Overview

Experience Jasper’s Roller Coaster!

Take the Sunwapta challenge, known as Jasper’s wild water rollercoaster ride. It has a steep gradient with numerous class 3 rapids. Don’t miss the high water from mid-June to late-July.

A 45-minute bus trip takes you to the launch point where you’ll be given all technical equipment. You’ll be given an in-depth safety and instruction briefing before getting wet and wild.

“Sunwapta” is the Stoney Indian term for “turbulent river” and this river lives up to its name. Set in a pristine wilderness area, this is a low volume, technical river that follows the Endless Chain Mountain Range from its source at the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Traveling in 6 person self-bailing rafts, your expert guide will maneuver skillfully down the 13 km stretch of river, punching through a consistent flow of Class 2 rapids in between several sections of Class 3 — including a locally-renown rapid named ‘The Whopper’!

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

Highlights

You’ll be surrounded by spectacular Canadian Rockies scenery in a prime wildlife habitat, allowing the occasional chance to spot elusive wildlife from the raft or during the scenic bus ride.

The total round-trip time is 4 hours which includes 1.5 hours on water, instruction/ safety briefing and all transfers to and from river. Suited to individuals looking for an exhilarating whitewater ride. No experience necessary! Rafters must be at least 12 years and weigh a minimum of 90 lbs (41 kgs).

Prepare

What we provide

Licensed raft guides, self-bailing rafts, paddles, wetsuits, booties, paddle jackets, life jackets, and helmets (if applicable).

What to wear

A swimsuit or shorts under casual wear is best. Clothing worn under wetsuits gets wet, so bring a towel and warm clothes for afterward. In cooler weather, we recommend guests bring additional clothing (wool or polypropylene is best) to wear under their wet suits.

FAQs

There are currently no questions, please check again later.

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

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

Sunwapta River Rafting Tour - Self-Drive

Enjoy the only Class 3 rafting located fully within Jasper National Park. This trip offers turbulent rapids, spectacular scenery and good wildlife opportunities. Great for physically active first-timers and experienced rafters.

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

AVAILABLE

June 20 - Aug 23, 2026

DURATION

4 hours

AGES

12+ years

WEIGHT

Must be at least 90 lb / 41 kg

Per Person (with Bus)

Age 12 and over

$132 CA

Per Person (self-drive option)

Age 12 and over

*Must be accompanied by an adult

$117 CA

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

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