6 Best Jasper White Water Rafting Tours
Are you looking for the best Jasper white water rafting tours available? If you are ready to embark on a thrilling and unforgettable journey down the rapids in Alberta, Canada, then you have come to the right place!
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is known for its rugged landscapes, pristine lakes, and jaw-dropping scenery. But what really sets this destination apart is its world-class white water rafting tours.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a first-time rafter, or a family with kids, there’s something for everyone on the rapids of Jasper.
In fact, our kids were about 8 and 10 when we tried white water rafting with them for the first time. They had an absolute blast!
So, grab your paddle, strap on your life jacket, and get ready to experience the best white water rafting tours that Jasper has to offer!
Best Jasper White Water Rafting Tours
🌊 Don’t have time to read the whole article? We recommend the Athabasca Falls Run — with a perfect 5-star rating and a Viator Badge of Excellence!
If you’d rather explore all your options, there are 3 more tours on this list, and they all have perfect 5-star ratings.
Jasper National Park is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, with everything from white rafting to easy float tours — so you really can’t go wrong with anything featured here. In short, we vetted these tours, so you don’t have to.
Without further ado, let’s get to this list of the best white water rafting tours in Jasper, so you can book your tour already.
Our Top 3 Picks: Best Jasper White Water Rafting Tours
Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting
✔️ 4-hour whitewater adventure from Jasper
✔️ Return transfers to and from the river
Best Jasper White Water Rafting Tours
1. Athabasca Falls Run
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
🌊 The Athabasca Falls Run Includes:
If you are looking for a truly unique experience in Jasper that will leave you feeling exhilarated, we have you covered! You won’t want to miss the Athabasca Falls Run, one of the most thrilling white water rafting tours in the Canadian Rockies.
What sets this tour apart, is that no roads lead to the parts of the river you’ll be exploring. That means you get to raft the white water on the Athabasca River through places you can only reach by boat.
This guided tour takes you through two exciting sets of rapids (so don’t forget your bathing suit!) linked by a calm stretch through the canyon.
😍 What Past Guests Have Said
The kids and I had the best time! The river was ‘zesty’ and our raft guide Eliot was awesome, engaged and funny, made our experience unforgettable. Thanks Eliot! Would definitely do it again.
— simone (see more rEVIEWS)
And don’t worry if you’ve never rafted before or if you’re not an experienced paddler. The Athabasca Falls Run features Class II rapids that are definitely suitable for all levels and ages.
Plus, all safety equipment and rafting gear, including booties, wet suits, and a paddle jacket, are provided, so you can just focus on enjoying the ride.
💡 Things to Keep in Mind:
2. Athabasca River Mile 5
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
🌊 The Athabasca River Mile 5 Includes:
If you are looking for an exciting and unforgettable experience in Jasper that’s suitable for the whole family, you have come to the right place! The Athabasca River Mile 5 is one of the best white water rafting tours in Jasper National Park.
This soft adventure is perfect for kids and beginners, as it offers just the right amount of excitement without being too intense.
You’ll travel with your small group to the put-in point and raft the Mile 5 section of the glacier-fed Athabasca River.
😍 What Past Guests Have Said
This was out first time rafting but we felt safe in the hands of the experts and its was an experience to remember.
— rose (see more rEVIEWS)
This section of the river is a great introduction to river rafting, as it begins with a gentle 10-minute float before the class II rapids start.
Once you’re in the rapids, you’ll experience the gentle thrill of some bumps and splashes on your roughly two-hour excursion.
It’s the perfect way to get a little wet and have a lot of fun on the Athabasca River.
💡 Things to Keep in Mind:
3. Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting: Class III Rapids
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
🌊 The Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting: Class III Rapids Includes:
The Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting Tour is a 4-hour adventure that takes you on a heart-pumping journey through Class II and Class III white-water rapids.
This excursion takes rafters along the Sunwapta River and follows the dramatic Endless Chain Ridge through Jasper National Park.
With this tour, you’ll paddle alongside an experienced river guide (who is with you every step of the way) and splash over an 8-mile (13-km) stretch of fun rapids.
😍 What Past Guests Have Said
Professionally run, great safety awareness and briefing, friendly guides, and a superb stretch of river.
— steve (see more rEVIEWS)
But don’t worry if you’re a beginner or have never rafted before – all necessary equipment and instruction are included.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from a central location in Jasper, so you don’t have to worry about finding the way back to your car.
