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Alberta, Canada River rafting

Our most recommended Alberta, Canada River rafting

Banff: Afternoon Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour

1. Banff: Afternoon Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour

Enjoy whitewater rafting down an idyllic stretch of the Kanaskasis River, the perfect excursion for families, groups, and newcomers to whitewater rafting. Explore the pristine waterways of the Kananaskis River. Scout for local wildlife and enjoy the unrivaled beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Meet at the Nakoda Lakeside Lodge on Highway 1A. Start your rafting adventure with a 45-minute drive from Banff or Calgary. Enjoy the short scenic ride as you wind through the Canadian countryside. Once you're fitted with your wetsuits and other safety equipment, ride in a comfortable bus a short distance to the starting point on the Kananaskis River. Here, your guides will provide safety instructions and teach your paddle techniques. Feel equipped and ready to go as you prepare for the river. Board your raft and begin your journey. Admire the views during calm parts of the river. Practice different paddling techniques with your guide. Spot local wildlife such as soaring eagles, and deer who stroll along the banks of the river. Then, get ready to be splashed as your raft through class 2-3 rapids as you travel along a lovely forested area of the river. At the end of the journey enjoy a scenic float to the finish where you can swim and splash in the water. Return to the river base for high fives and snacks to celebrate your rafting adventure. This tour operates from mid-May to mid-September and is ideal for anyone that has never rafted before or does not know how to swim.

Athabasca Falls: Class 2 White Water Rafting Adventure

2. Athabasca Falls: Class 2 White Water Rafting Adventure

The Athabasca Falls trip is probably our most scenic. After a 30-minute bus drive from town guests are suited up in our wetsuit gear. After a safety talk there is a 5-minute portage to the river. This river trip starts with a bang. Once out in the main current the first set of rapids is only seconds way. Once these rapids have soaked everyone in the raft the rafters find themselves in a canyon. For the next 30-minutes there are no trails or roads next to the river it is just the river and you. The canyon ends with another set of rapids and spectacular views of the Athabasca River valley. Once back at the highway it is about 20 minutes to the take out. There are more sections of rapids but also flat section to enjoy and learn about the natural surroundings. All trips are in 8-person rafts with a licensed river guide.

Jasper National Park: Sunwapta River White Water Rafting

3. Jasper National Park: Sunwapta River White Water Rafting

Enjoy a white water rafting adventure on the Sunwapta, a narrow, steep, glacial feed river in the heart of Jasper National Park. The Sunwapta is the only grade 3 whitewater offered in Jasper National Park. The river is glacial fed and as long as the weather is warm we can have great water up until closing. Begin the trip with a float where crews can practice their paddling technique before the show begins. Once the rapids start they just build and build until the Whopper soaks everyone just before the take-out. Once the rapids start it is still important to look at the 360-degree mountain views. The river follows the jagged ridge of the Endless Chain.

Jasper National Park: 2-Hour Whitewater Rafting

4. Jasper National Park: 2-Hour Whitewater Rafting

Take on the grade 2 whitewater rapids on the Athabasca River while taking in the fresh air and scenic mountain views. Start your tour in the town of Jasper and head only 8 km south to the put-in point. After suiting up in wetsuits and a safety talk, it's off to the river. Begin with a 10-minute float to get comfortable in the raft, experience the river environment, and admire the 360-degree Mountain View. After, embark on the grade 2 rapids which guarantee a splash without the likelihood of falling in. You can choose to swim in the glacial water if you feel brave enough. After 4 or 5 sections of rapids, the Miette River joins the Athabasca and the trip ends just around the corner at Old Fort Point. All trips are in 8-person rafts with a licensed river guide.

