Wild Blue Yonder Grande Cache Rafting
11113 Hoppe Ave, Box 1611 T0E 0Y0 Grande Cache, AB, Canada

"You must imagine your lake put in Agitation by a strong Wind, and frozen all at once." William Windham describes Chamonix's Mer de Grace in 1741. This became a universal description for glaciers. Here our river dog Autumn, and junior staffer Rio contemplate the Columbia Glacier; source of the river of the same name that flows through Revelstoke.

Sunset or Sunrise? The special times that bookend our days last for a fleeting moment but leave a lasting impression.

Happy New Year! 2020 has not been an easy one, but we have made it to the end. Despite all the hardship, it has been incredible to see the compassion, resilience, and creativity people have shown worldwide. Let’s head into 2021 excited for the future! Here’s our family a few years ago, enjoying an incredible New Years Eve on a frozen lake at -25!

One of our greatest joys here at Wild Blue Yonder is seeing friends and families coming together in the outdoors. Although the river can be a serious place, it is a place for bonding and enjoyment. #rafting #explorebc #raftalberta #travelalberta

Our guide training always helps to start the season off in high spirits. Education is most effective when you are having fun, and what better way to have fun than bringing Autumn along to offer a helping paw.

We are wrapping up what was undoubtedly a different holiday season for many. May we all take time to stop, enjoy and embrace, just as Rio did with this tiny bird’s nest. Sometimes the smallest things can be the most magical.

As the temperatures drop, the view from the Sulphur Gates transforms into a winter wonderland. Who else has been getting out for walks on these crisp winter days? We would love to hear what your favourites are.

There may be snow on the ground, but our chefs need to keep their backcountry cooking on point! Head cook Yo always has his trusty Dragonfly stoves on hand to keep bellies warm and full! #wintercooking #wintercamping

Happy Boxing Day! Hoping you all had a wonderful Christmas Day! One of our family holiday traditions is to go sledding or play pond hockey on Christmas Day. This was last year, just south of Grande Cache.

On the shores of the river, we wait with bated breath. It is not just the act but also the anticipation that leaves us giddy with excitement by the end of the day. #rafting #raftalberta #grandecache #liveforadventure

Many of our most cherished memories come from time spent in the woods with friends and families. These are often the moments we can slow down, listen to nature and one another.

A huge shot out to all our staff! We are a big crazy family from across the globe with a diverse skill set. Most of all, we band together and work hard. No one is ever found lying down on the job... #dreamteam

Happy Halloween, everyone! A time to let those creative juices flow, always excited to see what costumes people come up with, so if you wish to share any in the comments below, please do. P.S. I have a feeling our Guide Chris may haunt me for this picture. #halloween #spookyrafting #trickortreat

Anyone else wishing summer could have stayed for a little longer? Water gun fights in winter just aren't quite as appealing.

Being professionals, we have to trust the gear we use. This test is called drone vs tree, best performed on dry land. All in all, pretty impressed. The drone performed a Top Gun level maneuver while maintaining altitude.

It is not every day that we cross the river with a raft full of tables and conference chairs. Putting on the Waterways and Wild Foods event was a feat and couldn't have been achieved without plenty of hard work from so many people.

A huge thank you to the James Gang for their soul-stirring songs. This intimate performance on the beach beneath the Sulphur Gates was an exceptional and unique occasion. Travel Alberta Canada Keep Exploring Aseniwuche Winewak Nation National Geographic Canada #JamesGang #wildblueyonder #waterwaysandwildfoods #grandecache

When we shot this video back in May, the snow line was retreating rapidly up the mountain. The summer has flown by, fall almost non-existent, and now the snow line is racing down to the valley once again!

Frozen water is just as fun!! Owner Johannes Zwart captured this brilliant way to make the most of a tarp and two hockey sticks!!

Following a jaw-dropping tour of the Sulphur Gates platforms, our guests crossed at this confluence of rivers to be greeted and led in prayer by Elder Leola Moberly. A memorable experience for all. Travel Alberta Aseniwuche Winewak Nation Canada Keep Exploring National Geographic Canada @GCTourismCentre #waterwaysandwildfoods #travelalberta #wildblueyonder

As we begin the winter hibernation, we will be looking back at a great summer with all our guests. Here's a sunny day on the Illy in Revelstoke, beautiful smiling faces and Yo's long locks in full force. We would love to hear about all your summer adventures from exploring local this summer, so tell us all about them below.

