Whitewater Rafting in Central Newfoundland

We are so grateful to Adventure Central Newfoundland and Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism for making this adventure possible. As always, all opinions are our own.

The Riverfront Chalets and Rafting Newfoundland in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

Riverfront Chalets and Rafting Newfoundland, just outside of Grand Falls – Windsor (that’s all one town), sounded like just the spot to tame some wild water.

While we have had some experience with river rafting, the safety briefing was making it clear that what we were about to encounter was a whole lot more water than in our previous escapades.

Hiking along the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada
Hiking down to the Exploits River

We received instructions on how to lock our legs under the seat in front of us in hopes of staying aboard the boat, and in case that failed, we learned the finer points of ducking down onto the floor and hanging on like terrified spider monkeys.

Screaming like one is optional, but most likely unavoidable.

Whitewater rafting on the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

Click here for more to do in Central Newfoundland

Whitewater rafting on the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

OK, so we may have to go into a protective fetal position, bu it beats bobbing in the rapids… wait, what? How to properly bob in the rapids was the next lesson.

Keep your head up, look for the boat, try not to slam into any huge rocks, grab the rope… got it!

Jumping off a cliff into the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

Just to make sure we were all cool with the drill, the first thing we had to do was jump off a cliff into the freezing water, just to get comfortable with the idea of getting slung out of the boat.

We were beginning to wonder why we even had a raft, this was sounding more like it might be whitewater swimming.

Jumping of a boat into the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

Truth is, it was all for our own good, better to be safe than sorry and the crew was proud of their safety record.

They haven’t lost anyone yet and weren’t about to start with us. So we dragged our soaking butts aboard the raft and began paddling.

Whitewater rafting on the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

Whitewater rafting on the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

Nothing to it, until we started aiming for the rapids. Then we started rowing like our lives depended on it, and it wasn’t hard to convince us of the possibility.

Even though the current overwhelmed us, rowing like crazy was our only hope of any control over our path.

Click here for more to do in Central Newfoundland

Whitewater rafting on the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

Whitewater rafting on the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

After surviving the first couple runs we began to feel safer, and maybe even a little cocky.

Our trusty guide took that to mean it must be time to bury the nose of the raft right into the teeth of a huge wave.

While this certainly seemed crazy, we were all grinning like idiots and, due to our training in hanging on for dear life, no one went overboard.

Whitewater rafting on the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

Whitewater rafting on the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

When we finally made it to some calm water everyone enjoyed a swim, going into the water by choice. This also gave us a chance to take in the gorgeous countryside of The Exploits Valley.

Click here for more to do in Central Newfoundland

Jumping off a cliff into the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

Swimming in the Exploits River in Grand Falls - Windsor, Newfoundland, Canada

As tired as our arms and backs were from frantic paddling we still would have gladly started all over again.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Visit the Riverfront Chalets and Rafting Newfoundland website

Delve deeper:
More to do in Central Newfoundland
The Beothuk Interpretation Centre
The Prime Berth Interpretative Fishing Center

See all of our Newfoundland adventures!

We are so grateful to Adventure Central Newfoundland and Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism for making this adventure possible. As always, all opinions are our own.


Did you enjoy what you just read? Then you'll LOVE our book!
Going Gypsy: One Couple's Adventure from Empty Nest to No Nest at All Going Gypsy One Couple's Adventure from Empty Nest to No Nest at All 

- See how it all began!
ORDER NOW - Wherever Books Are Sold!
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - IndieBound - Books-a-Million
Also available as an audiobook from Audible.com

2 thoughts on “Whitewater Rafting in Central Newfoundland”

  1. What’s up,I log on to your new stuff named “Whitewater Rafting in Central Newfoundland | The GypsyNesters” on a regular basis.Your story-telling style is witty, keep up the good work!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.