Jasper National Park Family Friendly Rafting Adventure

5. Jasper National Park Family Friendly Rafting Adventure

Raft the Athabasca River on a thrilling, family-friendly 2-hour adventure set against a backdrop of dramatic alpine mountains, rushing glacial waters, grazing moose, and other wildlife. While you sign your waiver form at the Jasper office, watch highlights of your adventure to come on 8 big TV screens. Then transfer by minibus for the short 15-minute drive to your rafting start point. On arrival, guides will distribute wet suits and safety equipment, and give an instructive and entertaining safety talk to ensure everyone is comfortable. Once on the river, go through a serious of paddle commands and practice on the flat water before you hit the rapids. Paddle and splash 5 miles down river, heading to Old Fort Point and back towards Jasper. Along the way, you will encounter no less than 5 sets of class-2 rapids of splashy white water, ideal for first timers and children aged 5 and up.

Kicking Horse River: Whitewater Rafting Half-Day Trip

6. Kicking Horse River: Whitewater Rafting Half-Day Trip

Enjoy an exhilarating whitewater rafting tour on the Kicking Horse River as you brave Class 2 to Class 4/4+ waters with a guide. Take on rapids such as Hopi's Hole, Cable Car, Table Saw, and the famous Portage and Shotgun. Your experience begins at the local partner's day lodge, conveniently located on the TransCanada Highway. After a warm welcome, your crew distributes top-of-the-line rafting gear (wetsuit, wetsuit booties and gloves, spray jackets, life jackets, and helmets). In the comfort of heated change rooms, change into the provided gear before taking a quick shuttle to the "put-in" (starting point), where you receive your extensive safety briefing before jumping in the river. This is the biggest whitewater river in the Rockies. Prepare to hold on and get wet. Enjoy the canyon environment and possibly get a glimpse of a mountain goat, wolf, or bear. Following your trip, another quick shuttle returns you back to the warmth of the base. Once changed back into dry and comfortable land clothes, enjoy snacks and a selection of hot and cold beverages. Stop by the gift shop for a souvenir or photo of the trip to take back home.

Kicking Horse River: Half-Day Intro to Whitewater Rafting

7. Kicking Horse River: Half-Day Intro to Whitewater Rafting

Get a perfect introduction to whitewater rafting on Class 1-3 rapids starting in Yoho National Park of Canada. Experience moderately-challenging rapids and the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies.  Check-in at the lodge conveniently located on TransCanada Highway #1. Be fitted with top-of-the-line gear and transported to the starting point of the rafting experience. Receive a thorough safety briefing before setting off on the river. Embark on a 90-minute downstream journey starting with the "Alarm Clock" rapid, which is sure to wake everyone up. In between the exciting rapids, take in the beautiful scenery surrounding you on all sides. Learn about the wildlife in the area, how the Kicking Horse River got its name, and how the river gets its beautiful blue color. Finish the rafting trip at "Hopi's Hole", which serves as an exciting grande finale. After the rafting, be taken back to the lodge to relax and warm up in the heated changing-rooms. Once back in warm, dry clothes, enjoy freshly baked goodies and seasonal fruit along with a selection of hot and cold beverages. Browse through the gift shop to pick up a souvenir t-shirt or photos from your experience.

Jasper: Canyon Run Family Whitewater Rafting

8. Jasper: Canyon Run Family Whitewater Rafting

Begin the tour with a 30-minute bus ride to the river at the base of Athabasca Falls. Get geared up with all the necessary equipment and change into your wetsuit. Your highly experienced, certified guide will give an overview of all rafting and safety procedures before you jump onboard the 6-passenger, self-bailing raft. As you embark, hear the thundering of Athabasca Falls plunging behind you. Your raft will join a turbulent stir of whitewater whisking you downstream as your guide expertly navigates the river, surrounded by the high rock walls of the Athabasca Canyon. In the first part of the 12-km ride, punch through consistent sections of exhilarating Class II rapids before the river mellows giving you a chance to relax. Take in spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies and perhaps even spot some local wildlife on the shoreline of this pristine environment. All technical equipment will be supplied including paddles, wetsuits, neoprene booties and paddle jackets. You will need to wear a swimsuit or a t-shirt and shorts under your casual clothes and be prepared to get wet. Bring dry clothes, a towel and on cooler days, wool socks to wear inside the booties and a warm jacket to put on afterward. You are also welcome to bring snacks and water to enjoy on the bus to and from the river. These trips do not require any previous experience and are suited for individuals aged 5 years and above, looking for an introductory whitewater adventure.