"Absolutely everything from the ownership and staff to the river itself. I have lost count how many trips Ive made with WBY but each one has been amazing." - 2018 Debbie #itstime #gorafting

It is one thing admiring the Gates from the top, looking out over Wilmore Wilderness Park. But from below, that is something else. As you step off the rafts onto the beach for your evening meal, your gaze rises to take in the full impact of the bedrock thrust vertically by the forces of nature. Travel Alberta Aseniwuche Winewak Nation Canada Keep Exploring National Geographic Canada @GCTourismCentre #waterwaysandwildfoods #travelalberta #wildblueyonder

Like Alexandria Rapid, 2020 has been a bumpy ride. But, just like in the raft, it’s teamwork that will keep us heading down river with smiles on our faces!

Our multi-talented team toured Raft companies of Alberta this year to begin creating a new exciting marketing campaign. As you can see, they stretched their creative talents to the very limits. Thanks to Chinook Rafting for taking us on the river this day! #raftalberta #tourismalberta #RaftRaps #Proaoa #gorafting

We take to the skies to give you a unique perspective as our guests and guides get bounced around on our Revelstoke Rapids trip! #itstime #gorafting

In celebration of Small Business Week, Travel Alberta created this wonderful video, and one of our owners is featured in it! https://youtu.be/SBSEEXFPm7U #travelalberta #smallbusiness

Sure to awe an international audience when travel comes back in full force. This was so authentic, gorgeous scenery, warm people and lots of cultural learning topped off by local food created by some talented Indigenous Chefs and homemade soaps by a local artisan! Medicinal medicine knowledge, elders and great company. - Thank you for your kind words, Tracey, and so glad you could be there. Knowledge Keeper Stuart MacDonald smudged guests during our recent Waterways & Wild Foods tourism pilot. Travel Alberta Aseniwuche Winewak Nation Canada Keep Exploring @GCTourismCentre #waterwaysandwildfoods #travelalberta #wildblueyonder

Say hello to our excellent culinary team. Chef Cindy Lazarenko, with the assistance of Aseniwuche Winewak’s Culture Camp cooks, prepared a delightful three-course meal based on traditional indigenous ingredients during our Waterways & Wild Foods pilot event in Grande Cache. Travel Alberta Aseniwuche Winewak Nation Canada Keep Exploring @GCTourismCentre #waterwaysandwildfoods #travelalberta #wildblueyonder

We spend a lot of time outdoors here at Wild Blue Yonder. Listening to Knowledge Keeper Stuart McDonald speak about the local Flora on our recent pilot experience made us realize there is always more to learn. Travel Alberta Aseniwuche Winewak Nation Canada Keep Exploring National Geographic Canada @GCTourismCentre #waterwaysandwildfoods #travelalberta #wildblueyonder

"See the opportunities for adventures, not the constraints that get in the way." - Alastair Humphreys. After suffering a pretty gnarly injury biking, @backpackbren has been showing us that a brief change of direction is all that is needed to keep pursuing adventure. #itstime #gorafting

As if magnificent geological formations, knowledge sharing of medicinal plants, a raft river crossing, a spectacular 3-course meal all to the sound of the James Gang drums weren't enough. We thought we best throw in a special gift of locally-made soaps by the talented Lauren Moberly at Fallen Mountain Soap for good measure :) Fallen Mountain Soap Travel Alberta Canada Keep Exploring Aseniwuche Winewak Nation National Geographic Canada #wildblueyonder #waterwaysandwildfoods #grandecache

One of our biggest concerns with re-opening was how we could disinfect all hard surfaces and the guest equipment. While plenty of hand sanitizer is obvious, you cant bleach a wetsuit. Then we discovered Dyna Quat Plus. Approved by Health Canada, this new-technology cleaner disinfects and sanitizes, and is even used in hospitals. Were using it to clean wetsuits, lifejackets, helmets, footwear, paddles, waterguns and even our shuttle bus. In the base, commonly-touched surfaces are cleaned with bleach daily. Book a trip or read about our COVID Policies here: https://www.wildblueyonder.ca/covid19-rafting. #itstime #gorafting

"Great guides, the scenery is breathtaking!" - 2019 Patti #itstime #gorafting

Here are some tips on staying comfortable while winter camping! Bring a sleeping bag correctly rated for the temperatures you are expecting. Down filling has the best thermal properties and is highly compressible. To minimize heat loss, choose a mummy shaped sleeping bag.

