Sunwapta River – Self Drive Option

Sunwapta River Rafting (Self Drive)

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

The river is at its most exciting during the high water period from mid-June to late July, making it a must-do for adrenaline seekers.

The self-drive option is a convenient activity for guests to do enroute when traveling between Jasper and Banff or for anyone looking to enjoy the Sunwapta River rafting while leaving the rest of the day free to explore nearby highlights, such as Sunwapta Falls or the Icefields Centre. Trips run on a scheduled departure, so guests should arrive at the meeting point on time.

Self-drive participants park their vehicles 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 bus for a short shuttle to the river launch site. At the launch point, you will be fitted with all provided rafting gear and receive a detailed safety briefing and paddle instruction from your licensed raft guide before entering the rapids.

“Sunwapta,” meaning “turbulent river” in the Stoney Indian 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 along the Endless Chain Mountain Range. The river features a fast and consistent flow of Class 2 rapids with several challenging Class 3 sections, including the famous rapid, ‘The Whopper’.

Along the way, you may spot occasional wildlife, either from the raft or during the scenic shuttle ride, making this Jasper National Park rafting adventure as visually stunning as it is thrilling.

At the end of the run, the raft will be brought to shore at the take-out location where your car is parked. You’ll have time to change and then continue your day independently, whether exploring the surrounding area or driving to your next destination.

The total round-trip experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, which includes 1.5 hours on the water, gear fitting, safety briefing, and river shuttles. This adventure is designed for individuals seeking an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience. No prior rafting experience is required. Participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh a minimum of 90 lbs (41 kg).

What we Provide:
Licensed professional raft guides, self-bailing rafts, paddles, wetsuits, neoprene booties, paddle jackets, life jackets, and helmets.

What to Wear:
Please wear a swimsuit or shorts under your clothing. All clothing worn under the wetsuit will get wet, so bring a towel and warm, dry clothes for after the trip. For cooler weather, additional layers such as wool or polypropylene under the wetsuit are recommended.

Self-Drive Meeting Information:
Morning trip participants should arrive at 10:00 AM, and afternoon trip participants at 2:00 PM, parked and ready to wait for our bus. Please note that our bus, clearly marked “Maligne Rafting,” will not be at the meeting location when you first arrive, and other rafting operators may be present. Our bus will arrive with the non-self-drive participants at approximately 10:15 AM (morning) or 2:15 PM (afternoon), pending traffic conditions. Trips depart on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals, so it is important to arrive on time. Please familiarize yourself with the driving directions beforehand, as there is little to no cell reception en route or at the meeting point. All times are in Alberta MST Time zone.

Self-Drive Meeting Location: Sunwapta River take-out, 350 m south of Sunwapta Falls Resort. Park your car and wait for the bus branded Maligne Rafting.

Driving Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GBSKqrj6vp9NTMYKA

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