Jasper: Jasper National Park Easy 2-Hour Rafting Trip

9. Jasper: Jasper National Park Easy 2-Hour Rafting Trip

Relax and enjoy an afternoon that you'll never forget. This is a true Canadian outdoor experience. Take a fun and scenic trip down the Athabasca River, a designated Canadian Heritage River.A National Park-licensed guide will provide commentary on the human and natural history of Jasper while navigating you along the same route used by the fur traders over 200 years ago. The specially designed, 7-meter- or 25-foot-long, oar-powered rafts come equipped with life jackets, and provide a safe, comfortable ride through a few small sets of rapids and calm stretches that any first-time rafter will enjoy. Don’t worry - the guides do all the rowing. All you have to do is sit back and relax while you take in the spectacular scenery.  You can spot various local wildlife, including elks, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, eagles, ospreys, mountain sheep, and bears.

Banff: Morning Whitewater Rafting Tour in Horseshoe Canyon

10. Banff: Morning Whitewater Rafting Tour in Horseshoe Canyon

Embark on an exciting rafting trip through class 3-4 rapids and with big waves meaning you will get soaked and have lots of fun. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife sightings and enjoy the stunning outdoor beauty of the Horseshoe Canyon section of the Bow River. Start your rafting adventure with an optional pick-up in Banff or Canmore and enjoy the short scenic ride as it winds its way through the Canadian countryside. Once you're fitted with your wetsuits and other safety equipment, be transported in a comfortable bus a short distance to the starting point on the Bow River. Here, your guides will go through safety instructions and paddle techniques ready for your time on the river. Then it's time to jump aboard to start your journey. Admire the views during calm parts of the river and learn from your guide as they lead the group through different paddling techniques. Make sure to watch for the area’s local wildlife, including eagles soaring above and deer strolling along the river banks. Then, the river comes to life, kicking up a series of frothy rapids that will get your heart pumping. Hang tight and listen for your guide's instructions as he helps you navigate the whitewater through the shale cliffs. At the midway point, stop for an optional cliff jump into the glacier-fed waters of the Bow River. Depending on your adventure level you can choose from a medium or a big cliff jump, or simply enjoy watching the others take the plunge. After the thrill of cliff jumping, continue rafting until you reach the endpoint. Return to the river base for high fives, snacks, and optional return transport. This tour operates from mid May to early September, with transport available from late May onwards on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

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What people are saying about Alberta, Canada

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 172 reviews

There is nothing more spectacular than the natural beauty of Alberta and Jasper National Park. This activity has one on the mighty Athabasca River, enjoying the scenery and experiencing a thrill as one navigates down the fast flowing glacial water. The raft guides are exceptional and well informed. The activity is active but not overly strenuous. The colour of the water and the possibility of wildlife sighting are two bonus elements of this fun and worthwhile activity.

Great fun without being scary. You get changed on the bus and leave your stuff on it as it picks you up afterwards where you get back in the clothes you arrived in. You're on the water for about 1hr 15m and the guide does the steering, you just paddle when needed. Optional jumping out of the boat at the end which is well worth it, very fresh but not freezing cold as you have your wetsuit on.

Chris was our guide and he was great! Told us so much information about the rapids and the mountains near by. He was nice and was good company. Highly recommend.

It was so fun! I was nervous at first but the guide and the staff are knowledgeable and made it feel safe and fun!

Great scenic journey, experienced and knowledgeable crew and easy with pickup from Jasper town.