💡 Things to Keep in Mind:
4. Sunwapta River Self-Drive Rafting Trip
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 15 mins | ✔️ BOOK NOW
🌊 The Sunwapta River Self-Drive Rafting Trip Includes:
Are you ready to take on the class 3 rapids of the Sunwapta River in Jasper? If so, have we got the tour for you! The Sunwapta River Rafting Trip is guaranteed to be an experience that you won’t soon forget!
But be warned, you WILL get wet on this tour! We’re talking a splashing and maybe even a soaking.
In fact, we would not only recommend that you wear your bathing suit under your wetsuit but also be sure to bring a towel to dry off afterwards.
😍 What Past Guests Have Said
Had an awesome trip. Highly organised, good focus on safety whilst ensuring it remained exciting. We had a great time. Jeffery led our boat, he was clearly very experienced and knowledgeable but ensured it remained fun and chasing the best waves. Would highly recommend.
— sharon (see more rEVIEWS)
If you have your own wheels, you can save some money by meeting the guides at the river instead of paying for the shuttle from the Jasper townsite.
Each raft only holds up to six people, so you are considered an important part of the crew. So, whether you’re a novice or an experienced rafter, everyone is welcome.
💡 Things to Keep in Mind:
Best Options for Families with Young Children
If you are travelling with younger children, you are still able to take part in a white water rafting tour. The following 2 tours are appropriate for kids as young as three!
5. Athabasca Canyon Run Family Rafting: Class II Plus Rapids
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 30 mins | ✔️ BOOK NOW
🌊 The Athabasca Canyon Run Family Rafting: Class II Plus Rapids Includes:
If you are an adventurous family looking for a half-day whitewater rafting adventure in the Athabasca Canyon, then we definitely have the tour for you! Get your paddles ready because the Athabasca Canyon Run Family Rafting Tour is just what you are looking for.
This family-friendly trip takes you on Class 2+ rapids, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun and excitement of whitewater rafting.
You’ll start your journey at the base of Athabasca Falls and paddle a 7.5-mile (12-km) stretch of river with a certified river guide.
😍 What Past Guests Have Said
We had a fabulous time! Would definitely do this again and my 5 year old just loved it 🙂 Thanks again!
— krystal (see more rEVIEWS)
During the 1.5 hours of paddling, you’ll get to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Athabasca Canyon and experience the thrill of the Class 2+ rapids.
This excursion includes all equipment and transportation from downtown Jasper. You can even choose between morning or afternoon departures to fit your schedule.
The Athabasca Canyon Run Family Rafting trip is the ideal choice for families looking for an exciting and fun-filled adventure in Jasper National Park.
💡 Things to Keep in Mind:
6. Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
🌊 The Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip Includes:
Jasper National Park is definitely a place where nature’s beauty is unparalleled. And we would say that the Athabasca River is a must-see!
If you’re looking for a gentle adventure suitable for the whole family, consider the Athabasca River Easy Scenic Raft Trip.
With Class II rapids, this trip provides a few splashes but nothing too intimidating. Your guide will navigate the river while entertaining you with tales of the area’s rich history and wildlife.
All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery!
😍 What Past Guests Have Said
Highly recommend this for any family. Four of us (kids 9-13) had an absolute blast. Courtnall our tour guide/raft lead absolutely knowledgeable of the land, river and area. Showed us things from weather towers on top of mountain peaks, to an osprey nest, explained each set of rapids and gave us a heads up of splash’s coming. Next time I would wear waterproof clothing but it was an amazing family fun adventure.
— Rhonda (see more rEVIEWS)
This small group float trip is perfect for families with children aged three and up. You’ll be provided with life jackets for safety, and ponchos will keep you mostly dry.
If you want to capture memories to take home, a professional photographer is available to take photos at an additional cost.
Don’t worry about steering; your guide will handle that too. All you need to do is focus on the wildlife sightings and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
💡 Things to Keep in Mind:
What to Look for in a White Water Rafting Tour
Rafting is an amazing adventure sport that allows you to experience the thrill of navigating through rapids and enjoying the beauty of nature at the same time.
But with so many different rafting tours available, it can be tough to know which one to choose. We have put together a guide with some things to look for when picking the perfect rafting tour.
