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Jasper Self-Drive Sunwapta River: Class 3 Whitewater Rafting

New2 h 30 minFree cancellationBy Maligne Adventures
Jasper Self-Drive Sunwapta River: Class 3 Whitewater Rafting

About this activity

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

Not included

  • ✕Transfers to/from Jasper
  • ✕Food and drinks
  • ✕Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • ✕Gratuities (optional)

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.

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.
  • 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.

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