"Such an awesome time, staff was so fun and helpful. My family had the best day. Will definitely be back!!" August 2019, Candace

Our videographer joined local Revelstoke artist Emily Beaudoin for an afternoon of painting and discussed how protecting our outdoor spaces has to be a conscious and collaborative effort. By drawing attention to these beautiful landscapes, she hopes to inspire people to do so. Emily Beaudoin Art #itstime #gorafting

Enjoy this relaxed, evening float trip on a gentle, class 1 river. Our guides will entertain you with history and stories about the area as you admire the spectacular views of the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains. #itstime #gorafting

The BIG reveal! Our guests reach the final platform; they catch a glimpse of the evening venue for the first time. It is here at the base of the 250ft cliffs that the event combined the riveting story and rich culture of the Aseniwuche Winewak people with the grandeur of the wild, undiscovered landscapes of Grande Cache, Alberta. Travel Alberta Aseniwuche Winewak Nation Indigenous Tourism Canada Canada Keep Exploring @GCTourismCentre #waterways&wildfoods #travelalberta #wildblueyonder #rockymountaincree #culinacatering

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. Youre on your own. And you now what you know. And YOU are the one wholl decide where to go." - Dr Seuss #itstime #gorafting

This time last week, we were just hours away from welcoming our guests to Grande Cache for our pilot experience, Waterways & Wild Foods. This time of year, the weather is hard to predict. However, the most incredible thing about a sunshower is? You guessed, rainbows!!

Masks are not just for Halloween and ski hills anymore! Were wearing them and our guests are, too. At the base, in the bus, but not on the river! Its one of the ways were managing the Covid risk. Book a trip or read about our COVID Policies here: https://www.wildblueyonder.ca/covid19-rafting. #itstime #gorafting

Imagine fine-dining on the far shore of the Smoky River at the base of the Sulphur Gates, while Indigenous drums thunder! This past Friday was the realization of a dream almost a year in the making when we held our first pilot experience for Waterways & Wild Foods. Funded by Travel Alberta and made possible by a partnership with the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation, this event brought together a gourmet Indigenous menu with Knowledge Keepers, Elders, Story Telling, two pristine mou...ntain rivers and a landscape so beautiful it feels surreal. We are deeply grateful to the Aseniwuche People (Rocky Mountain Cree), who generously shared their story and culture, chef Cindy Lazaranko from Culina Catering, and our amazing staff who pulled out all the stops to make this happen. While we wait for our photographer and videographer to sort through the professional images and footage, our sincere thanks goes out to Johnathan Clarkson for these great images. #travelalberta #wildblueyonder #rockymountaincree #culinacatering

We had a great time! Customer service was fabulous before, during and after the trip. We had our kids, ages 7-11 and they made us all feel safe and all 5 kids had a great time! We will be back! - Darcie, July 2019 #itstime #gorafting

Thanks for joining us on the river! August 13th 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Ginas Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/media/set

"This was so much fun! We had an awesome time, the guides were great, all in all it was a fantastic day. Can't wait to do it again!" July 2016 - Ellen

Cheers to a warm summer and plenty of cooling off in the funnest way going! We can't wait to do it all again next year, see you then!

Suns out guns out! Watch your back, though! No one is safe in a water fight. Friendly fire is a common occurrence, so choose your crew wisely. #itstimes #gorafting

Summer’s over, but we’re still cooking up adventures! In partnership with the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation, we’ve developed Waterways & Wild Foods, a cultural dining experience. This week we’re putting on two experience pilots with attendees from Travel Alberta, Indigenous Tourism Alberta and regional tourism organizations. Today we’re at the Sulphur Gates figuring out last minute logistics. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes details!

"This Albertan trail and campground are so jaw-dropping, they could've only come out from the mind of J.R.R. Tolkien himself." We completely agree and love providing our guests with a unique experience of the landscape.

