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teacher28
My boyfriend and I acquired a super deal from Group-On which enticed us to try this rafting company. The fact that Lytton is an easy four hour drive from Vancouver, made it all the more appealing. Everyone who works for Hyak is friendly and knowledgeable. Our guides, Josh and Sebastian, ( a couple of Aussies) exuded charisma and professionalism. Their attentiveness to our safety was paramount. I was especially impressed with the geological and cultural history of the area that Josh expounded during the lulls on the river.Having the opportunity to wear a wet suit, half or full, kept us toasty. They have sizes to fit everyone. The Splash Jackets are also a Godsend. The lunch provided was hearty and perfectly timed. We were not exhausted by the amount of paddling involved. In fact, we found it rather invigorating. The only strenuous activity came at the end of the trip when we had to trudge up a steep hill on wobbly legs! lol Don't deprive yourself of this wonderful experience. I can see myself partaking in this adventure on an annual basis!
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661flaviak
Loved white water rafting with Hyak River Rafting. It was such a good time. Our guide, Josh, was awesome. The group was small and intimate so we had a chance to really talk and get to know one another. And the food was SPECTACULAR. I highly recommend you choose Hyak over the other rafting companies in the area. You will not be disappointed.
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BluPirate
We had a wonderful day on theThompson River with sun, white water, lots of big waves and fun. With a group raining in age from 14 to 50s, we drove up in the morning and it was easy to find, well organized and the staff made everything so easy.They have power boats and paddle boats to choose from and we paddled. We have done a number of rafting trips and Hyak's are the best. Highly recommended!
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worldexplorer88_11
We were scheduled with another outfitter on the Fraser River, but the trip was canceled (other parties canceled due to fat it was raining) and we were hooked up with Hyak - we were unsure what to expect because not only outfitter was different, but so was the river. On the section of the Thompson River traveled, there are 18 rapids covered during the @ 3 hour power rafting tour and there is plenty of excitement to keep everyone happy. We are very grateful that Hyak was able to accommodate us as they clearly added a boat and guide just for us. The guides: Logie and Will were knowledgable, confident, and skilled. The rafts and equipment provided in good condition. We recommend going out in August and setting aside any fears that keep you from taking this type of trip.
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Pounette166
Did the power rafting tour few days ago. Loved it!!! I was very worry that I would not be able to do it, due to extreme motion sickness, but I took 2 Gravol one hour before and had the best time. You first take a bus ride of about 25 minute to get to the docking area where the boats are. The ride is easy, all on highway with beautiful scenic view on left (grab seat on left side for best view). We had a guide in the bus that would provide comments on what we were seeing. Arriving at boat launch, groups are divided by boats and we got lucky to get the "big boat" I think it was 28 foot, which during rapids descend can bend more easily than smaller one, therefore you definitely get a stronger feeling of the rapids, which is what YOU want!!! Our guide Mike was truly a lot of fun showing us "goat and snake crossing" at many different areas. I think he may have spotted Big Foot in the wood....but no one else saw it! :)However we did see wildlife, with mountain goats and eagle. It was truly beautiful. During the descent, that last about 2 hours, Mike was very good at steering the boat and take advantage of the best rapids and wave, and would instruct the passenger to "switch" which would allow everyone to have a chance to sit at the front of the boat many time during the trip. This was very very good as usually if you are not lucky in getting front seat row, you just get stuck to where you sat...but not with Hyak. They want to ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the thrill of the front and get splashed with water. I chose to remain at the back completely, just to keep my motion sickness in check and everyone was fine with it. I still felt the full impact of the rapids and got splashed plenty as well but felt that I had a better view of the whole thing sitting way way back as I was able to see everyone's face during the trip. It was awesome!!! We stop for quick break along a small beach for about 20 minutes for granola bar and box of juice and then back to the boat for a final 20 minutes or so of rapids descent. Then we just walked up a hill for about 10 minute to get back into the bus and then few minutes on the bus to get back into camp. The whole trip was extremely well organized, you can see that they have done that many times and I felt secured at all time. We had floating vest and helmet and for those who wanted it, some additional fleece or water protector at no charge. The only thing is that you must have a pair of secure water shoes. No sandals at all, but running shoes are ok and any other shoes that are secured to your feet and in rubber material so not to hurt anyone else during the descent. If you only have loose sandal (like flip flop) you will have to buy their water shoes. No bare foot allowed. Overall a very fun trip. The water was cold at first but you get used to it within few minutes and don't notice it. The guides have lots of experience and no one capsized during our trip. It would be difficult to take picture as you are constantly reminded to hold the "grip" of the boat to avoid being tossed around...so it would be hard to snap pictures, but if you do want to do it, make sure you have water proof camera. They sell some at the camp. There is no shower (none that I have seen) but they have change room and bathroom to change back into dry clothes after the trip. Make sure you do bring change of clothes, you will be wet guaranteed!
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cryophile
Starting in Lytton, Includes drive up the river and float back down. Marvelous scenery, clear water, exciting but safe rapids. This is a wonderful trip to take a visitor on. Water is very warm in late summer, less warm in the spring. Rapids are actually more exciting when the river is lower, so August is prime time. There are a variety of durations and options, including paddle or powered, and multi-day trips. Paddle is probably preferable, as more eco-friendly and quieter, power is more like a carney ride. All necessities are provided other than swimsuits and water shoes.Hyak has a bit of a tired air about it, but equipment is in good shape, and operations are safe.This is an excellent adventure for first time rafters or people unfamiliar with the BC canyons.
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235LeslieS
May-July is the best time to catch the roaring rapids in Chilliwack like we did last June. A group of two 9-person Boat rafters, we started the 4-hour journey along the Tamahi, Sawmill and Swamp rapids for this adventure. Get ready to paddle the 18-km long winding stretch with Rapid levels one-four. Our guides were every bit as fun and professional from start to end. There is a lovely pit stop to see a falls fed through a hot spring from the other side. Take this trip and enjoy what nature has to offer. Roaring water and calm mountains.
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Alexsalazar
We just had a wonderful experience in Lytton, BC with the crew from Hyak Wilderness Adventures. A five (plus) hour of pure entertainment and adrenaline rush of White Water Rafting. Super scenic, our guides (pilots) are knowledgeable, experienced and witty. We had also the opportunity to see the wildlife, bears, mountain sheep, eagles, etc. Going through the rapids was a great experience. It was worth every penny and minute we spent on it.
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conorbuggy
My first time rafting and it sure did not disappoint! My sister and i were picked up in downtown Vancouver and then had a three hour drive up to Lytton which was actually a lovely drive.The rafting experience was brilliant. The organisation of the whole day was flawless and the Thompson River really was fantastic to raft. I enjoyed every minute of it.Such a brilliant day out, Hyak were the only tour company I could find that would pick us up from downtown Vancouver and they couldn't have been more accommodating. They were also excellent with email communication when I was booking it.
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brucesuz
Recently took our 11 and 9 year old grand children on a power (motorized) river rafting tour on the Thompson River. We had an incredible experience, the kids had a great time with a lot of "air time" due to the skill of our guide "Big Wave Dave". He was very safety aware, had a great sense of humour and was very knowledgeable about the history of the area (gold rush days). All of the staff were great. I would really recommend this trip if you want a thrill without the paddling.
