the private beach. Make the most of it and spend the rest of the day here or consider an overnight trip.
Other things to know about rafting with REO:
- No experience is required. REO’s rafting experience is suitable for first-timers as well as more experienced paddlers. Instruction is easy to understand and also designed to be fun (the guides are awesome!)
- With all equipment being provided, you only need to bring a swimsuit. A wetsuit goes on top of the swimsuit, plus booties, a helmet and a PFD.
- Rafts seat 6-8 people plus a guide
- Photos are taken during the trip and offered for purchase afterwards. We brought our own GoPro with a harness as well.
- Lunch is included and is served on the resort’s covered patio above the Nahatlatch River. Contact REO in advance for dietary requirements – vegan and gluten-free options are available
- We were also offered drinks and snacks (fruit, granola bars, cookies) between river runs.
Safety
REO has an impeccable safety record. As mentioned, JR and I have rafted half a dozen times in North America. REO Rafting is the most conscientious and safety-focused company I have encountered so far.
Before even getting in the raft, we were prompted to take a dip into the ice-cold river to get acclimatised.
We were rafting on a hot 39c July day so the dip was very welcome. But it’s an important safety precaution as well.
Once on board but before entering the rapids, we practised paddle strokes, rescues and communication. Just in case, a rescue kayaker accompanied our three-raft convoy (they weren’t needed but had a lot of fun riding the waves).
Where to stay: REO Rafting and Yoga Resort
Upgrade your BC rafting trip with an overnight or weekend stay at REO Rafting and Yoga Resort. It offers a chance to fully connect with the wilderness setting with modern comforts and some pampering.
The 10 acre, three level resort is perched on the edge of the jade-green Nahatlatch River, with the noise of the river providing a constant, soothing soundtrack.
A tall forest canopy provides shade, with huge mountains as a backdrop to it all. Classic British Columbia scenery at its best.
Bryan purchased the land from a local homesteader and built glamping tents along the river in 1989, a time ‘before glamping was even a word!’
In the last few years, the off-grid resort has faced some serious challenges. 2021 featured both extreme heat (June heat dome) and extreme rainfall (November atmospheric river). The latter caused mudslides and floods, with nearby Highway 1 experiencing severe damage.
An aggressive wildfire ripped through the property in August 2023. Thanks to an ambitious but very successful rebuild, the resulting damage is only noticeable in a few areas.
One of the biggest transformations can be found on the resort’s upper level. Previously shaded by trees, the sky now shines on a gorgeous relaxation area with shaded hammocks and a blossoming garden.
The beautiful sandy beach by the river, loved by guests and staff alike, was naturally created by the flooding river in 2021. Proof that all clouds have a silver lining, no matter how dark they are.
Accommodation
REO Resort features 17 glamping tents, all 5 metres or less from the river. Each has a private patio with comfortable seating.
Inside, the tents have been decked out to a high (and aesthetic!) standard, with wooden framed king-size beds, soft blankets and lanterns.
As with REO’s rafting trips, there’s no need to bring much. Unlike some glamping resorts, everything is provided and guests just need clothes and personal items*.
While wi-fi reaches most of the tents, there is no electricity. It’s easily found elsewhere on the property, however.
*Guests are allowed to bring alcohol. I’d suggest bringing a cooler.
Wondering about washrooms? There are flush toilets less than a few minutes walk from each tent. We’ve visited a lot of campgrounds and glamping places in our day and I have to say that these were the cleanest I’ve seen anywhere (absolutely spotless!)
A new shower building is being built close to the tents, but for now, there are three indoor shower rooms by the mid-level outdoor dining room. All are very private with excellent water pressure and, again, absolutely spotless.
The showers I recommend you prioritise trying, however, are the outdoor ones on the upper level by the hammock garden.
Open to the sky, these showers offer a connection to nature like nothing else! And as a bonus, the plants in the aforementioned garden are watered by the showers.
Resort amenities
REO offers glamping vacations as well as packages with a rafting trip included. The longer you stay, the better value it is.
While the initial sticker price may appear higher than your standard accommodation, keep in mind that it includes all of this as well:
- Breakfast featuring both hot and cold options
- Lunch, with dessert
- Dinner, with dessert
- Unlimited tea and coffee
- Social hour with complimentary alcoholic drinks and snacks on Monday and Wednesday evenings
- Yoga classes (one per guest, unlimited package available)
- Access to beautiful riverside lounging areas (hammocks, swinging chairs)
- Access to a private sandy beach next to the river
- Guided hike
- Hot tub use
- Volleyball court and other games
- Campfires (when there is no fire ban)
Other activities are available for an additional fee.
Besides offering tremendous value for money, staying at REO provides a great opportunity to switch off completely.
There’s no need to carry around money or make any decisions beyond how or where you want to relax next. The roar of the Nahatlatch River also provides the best ambience (no noisy neighbours to worry about either).
REO Rafting Resort is a particularly good option for anyone with dietary requirements, including gluten-free and vegan. I don’t eat meat and I felt I was well catered for.
The menu is whole food forward and is cleverly constructed to allow for easy substitutions/additions – I usually had the vegan or vegetarian option with fish added. Desserts and cakes were all vegan.
How to get there
REO Rafting and Yoga Resort is located in the Fraser Canyon, just north of Boston Bar. It is accessible via Highway 1. At the Boston Bar exit, head towards North Bend and then continue along Chaumox Road.
The total non-highway distance is 18km with 10km unpaved. The road condition of the latter is very good as it seems to be very well maintained.
From downtown Vancouver, the 235km drive takes around 3 hours. From Abbotsford, Langley and other Lower Mainland cities, the drive is only 2 to 2.5 hours.
Exploring BC on a longer road trip? A REO rafting trip can easily be incorporated into a Vancouver to Calgary drive.
Other amazing beyond the beaten path destinations in BC:
Coastal Circle Route, British Columbia: Best Places to Stop, Road Trip Itinerary + Map
12 of the Best Wells Gray Waterfalls: Trip Planning Guide + Map
37+ BC Backpacking Trips Without Reservations
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, BC: Hiking and Camping Guide
Campbell River to Gold River Road Trip Guide: 12+ Beautiful Places to Stop
23+ of the Best Things to Do in Courtenay, Vancouver Island
Adventure in your inbox
Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter and receive a round-up of our latest outdoor adventures plus other exciting beyond the beaten path destinations
We never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy
Check out these recently published articles next
One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!