Whitewater rafting in Jasper: two rivers, three sections
Rafting here means a guided trip in an inflatable boat on the Athabasca River or the Sunwapta River. Two sections of the Athabasca, one at Mile 5 and one below Athabasca Falls, are Class II. The Sunwapta section is Class III. These classes describe the stretches that trips run, not the whole river and not the waterfalls.
The trips are guided, and the boats carry life jackets, helmets and protection against the cold. Rafting season is the warm part of the year, from May to September at most.
Our picks: rafting tours
The Athabasca float is the easy start, the Class 2+ run is for families who want more splash, and the Sunwapta is the one for people who want faster water.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Sunwapta River rafting, self-drive
- All rafting equipment
- Professional guide
- Taxes included
A faster river for rafters who want more than a float, with all rafting equipment and a professional guide. You drive to the start yourself, about 45 minutes from Jasper, and it runs in summer only.
Check availability →Family whitewater rafting, Class 2+
- Wetsuit and full gear
- Certified river guide
- Return to town centre
About 1.5 hours on the water with a certified river guide, a safety briefing and all the gear: wetsuit, booties, paddle jacket and life jacket. The ride back to the town centre is included.
Check availability →
Easy 2-hour float on the Athabasca River
- Transport to and from the river
- Life jacket
- Rain poncho if needed
A calm two-hour trip with transport to and from the river, a life jacket and a poncho if you need one. Rafting season is summer, so check the dates.
Check availability →Rafting trips in Jasper
Guided rafting on the Athabasca and Sunwapta rivers, with live prices and availability.
Rafting on the Athabasca and Sunwapta rivers compared
How the sections differ. Every operator sets its own dates and rules.
| Section | Class | Season (varies) | Minimum age (varies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athabasca River, Mile 5 | II | May to September | 5 years |
| Athabasca River, below Athabasca Falls | II | May to August | 6 years |
| Sunwapta River | III | June to August | 12 years |
Ages and dates differ by operator, so check the minimum age of the trip you book. For most families with younger children, the Mile 5 section is the one to look at. Choose the Sunwapta if everyone is 12 or older and wants more action.
Jasper rafting trips: what to expect
The basics for each section.
Athabasca River at Mile 5
The gentlest of the three. The river is Class II here, and the season runs from May to September. It has the lowest class and usually the lowest minimum age.
Athabasca River below Athabasca Falls
Also Class II, in a section below the falls. You do not raft the waterfall itself. The season runs from May to August.
Athabasca Falls →Sunwapta River
The liveliest section, at Class III. Departures in 2026 ran from 3 June to 20 August, depending on conditions.
What to check before you book a rafting trip
Four points that differ from trip to trip.
Section and class
Check which stretch the trip runs. Class II at Mile 5 and below Athabasca Falls is a different day from Class III on the Sunwapta.
Dates
The Sunwapta runs a shorter window than the Athabasca sections. Water and weather conditions can limit trips, so check the dates for your visit.
Minimum age
The rule is set by the trip, not by the park. Ask before you book if anyone in your group is under 12.
What is included
Look for the life jacket, helmet and cold protection in the description. The park pass is not included in a trip price.
Safety, gear and water rules
Only take part in rafting on a guided trip. A guided trip does not mean you may raft other rivers on your own. Wear what the operator tells you to, and follow the guide's instructions in the boat. The trips supply the safety gear: a life jacket, a helmet and protection against the cold.
The park's water activity rules have applied since 31 July 2026. If you bring your own paddling gear to the park, clean it, drain it and dry it first. The minimum drying time is 48 hours if you last used it in Alberta, British Columbia or a Canadian territory, and 30 days otherwise. Operators handle this for their own boats.
Prices differ by trip, length and operator, so there is no single rafting price. The park pass does not cover the trip. The pass costs CA$12.25 per day for adults aged 18 to 64 in 2026.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pair the river with another stop.
Rafting in Jasper: frequently asked questions
What is the best river for rafting in Jasper?
It depends on your group. Mile 5 on the Athabasca is the calmest, and the Sunwapta is the liveliest.
Does the park pass cover a rafting trip?
No. The park pass and the trip are separate. The pass costs CA$12.25 per day for adults in 2026.
What is the minimum age for rafting in Jasper?
It differs by trip. For example, 5 years for Mile 5, 6 years below Athabasca Falls and 12 years for the Sunwapta. Check the rule for your trip.
When is the rafting season?
May to September at most. The Sunwapta runs from June to August, and its 2026 departures ran from 3 June to 20 August.
Can I raft on my own?
The trips here are guided. Do not try other stretches of these rivers on your own.