Did someone say whitewater!? August 23rd 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Fabians Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/pg/wildblueyonder.rafting/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10163949891930175

The view in this part of the canyon is stellar! August 13th 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Ginas Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/pg/wildblueyonder.rafting/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10163949425430175

Fun Fact Friday! Grande Cache got its name from a Hudsons Bay Company fur trader named Ignace Giasson, who cached a large supply of fur in the area during one of the winters between 1818 and 1821.

#TBT to this dynamic shot! Seen on many of our brochures and marketing, this goes down as one of our favourite water fight pictures! Have you been soaked in one of these epic fights? #waterfight #rafting

The echoes of beauty youve seen transpire, resound through dying coals of a campfire. - Ernest Hemingway #itstime #gorafting

One of our main photo spots is Alexandrias rapid. It is the first taste of whitewater on our Revelstoke Rapids trip. Let us jump on board with our guide Yo and experience it from inside the raft. #itstime #gorafting

Did you know that being on or near the water can bring feelings of calm, peacefulness and general happiness? When you come rafting, we have to ask about your health, but time spent on a river is good for you. Learn how were rafting safely during the Covid pandemic: https://www.wildblueyonder.ca/covid19-rafting #itstime #gorafting

"Cant go wrong visiting the town of Grande Cache and its spectacular scenery...first from the top at Sulphur Gate and then from the bottom as you river raft on the beautiful waters of the rivers. Personable and professional staff and guides from Wild Blue Yonder company transport you safely to and from the destination points, give both informative and humorous information. One may see some wild game along with the adventure. We felt comfortable, extremely welcome, safe, and at home with the group and our experienced river guide. We super appreciated the hospitality and would recommend this outdoor adventure to anyone..big thumbs up on the EXCELLENT pictures via gopro promptly on the website within 24 hours. A huge bonus." - Robyn, August 2019 #itstime #gorafting

The fun does not stop when youre on the river! August 21st 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Ginas Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/pg/wildblueyonder.rafting/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10163928847895175

Off the riverbank and straight into the whitewater! August 21st 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Fabians Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/pg/wildblueyonder.rafting/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10163928755590175

Having a little fun with the water guns at the end of the trip! August 19th 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Kyles Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/pg/wildblueyonder.rafting/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10163928534865175

Dropping into some whitewater on the Canyon Whitewater trip! August 19th 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Fabians Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/pg/wildblueyonder.rafting/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10163928427055175

The Illecillewaet River is fed by a glacier of the same name in Glacier National Park. Illecillewaet is an Okanagan First Nations word for "big water", and is the river we run our Revelstoke Rapids trip on. It flows approximately 62 kilometres until it reaches the Columbia River in Revelstoke. The gorgeous glacial blue is dependant on the amount of silt suspended in the water, best seen from above when the sun is high in the sky. #itstime #gorafting

Taking a moment to stop and enjoy the view at the confluence of the Smoky River and Sulphur River! August 18th 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Yos Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/media/set/

Believe it or not, this photo isnt photoshopped! Minus some colour corrections, this is just one of those perfect timing moments. It is one of our favourites! #gorafting #perfecttiming

#TBT to this old picture that includes the iconic Blue bridge. Although replaced with a more modern bridge a few years ago, many locals still refer to the area as the Blue Bridge. Did you ever cross it? #seeyousoon #gorafting

With encouragement to embrace their silly or creativeness, many guides have added a personal touch to their wardrobe, from wearing ties, spiders on helmets, skirts, to cowboy hats. Our guides know how to keep it fresh! #seeyousoon #gorafting

We love to get children on the river in a fun and safe way. Their excitement and energy brings a fresh breath to a river we have run hundreds of times. Those laughs you hear are from an adult, so you better believe it is fun for the whole family! #itstime #gorafting

Ready for some more whitewater! August 18th 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Fabians Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/pg/wildblueyonder.rafting/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10163912276360175

There are amazing vistas just like this one waiting around every corner of our Canyon Whitewater trip! August 16th 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Fabians Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/pg/wildblueyonder.rafting/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10163911515450175

Surprise! A big wave comes crashing in over the boat! August 10th 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Fabians Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/pg/wildblueyonder.rafting/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10163910738090175

Stopping to check out some of the scenery along the river on the Canyon Whitewater trip! August 15th 2020, Canyon Whitewater (Kyles Boat) #whitewaterrafting #wildblueyonder #albertarafting... https://www.facebook.com/pg/wildblueyonder.rafting/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10163910460950175

There is nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend. - Bob Ross #itstime #gorafting