Overview

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.

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.

Highlights

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

Where does the Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking trip take place?

Trips take place on the Athabasca River, about 15 minutes south of Jasper. Transportation from downtown Jasper to and from the river is included. Guides provide full instruction, a safety briefing, and assist with launching and take-out at the end of the trip.

What should I wear and what is included on the inflatable kayaking trip?

Wear a swimsuit or swim shorts under your clothes. The tour includes a wetsuit, paddle jacket, neoprene booties, life jacket, and helmet. Bring a towel, dry clothes, and a warm layer for after your trip.

Will I paddle my own kayak?

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.

How long is the Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking trip?

The full Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking experience takes approximately 2 hours, including shuttle, safety briefing, and changing. You’ll spend about 1 hour on the water, paddling through sets of Class 2 rapids on the Athabasca River.

What age and weight are required for Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking?

Guests must be 12 years or older and weigh at least 90 lbs (41 kg). Anyone under 18 must paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult guardian.

What’s the difference between inflatable kayaking and rafting?

Inflatable kayaking is a paddler-focused experience where each guest steers their own kayak (or tandem kayak).

Rafting uses larger group rafts with a guide steering, making it more social and less hands-on. Kayaking offers more independence and control on the water.

Do I need to know how to swim for Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking?

No swimming ability is required for Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking. All guests wear a life jacket and safety gear, and guides provide instructions on what to do if you enter the water.

Do I need prior experience for Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking?

No experience is required for this Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking trip in Jasper. This beginner-friendly activity is ideal for first-time paddlers, with guides providing full instructions and leading the group safely down the river.

Looking for more details?

From Adventurers

The evening wildlife tour exceeded our expectations, both in the diversity of wildlife encountered and the quality of the tour guide/driver. We saw bald eagle, bighorn sheep, elk, moose and mule deer. Bear would have been good but it was not the best time of year for them. Josh was a fantastic guide, extremely knowledgeable, full of anecdotes and humorous. We stayed out longer than the scheduled time as there was so much to see.
Chris
Trip Advisor
Ross provides a fun and informative tour to those visiting Jasper to check out its wildlife evening tour. Enjoyed the hiking tour to Maligne Lake. It was chilly since it was October so layers were essential in the mountains along with a hot chocolate. Maligne Canyon is beautiful with its lichen lined walls bordering the aqua pool and waterfall. This is a definite must do adventure while in Jasper.
Marie D.
Trip Advisor
Beautiful setting and we saw moose! We were with a small group that split off into a smaller group for a hike or a cruise. We chose well! It's a short walk through the woods and near the lake. There's a nice waffle house and lunch room and seating by the lake and indoors for those that bring their own snacks. Highly recommend. Our guide, Catherine was a well informed, biologist / zoologist that had a lot of interest and context to our tour. We also saw sheep and elk along with stunning Mountain views
Lynn
Trip Advisor

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

$139 CA

Book Now

+ 5% GST & 3% Parks Canada Government River Access Fee

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