🌊 Level of Difficulty
Are you looking for a leisurely float or an adrenaline-pumping adventure? Class I and II rapids are generally easy, while Class III and above are more challenging. Make sure to choose a tour that matches your experience level and comfort zone.
🌊 Duration of Tour
Do you want a quick 2-hour excursion or a full-day adventure? Keep in mind that longer tours may offer more rapids and scenery, but they can also be more tiring.
🌊 Location of Tour
Do you want to raft in a remote area or near a popular tourist destination? Do you want to raft in a calm river or a river with rapids? Research the location and the river before booking to make sure it’s the experience you’re looking for.
🌊 Safety
Safety should also be a top priority when choosing a rafting tour. Make sure the company provides proper safety gear such as life jackets and helmets, and that the guides are experienced and trained.
🌊 Cost
While you want to get the best value for your money, keep in mind that cheaper tours may cut corners on safety or equipment. Make sure to read reviews and do your research before booking to ensure that you’re getting a good deal without sacrificing quality.
What is the Difference Between Classes of Rapids?
If you’re new to white water rafting, you may have heard about different classes of rapids and wondered what exactly they mean.
Rapids are classified based on the difficulty of navigating them, with Class I being the easiest and Class VI being the most challenging and dangerous.
Here’s a breakdown of each class:
🌊 Class I
These are the most gentle of rapids and are ideal for beginners. They have small waves and few obstacles to navigate.
They are generally safe for all ages and skill levels, although it’s always important to wear a life jacket and follow safety guidelines.
🌊 Class II
Slightly more challenging than Class I rapids, these have moderate waves and obstacles to navigate. They may require some maneuvering skills, but they are still considered relatively safe for most people.
🌊 Class III
These rapids have larger waves, stronger currents, and more obstacles to navigate. They require more advanced skills and experience and are generally not recommended for beginners.
However, they are still considered moderate in difficulty and can be an awesome challenge for intermediate paddlers.
🌊 Class IV
These rapids are considered advanced and require a high level of skill and experience. They have powerful waves, strong currents, and often require precise maneuvering to navigate safely.
They are not recommended for most people and should only be attempted by experienced rafters.
🌊 Class V
These rapids are considered extremely challenging and require expert-level skills and experience. They have very large waves, powerful currents, and numerous obstacles that can be dangerous if not navigated correctly.
They are only recommended for the most experienced and skilled rafters.
🌊 Class VI
These rapids are considered to be the most difficult and dangerous. They are rarely attempted and are not recommended for anyone, even the most experienced rafters.
They have extremely large waves, violent currents, and numerous obstacles that can be life-threatening if not navigated perfectly.
FAQs
The best time to go white water rafting in Jasper National Park is between May and September when the water levels are higher and the weather is warmer.
No, previous experience is not required for most of the white water rafting tours in Jasper. The guides will provide all necessary training and safety equipment.
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothes that can get wet. You will also need water shoes or sandals with good traction, and a swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit.
All tours provide life jackets, helmets, and wetsuits or drysuits, as well as paddles and rafts. Some tours may also provide booties or paddle jackets.
Yes, most tours have minimum age requirements, but there are options for children as young as three years old to join in on gentler Class II rapids.
Yes, some tours may have weight or height restrictions to ensure everyone’s safety on the raft. Check with the tour operator for specific requirements.
Yes, you will get wet on a white water rafting tour. The level of wetness will depend on the tour you choose and the rapids you encounter.
While most tours do not have strict physical requirements, you should be in good health and have basic swimming skills.
In the event of bad weather, the tour operator may cancel or reschedule the tour. They will provide options for refunds or rescheduling.
It is not recommended to bring your own camera on a white water rafting tour as it may get damaged or lost. However, most tours offer souvenir photos for purchase at the end of the trip.
Best Jasper White Water Rafting Tours
🌊 Skipped to the bottom? We recommend the Athabasca Falls Run — with a perfect 5-star rating and a Viator Badge of Excellence!
Final Thoughts
All in all, Jasper offers some of the best white water rafting experiences in North America. Whether you’re an experienced rafter looking for an adrenaline rush or a family looking for a fun day on the river, there’s a tour for everyone.
With a range of class levels and trip lengths, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, get ready to get wet and enjoy the stunning scenery of Jasper National Park from a whole new perspective.
Book your white water rafting adventure today and experience the thrill of a lifetime!
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