Have a Pembina River rafting adventure one hour west of Edmonton this summer. Bring your partner for a spectacular day on the water. It’s a perfect calm river to dunk your feet in when you get hot, or even better, to go swimming and cool off your body. Some parts of the river are deep and slow down enough to jump from your raft – or if you prefer, paddle to the side of the river to swim from the edge. Swimmers might need to go between rafting groups, as many could be out on a gorgeous day.
A waterproof bag is wonderful for keeping everything dry, including a carrot apple loaf snack that is already pre-cut and ready to eat. Pembina River rafting is a fantastic way to spend the day with your loved one.
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Pembina River Rafting Location
The Pembina River rafting starting location can be reached through Pembina River Tubing, south of Entwistle. The trip ends at Pembina Provincial Park. Get out after the 16 A concrete bridge (with a canoeer on it). If you raft in the middle of the day, you’ll see a bunch of rafters exiting there. Many swimmers can also be seen there, as it’s a deep section perfect for that activity. The journey takes approximately two hours, but can change depending on water levels.
Pembina River Rafting Prices
There are two choices (applicable to both owning your raft or renting one):
- Group reservation
- Avoid waiting in line
- Arrive fifteen minutes before your reservation time
- The reservation cost is $20 (includes six people plus one shuttle service for one person for $15 to retrieve the vehicle from Pembina River Tubing and go back to Pembina Provincial Park Day Use area to pick everyone up in your car)
- Adding shuttle service for more people is possible once we arrive at Pembina River Tubing
- They take debit, Visa and Mastercard
- Adding shuttle service for more people is possible once we arrive at Pembina River Tubing
- Parking is included in your reservation cost
- It can only be done two weeks in advance of the date you want to raft
- Signing a waiver is required before entering the water
- The cost of a tube rental is additional – prices are below
- First come, first served
- free
- There could be long wait lines to rent a tube or equipment (group reservations get priority). If you have your raft, you’ll need to sign a waiver stating that Pembina River Tubing isn’t liable.
- Parking costs $5 (non-reservable and they could have limited parking availability).
- You can add a shuttle service once on the property
Renting a Tube and Equipment
These are the costs of tubes, depending on the size you’d like. The prices differ from child to adult as well. Pembina River Tubing has the details on its site. If you have a group reservation that includes the shuttle service for one person, the cost for the tube will be less.
| Tube Size | Different Tube Sizes | |
| Person and tube returning on a shuttle | Ranging from $10 to $33 | |
| Only tube returning on a shuttle | Ranging from $18 to $28 |
Lifejacket Cost (required to be worn on the water)
- Adult: $19
- Child and youth: $11
Options to get Back to the Start
- Have a vehicle at each end
- Pay for the shuttle service at Pembina River Tubing to get back from Pembina Provincial Park
- costs $15/person (your raft can ride on top of the bus)
- Pay for the shuttle service at Pembina Provincial Park Day Use Area
- costs $20/person (you can embark if they have extra room)
Easy and Calm River for Rafting
The picture shows the general calm state of the river. With everyone’s raft blown up, PFDS (personal flotation devices) put on, and paddles in hand, you’re ready for an adventure! Here’s an explanation of the difference between a PFD and a lifejacket. A PFD fits your body and is used frequently, making it more comfortable to raft, canoe or kayak for extended periods. A lifejacket is bulkier to allow more surface area to keep a person floating and turn them easily from their front to their back so they can breathe.
Lunch and Snacks
Additional personal items (snacks, lunch, and water) can also be helpful. You never know when you will be hungry and want to snack. Pembina River rafting includes Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews, an excellent snack to boost energy. They come in different flavours depending on your favourite type. Lunch isn’t necessary to bring with you as the float isn’t very long, but it’s something to consider if you’re going over the lunch hour. A raft allows additional room to bring things with you instead of a tube, which has little extra room, only your body to sit. Having lunch at Pembina Provincial Park after your rafting experience is also a nice option. A water bottle is essential for staying hydrated.
Clothes
It’s highly suggested that you wear your swimsuit under your personal flotation device. You’ll likely get wet while rafting. It’s easier to go swimming by having your swimsuit on than stopping in the trees to put it on. A rafter will be happier to get their swimsuit wet than their clothes.
Backpacking towels (compact) or a regular towel (bulky) can be wonderful to have as well, especially if you decide to go for a swim. The hot temperatures could dry you off, but if it’s cool and chilly, you might be happy to have a towel to dry off quicker. For cooler weather, since it’s hard to predict what the weather will be when you reserve online, it would be wise to bring a lightweight blouse to either protect you from the wind or keep the sun off your shoulders, neck and back.
Tip #1: Sandals, water shoes, or footwear with backing are good to wear while rafting for ease of getting in and out of the water.
Tip #2: Flip-flops tend to be engulfed by the river and usually don’t reach their end destination. These are highly discouraged as footwear to bring with you, and they help keep the waterways clean.
Pembina River Rafting Bridges
Rafting underneath different types of bridges along the way is a cool experience. Watch out for bridge pillars and go around them.
Many different boat types can be seen on the river. You could bring your kayak along instead of a raft if you want to.
Tip #1: Do NOT tie your rafts or tubes together on the river. Branches or rocks can sometimes be found in the middle of the river, making it harder to go around with a group of tied-up rafters. It could tear your inflatable – or worse, be a drowning hazard if two rafts go their separate ways on either side of a concrete bridge beam in the water. It can be extremely dangerous and result in a rescue. Independent rafts allow you to move quickly and escape potential dangers.
The best way to stay near your group is either by buying a big raft to fit your entire family or by using the paddles that come with your raft to stay together on the river. Hanging onto the handles of the rafts can also work, and you can let go when danger arises (you start approaching rocks, branches, or other rafters).
Tip #2: Tie your belongings to the raft string or handles of the inflatable so you don’t lose anything in the current.
Pembina River Rafting Family Time
Spending quality time outdoors with Kris and Mel (my mother-in-law) made for a fantastic day. As you can see by my face, I’m covered in sunscreen, trying my best to avoid getting sunburnt. I took the pictures with a Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Waterproof Digital Camera. It’s an excellent gift for people who enjoy doing water activities. In case it gets wet, it’s nice to have a waterproof camera instead of a phone. The last thing you want is to drop your phone in the water or for an expensive phone to get damaged from the water landing on it.
I’m wearing my MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD in this picture compared to my lifejacket in the first picture, as it’s more form-fitting to my body. I decided to invest in a personal flotation device that would suit my needs later in life. It also has a large pocket to carry my waterproof camera, which is super convenient. It also has a key hook to ensure I don’t lose my keys, which is awesome! Many pockets allow snack storage and other items you might need to bring.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fantastic water adventure, Pembina River rafting is an excellent way to spend the day!
Additional Links
- Devon to Edmonton Canoe
- Guide to Kayaking in Revelstoke
- Edmonton Fun Day Trips
- 23 Summer Outdoor Adventures in Alberta
- A Breathtaking Camping Road Trip from Edmonton to Kelowna
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