The word Sunwapta means turbulent waters. The Sunwapta is a narrow, steep, glacial fed river in Jasper National Park and is rated as an overall Grade 3.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Duration 3.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
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Live tour guide: English, French

Highlights

Admire spectacular mountain views
Practice your paddling skills on the float
Enjoy soaring through Grade 3 rafting

Full description

The word Sunwapta is a Stoney Indian word meaning turbulent waters. Our trip on the river lives up to the name. The Sunwapta is a narrow, steep, glacial feed river in the heart of Jasper National Park and is rated as an overall Grade 3. 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. The river trip itself begins 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. All trips are in 8 person-guided rafts.

Includes

Experienced river guide
All necessary river equipment
Transportation from Jasper (if option selected)

Gratuities
Transportation from Jasper (if option not selected)
Photos

Not suitable for

Children under 12 years

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Meeting point

Be waiting at the RV Parking 1-hour lot prior to the tour start time. The shuttle bus will not come back for late guests. Tour departs from the RV Parking Lot in Jasper, AB, located next to the Jasper Home Building Centre. Look for a blue or yellow school bus with yellow rafts on the trailer.

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Important information

What to bring

Swimwear

Know before you go

A self-drive option is available as an alternative to a town pickup so please contact the office if interested

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 18 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
5/5
Value for money
4.8/5
Safety
5/5

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The guide, Shane, is engaging, knowledgeable and friendly. Instruction given in regards to raft safety and paddle commands was thorough. Coordination between drop off and pick up ran smoothly. I would recommend changing the times to reflect the true start time. The times given are not the actual times, and when you are managing others schedules with your own, it can be difficult to coordinate.

August 10, 2022

Hummed and hawed about rafting for years and finally took the plunge to go. Never been and now I wish I went earlier in the summer so I could go again. Shout out to our guide Erin. Answers all your questions and she was a lot of fun. Look forward to coming back again next year.

August 22, 2021

Absolutely worth the price!!! The team at Jasper’s Whitewater Rafting Co were super friendly and great guides. I’m a first time rafter and class III on Sunwapta was exciting and doable. One bus takes you from Jasper to the falls where you get on another bus to take you up river. You can leave your gear (phone, keys, etc) on the bus which is “guarded.” They provide you with wet suite, water shoes, a helmet, and a good time!

August 1, 2021

Jasper National Park: Sunwapta River White Water Rafting

Jasper National Park: Sunwapta River White Water Rafting

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