Your Icefields Parkway Adventure Stop

Drive yourself to the Sunwapta River and experience guided Class 3 whitewater rafting in Jasper National Park. Perfect for travellers en route between Jasper and Banff or those exploring nearby Sunwapta Falls and the Icefields Parkway. Fast rapids, stunning Rockies scenery, and possible wildlife sightings make this an unforgettable Canadian Rockies adventure.

Minimum weight: Rafters on Class 3 rivers must weigh a minimum of 90 lb/41 kg

Take on the Sunwapta River, Jasper’s ultimate whitewater adventure, for an exhilarating Class 3 rafting experience. This fast-flowing glacier-fed river features continuous rapids, breathtaking Canadian Rockies scenery, and an unforgettable wilderness setting.

The self-drive option is ideal for travellers driving between Jasper and Banff or guests exploring the Icefields Parkway who want to experience Sunwapta River rafting while still leaving time to visit nearby highlights such as Sunwapta Falls or the Icefields Centre. Trips run on scheduled departures, so guests should arrive at the meeting point on time.

Self-drive participants park at the Sunwapta River take-out location, approximately 350 m south of Sunwapta Falls Resort, and look for the bus branded Maligne Rafting. Once all participants have arrived, you’ll board the shuttle for a short drive to the river launch site.

At the launch point, you’ll be fitted with all provided rafting gear and receive a detailed safety briefing and paddle instruction from your licensed raft guide before heading into the rapids.

“Sunwapta,” meaning “turbulent river” in the Stoney language, lives up to its name. Your guide will navigate a 13 km stretch of pristine wilderness as you paddle in 6-person self-bailing rafts alongside the Endless Chain Mountain Range. The river features fast, continuous Class 2 and Class 3 rapids, including the famous rapid, “The Whopper.”

At the end of the trip, the raft returns to shore at the take-out location where your vehicle is parked. You’ll have time to change before continuing your day independently, whether exploring the surrounding area or travelling onward to your next destination.

The total experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including 1.5 hours on the water, gear fitting, safety briefing, and a short shuttle transfer to the river launch site.

No prior rafting experience is required. This adventure is designed for guests seeking an exciting whitewater rafting experience in Jasper National Park. Participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh a minimum of 90 lbs (41 kg).

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