Combine calm river drifting and Canyon Wave rapids on a 22-mile rafting trip
5.5 Hours
Dry suit, River shoes, Helmet
Raft a 22-mile stretch that pairs the calmer Wilderness Wave with the faster Canyon Wave section. Spend about 5.5 hours on the water with an 8am start time.
Ages 12+; you must be 15+ to paddle. If Canyon Wave is canceled for high water, wind, or safety reasons, you’ll be rebooked to the Wilderness Wave at the same time.
Cancel 2 days in advance for a full refund. No refund for cancellations within 1 day or less of the trip. Trips depart as scheduled, rain or shine. If New Wave Adventures cancels and rescheduling is not possible, you get a full refund minus the booking fee. No refunds after participation.
Dress in warm layers and plan on getting cold splashes from a glacial river. Wear a thin base layer (light long-sleeve or thermals), add a mid layer (sweater, sweatshirt, fleece, or vest), and finish with an outer layer (light puffy or jacket, ideally without a hood, and/or a rain jacket).
Bring warm socks (wool, extra-thick winter socks, or two pairs layered). For hands, bring thin gloves; you can layer them with dish gloves for extra warmth.
No. You get river shoes for the raft, and you leave your regular shoes behind so you can return to a dry pair after the trip.
The guides here really make the experience. Luke Johnson gets called out repeatedly for being knowledgeable, funny, and fantastic with kids of all ages. J Money, Corbin, Tommy Salami, and others consistently earn praise for their professionalism, local knowledge, and ability to balance fun banter with genuine safety expertise. The front desk staff, including Tracy, also get recognition for being organized and welcoming from the booking stage onward. The operation itself runs smoothly, with quality dry suits that actually keep you dry, well-maintained equipment, and seamless logistics from hotel pickup to drop-off. They offer different river sections based on water levels and experience, with the Canyon Run being popular for those wanting more action and the Wilderness Wave perfect for families with younger kids or those preferring a calmer float. One group noted their trip was more of a float than expected, but most reviewers found their experience matched what they'd hoped for. The scenery along the Nenana River consistently impresses, and the guides share interesting details about the landscape, wildlife, and glaciers throughout the journey.
Took the Canyon Wave Raft Tour with New Wave Adventure. We rafted through 11 miles of a glacial river with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems. The water was very cold (~40 degrees Celsius) and glad we had dry suits, warm clothing, & waterproof gloves. 🥶😎
Catherine Hunt
November 19, 2025
Took the Canyon Wave Raft Tour with New Wave Adventure. We rafted through 11 miles of a glacial river with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems. The water was very cold (~40 degrees Celsius) and glad we had dry suits, warm clothing, & waterproof gloves. 🥶😎
Catherine Hunt
November 19, 2025