Athabasca Expressway Whitewater Rafting Jasper - Class II

Highlights

Make your way to a centrally-located meeting point in Jasper for 5:30pm departure, then travel 15 minutes to a put-in spot by the Athabasca River. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes so you’ll be ready for a quick change into a wetsuit, neoprene booties, and a paddle jacket, and on cooler days, bring a pair of wool socks to wear inside the neoprene booties. Join the river guides for a briefing on rafting technique and safety, then board a whitewater raft that accommodates between six and 10 passengers and a river guide. Put your paddle in the water to help propel the boat through five sets of Class II rapids, so you can practice your rafting skills between laid-back stretches of flat water. Throughout the trip, watch for wildlife at the edge of the river, as elk, deer, coyotes, osprey, and bears thrive in the surrounding mountains. After roughly one hour on the water, you’ll pull to shore at a take out point (it’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes, towel, and a warm jacket for after the river). This 2-hour whitewater trip concludes with transfer back to the original departure point.

Summary

Make your way to a centrally-located meeting point in Jasper for 5:30pm departure, then travel 15 minutes to a put-in spot by the Athabasca River. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes so you’ll be ready for a quick change into a wetsuit, neoprene booties, and a paddle jacket, and on cooler days, bring a pair of wool socks to wear inside the neoprene booties. Join the river guides for a briefing on rafting technique and safety, then board a whitewater raft that accommodates between six and 10 passengers and a river guide. Put your paddle in the water to help propel the boat through five sets of Class II rapids, so you can practice your rafting skills between laid-back stretches of flat water. Throughout the trip, watch for wildlife at the edge of the river, as elk, deer, coyotes, osprey, and bears thrive in the surrounding mountains. After roughly one hour on the water, you’ll pull to shore at a take out point (it’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes, towel, and a warm jacket for after the river). This 2-hour whitewater trip concludes with transfer back to the original departure point.

Tour info

Duration

2 hours

Why take this tour?

From novice to age ninety, no experience is necessary on this Class 2 whitewater adventure. You will raft along a wide, 5-mile section of the Athabasca River, aptly named the Expressway. The river winds its way through the incredibly scenic valley, surrounded by rocky mountains and old-growth pine forests. The calm, flowing stretches are peppered with small but splashing rapids making it the ideal river for families with young children.

What’s included?

All necessary technical equipment
Highly experienced, certified river guide
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting point
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 2h
Mobile tickets accepted
Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

Regular temperature checks for staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Maligne Adventures

About operator:

Jasper's Best Rafting is available only with Maligne Rafting Adventures. Class 3+ white water on the Fraser and Sunwapta Rivers offer great splashes and incredible scenery. Family friendly runs on the Athabasca River are a great way to spend a day in Jasper National Park. Join our Wildlife & Waterfalls tour to enjoy the best of Jasper's lakes and waterfalls. Daily departures at 9:30 showcase Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon and all the wildlife in between.