Clearwater Whitewater Expedition

Big water. Real rapids. Helmcken Falls in your backyard. Three days of whitewater adventure in one of BC's most dramatic wilderness settings, fully guided and fully supported.

July 29 - 31, 2026: Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC
· 2 spots remaining · 5 volunteers needed ·

The Situation

Whitewater rafting has a reputation for being inaccessible. The terrain is demanding, the logistics are complex, and most operators aren't set up to support participants with disabilities.

We've been doing this long enough to know that none of that has to be true.

The Clearwater Whitewater Expedition is three days of genuine big-water rafting in one of BC's most dramatic wilderness settings. The rapids are real. The river is real. What's different is that we've built the logistics, the equipment, and the support around you — so the only thing you have to think about is the river ahead.

You might surprise yourself out there.

Difficulty level: 🟦 - ♦♦

Accommodation: Tent & Cabin

Scholarships & subsidies available: 1 of each

What you'll get up to:

One afternoon on the Clearwater River is enough to understand why people come back. But the rafting is just the headline. Three days in Wells Gray Provincial Park means evenings around the fire at Helmcken Falls Lodge, mornings with the kind of quiet that only exists this far from a city, and a waterfall tour on Day 3 that most people remember just as vividly as the rapids. The river gets the credit. The full three days earn it.

A black and red electric recumbent tricycle on a gravel path with a blurred green wooded background.

What we handle

Adaptive equipment
[SPECIFIC GEAR LIST for this trip - e.g. trailrider chairs, sit-skis, adaptive paddles, hand cycles. Not "adaptive equipment available." Name the actual gear?]

Support on the ground
[X] trained guides and volunteers on every day of the trip. Support ratio of [X:X] for participants who need closer assistance. Nobody gets left behind and nobody gets babysat - we match support to what you actually need.

Cabin Bookings
[NAME SPECIFIC PROTOCOLS - e.g. "First aid-certified staff on site throughout. Emergency evacuation plan in place for all terrain. Medical intake completed before the trip so we know your needs before we arrive."]

Meals + accommodation
[SPECIFICS - e.g. "Lodge-prepared meals on Days 1 and 3. Trail lunch on Day 2 provided by our cook. Accommodation at [lodge/cabin/campsite name] with [accessibility options]."]

Logistics
[TRANSPORT NOTE — e.g. "We depart from Adaptive Adventures HQ in Kelowna at [TIME] on [DATE]."]

An off-road electric bicycle with a low center of gravity, featuring large knobby tires, a black frame, a padded seat, and some red components, set outdoors on a dirt trail with trees in the background.
Electric recumbent tricycle with fat tires on a gravel path in a park with green trees in the background.
A black and red all-terrain pedal-powered tricycle with a padded seat and a handlebar, situated outdoors on a gravel path with green trees blurred in the background.

Is this trip for me?

This expedition is designed for people who:

  • Live with a physical, neurological, sensory, or mental health-related disability or condition

  • Use adaptive equipment or benefit from additional on-ground support

  • Want a legitimately exciting outdoor experience

  • Are ready to be challenged and supported in equal measure

Final suitability is confirmed during your intake call based on your specific needs and the demands of the trip.

Not sure if this trip is right for you?

That's exactly what the intake call is for. Apply and we'll figure it out together.

Event Application

Not for you?

What’s else are we up to?
If this expedition isn’t for you, check out the rest here!

  • A man snowshoeing in a lovely forest in a bright crisp day

    Kent Stewart, Participant, KVR Trip 2025

    "Being able to get out into the backcountry and travel under my own power is incredibly meaningful. While my friends and family may have the physical ability to do this, there’s so much more involved — planning, equipment, support staff, and cost. All of which would normally make something like this out of reach for me.

    Adaptive Adventures makes these trips accessible to anyone willing to give it a try. I feel so fortunate to be among the participants and never take a single moment for granted.”

  • A team crossing the finish line with an adaptive athlete

    Mandy Gill, Volunteer, Broken Goat 2025

    "The moment that will stay with me forever was seeing Claire cross the finish line — hand outstretched, beaming with joy. I couldn’t hold back the tears. Even when the motor broke minutes into the race, our team refused to give up. We harnessed in, roped up, and powered through, navigating obstacles together with resilience, teamwork, and determination. Every challenge became a memory, and every triumph felt shared. This experience with Adaptive Adventures was empowering, emotional, and truly unforgettable — I felt unstoppable!" 

  • Smiling young Asian woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a blue top, in a lush green indoor setting with plants in the background.

    Jenna, Participant, Haida Gwaii Trip 2023

    "Accessible Wilderness Expedition showed me what’s possible when adventure meets accessibility. From climbing massive trees and kayaking for the first time, to fishing and learning about Haida Gwaii’s culture, I felt empowered, independent, and truly connected to the world around me.

    The staff and volunteers were amazing — their support turned impossible moments into unforgettable triumphs. This trip was lifechanging, and everyone with a disability should have the opportunity to experience it."

Person sitting in a yellow canoe with a blue backrest, wearing a black cap, sunglasses, and a red life jacket, on a river surrounded by green trees.

I’m interested. What happens next?

1. Fill out the short expression of interest below
Tell us a bit about yourself, your needs, and which trip you're interested in.

2. We’ll book a 15-minute call (within 3-5 business days)
One of our team will reach out to answer your questions, understand your needs, and confirm the trip is the right fit.

3. Your spot is confirmed
We send you everything you need to prepare - gear list, travel details, and who to contact between now and departure.