Jasper Self-Drive Sunwapta River: Class 3 Whitewater Rafting
Jasper, Canadaby Maligne Adventures
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
- Up to 24 travelers
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guide: English
Viberest eSIM
Stay connected in Canada
Overview
Make whitewater rafting part of your Icefields Parkway road trip. This self-drive Sunwapta River adventure is ideal for travellers exploring Jasper National Park or journeying along the Icefields Parkway between Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. Meet right at the river, leave your vehicle at the take-out and ride our rafting bus upstream to the launch. From there, paddle 13 km (8 miles) down the glacier-fed Sunwapta River, taking on fast, technical Class 3 whitewater surrounded by Canadian Rockies wilderness. After approximately 1.5 hours on the water, you'll finish back at your vehicle—ready to continue along the Icefields Parkway or explore nearby attractions at your own pace. No previous rafting experience is required.
What's included
- Professional, certified river guide
- Short bus ride from the river take-out, where your vehicle is parked, to the river put-in
- Wetsuit, paddle jacket, life jacket, helmet and neoprene booties
- Approximately 1.5 hours of rafting
- Transfers to/from Jasper
- Food and drinks
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Gratuities (optional)
Itinerary
Make whitewater rafting part of your Icefields Parkway road trip with a self-drive adventure on the Sunwapta River. Meet your guide at the river take-out, leave your vehicle there and ride the rafting bus upstream to the launch. After getting geared up, you'll receive a safety briefing and paddle instruction before heading onto the river. No previous rafting experience is required. The trip begins with an introductory section where you'll practise paddling and work together as a crew. Then the pace builds as you enter a sustained stretch of fast, turbulent whitewater, with exciting Class 3 rapids coming in quick succession. Paddle as a team while your guide expertly manoeuvres the raft through waves and technical rapids, including the locally renowned “Whopper.” Spend approximately 1.5 hours rafting 13 km (8 miles) through the wilderness of Jasper National Park. At the end of the trip, you'll finish back at your vehicle, ready to continue exploring the Icefields Parkway at your own pace.
Meeting and pickup
Meet at the Sunwapta River take-out, approximately 350 m south of Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Park your vehicle at the meeting point and look for the bus branded “Maligne Rafting.” Other rafting operators may also be at this location.
End point
Meet at the Sunwapta River take-out, approximately 350 m south of Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Park your vehicle at the meeting point and look for the bus branded “Maligne Rafting.” Other rafting operators may also be at this location.
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a SELF-DRIVE tour and does not include transportation from Jasper. Meet at the Sunwapta River take-out on the Icefields Parkway, approximately 350 m south of Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge. Arrive parked and ready 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time and wait for the Maligne Rafting bus.
- Allow extra driving time to reach the meeting point. Cell service is limited along the Icefields Parkway, so we recommend downloading directions before leaving Jasper. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Show all 16Show less
- Participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh a minimum of 90 lb (41 kg).
- Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.
- No previous rafting experience is required.
- Wear your swimsuit under your regular clothes to make changing at the river easier. Bring a towel and warm clothing for afterwards, plus water and a snack.
- Wetsuits, paddle jackets, life jackets, helmets and neoprene booties are provided. On colder days, bring an additional fleece, wool or other non-cotton layer to wear under your paddle jacket.
- Trips operate rain or shine.
- All departure and meeting times are in Alberta Mountain Time (MT).
- Minimum participant numbers are required for this trip to operate. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be offered an alternative departure or a full refund.
- Raft assignments are made at the guides' discretion based on group size and safety considerations. We will make every effort to keep parties together.
- This trip is not recommended for pregnant guests or anyone with back injuries or other conditions that could be aggravated by whitewater rafting.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Viberest eSIMStay online in Canada — from the moment you land in Jasper
- Maps, translation & messaging — no roaming fees
- Install by QR in minutes, keep your own number
- Delivered to your email right after checkout
More things to do in Jasper
View all
ToursMaligne Lake Cruise
Jasper, Canada
1.5 hours
1.5 hours
from $91
ToursJasper Evening Wildlife Tour
Jasper, Canada
3 hours
3 hoursFree cancellation
from $71
ToursJasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island
Jasper, Canada
6 hours
6 hoursFree cancellation
from $150
ToursJasper Wildlife & Maligne Lake Tour with Spirit Island Cruise
Jasper, Canada
6 hours
6 hoursFree cancellation
from $171
Jasper Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Hike
Jasper, Canada
6 hours
6 hoursFree cancellation
from $80
Bookings are made with our partner Viator. Viberest may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
from $97per person
Date & travelers on Viator