Overview
Paddle Your Own Adventure in Jasper’s Rapids!
Take on Jasper’s whitewater from a whole new perspective — in your very own inflatable kayak! These easy-handling, sit-on-top kayaks put you right at the heart of the action, offering a thrilling yet beginner-friendly way to experience the river.
Minimum weight: Must weigh a minimum of 90 lb/41 kg
Highlights
Your adventure begins in Jasper where you’ll meet your licensed river guide and gear up with all the technical equipment you’ll need. After a safety and paddle briefing, you’ll hit the water and follow your guide through a scenic stretch of river. Inflatable kayaks are known for their buoyancy and stability, making them a great choice for both first-time paddlers and seasoned thrill seekers.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy calm flowing sections of river broken up by 5 sets of beginner-friendly Class 2 rapids that provide plenty of excitement without being overwhelming. With your guide coaching your technique and leading the way, you’ll have the chance to paddle the gentler lines or test your skills on slightly splashier routes depending on your comfort level.
This trip uses a mix of single and double kayaks, with group configuration determined by your guide. Guests under 18 must paddle in a double kayak with a parent or guardian. Whether you’re navigating your own kayak or sharing the adventure with a partner, you’ll get the perfect balance of thrills and tranquility as you explore Jasper’s mountain waterways.
The total round-trip time is about 2 hours, including instruction, transfers, and approximately 1 hour on the water. With its Class 2 rapids, this tour is fun, wet, and adrenaline-filled, while remaining accessible to beginners who are comfortable in the water. Guests must be able to swim, be at least 12 years old, and weigh a minimum of 90 lbs (41 kg).
Best For: Active paddlers, adventurous beginners, experienced rafters looking for a new challenge, and thrill seekers who want more control over their whitewater experience.
Prepare
What we provide
Licensed river guides, self-bailing inflatable kayaks, paddles, wetsuits, booties, paddle jackets, life jackets, and helmets.
What to wear
A swimsuit or shorts under casual wear is best. Clothing worn under wetsuits gets wet, so be sure to bring a towel and warm clothes for afterward.
FAQs
Trips take place on the Athabasca River, approximately 15 minutes south of Jasper. Check-in is in Jasper, and round-trip transportation between Jasper and the river is included.
Arrive wearing a swimsuit or shorts under your regular clothes. We provide your inflatable kayak, paddle, wetsuit, paddle jacket, neoprene booties, life jacket, and helmet. Bring a towel and dry, warm clothing for afterward. On cooler days, bring a fleece or wool layer to wear under your paddle jacket and avoid cotton.
Yes — all guests paddle either their own single inflatable kayak or a double inflatable kayak with a partner. Guides lead from their own kayak, and you follow their line to safely navigate the rapids.
The complete experience takes approximately 2 hours, including round-trip transportation from Jasper, changing into river gear, safety and paddling instruction, and approximately 1 hour on the water navigating Class 2 rapids on the Athabasca River.
Participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh a minimum of 90 lb (41 kg). Guests under 18 must paddle in a double kayak with their accompanying parent or guardian.
Inflatable kayaking offers a more hands-on whitewater experience, with guests paddling and maneuvering their own single or double kayak while following a guide down the river.
Rafting uses larger group rafts with a guide steering the boat, making it a more social and less independent experience. Inflatable kayaking is a great choice for adventurous guests who want more control on the water.
Yes. Participants must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water. All guests wear a life jacket and required safety gear, and guides provide instructions on what to do if you enter the water.
No experience is required for our Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking trip in Jasper. This beginner-friendly activity is ideal for first-time paddlers, with guides providing full safety and paddling instruction and leading the group down the river.
Looking for more details?
Where to Meet
Please check in 15 minutes prior to your rafting trip departure at the black Maligne Rafting Trailer located in the pop-up business village: 637 Connaught Drive (corner of Connaught Drive and Hazel Avenue — next to the public washrooms and across from the Shell gas station).
All-day paid public parking is available in this lot, including limited RV spaces. All guests will be required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival.
From Adventurers
Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking
Experience Jasper’s rapids up close in a stable sit-on-top inflatable kayak. Follow your guide through scenic river stretches and splashy Class II rapids for the perfect mix of thrills and tranquility. No experience needed — just bring your sense of adventure!
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
AVAILABLE
May 16 - Jun 19 & Aug 24 - Sep 20 (Fri, Sat & Sun)
DURATION
2 hours
AGES
12+ years
WEIGHT
Must be at least 90 lb / 41 kg
Per Person
Age 12 and over
From $139-$199 CA
+ 5% GST & 3% Parks Canada licensing fee on River Trips
Sunwapta River Rafting Tour - Self-Drive
Duration
2.5 hours
Price
From
Age
12+ years
Mighty Fraser River Rafting Tour - Self-Drive
Duration
3 hours
Price
From
Age
12+ years
Athabasca Expressway Rafting Tour
Duration
2 hours
Price
From
$48.50 CA
Age
5+ years
Sunwapta River Rafting Tour
Duration
4 hours
Price
From
Age
12+ years
Mighty Fraser River Rafting Tour
Duration
5 hours
Price
From
Age
12+ years
Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking
Duration
2 hours
Price
From
Age
12+ years
Athabasca Falls Canyon Run Rafting Tour
Duration
3.5 hours
Price
From
$58.50 CA
Age
5+ years