Whitewater rafters reach new heights accessing famed rapids near Golden

GOLDEN, B.C. – Two whitewater rafting companies have found a high-flying solution to reach world-class rapids of the Kicking Horse River near Golden, British Columbia.

The companies and a local helicopter outfit are offering aerial tours of the southeastern B.C. region near the Alberta boundary, about 90 kilometres east of Revelstoke.

Tours provide a bird's-eye view of the rapids, before delivering rafters to the water's edge for the start of a whitewater trip.

Cliffs along the Kicking Horse River prevent access to the water in all but a few places, and CP Rail recently barred people from crossing its tracks to reach a beach suitable for launching.

The railway's decision makes the famed rapids of the river's lower canyon almost inaccessible, and critics say that's harming a key tourist attraction in Golden.

The B.C. government has invested $45,000 to help the town find long-term solutions to the problem.