All the thrills of a roller coaster, paired up with the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain river canyons makes whitewater rafting a fantastic opportunity for holiday adventure.

The Banff area has some of the best spots for rafting. The Kananaskis and Kicking Horse Rivers and Bow River Horseshoe Canyon are a few examples where you’ll find plenty of tour operators to choose from. A little farther north is the Mount Robson and Jasper areas, where you can get some rafting along the Fraser River. The Kootenay River is farther south, towards the border with the USA and there are several great rapid runs there.

One of the great things about these rivers is that they offer different levels of difficulty depending on where along the river you are rafting. When you book a tour, you’ll see that runs are given grade ratings so you can get a sense of how wild the white water is going to be. Grades 1 and 2 are the easiest, with a little rough water and you’ll want to have some paddling skills though even a total novice could raft a Grade 1 run.

Photo Courtesy of Kumsheen Rafting

Grade 3 is more strenuous and will have some rocks and a few drops along the route. You should have some intermediate paddling experience for these areas. Grades 4 and 5 are really only for folks who have advanced skills maneuvering in white water. Rivers that are classed as a Grade 6 are considered to be too dangerous to raft.

The higher grades (4 and 5) are only for adults, but you can definitely take the kids on any trips that are classed in the 1 and 2 range. Grade 3 rivers are better for older kids, though it can vary.

Rafting tours come in many shapes and sizes. You can arrange for a few hours of rafting for just an afternoon, or book a longer trip that will include overnight camping as you take several rafting runs over the course of a few days. Add in some hiking or horse-back riding when you are on dry land for a little change of pace.

You won’t need to bring any equipment or supplies with you except possibly a bathing suit. Tour operators will provide all the safety equipment you’ll need, such as helmets, life jackets and wetsuits. Any trips that involve camping as well as rafting, you might be require to provide more of your own supplies.

Most whitewater rafts hold 8 to 10 people, and are usually inflatable which gives them lots of rubbery bounce as you hit the rapids. Depending on your skill level, you’ll be expected to help out with the paddling though you can just sit and enjoy the ride if you prefer.

While you don’t necessarily have to have paddling experience to go whitewater rafting, it is a good idea to know how to swim. On the rougher water, people do get dumped out of the rafts occasionally and you should be prepared for anything. The life jackets make a world of difference, but it’s prudent to be able to take care of yourself while in the water.

Overview

Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Rocky Mountain Range of Alberta and is spread out over 10, 000 square kilometers (4,200 square miles). Set against the Rocky Mountain Range is the Athabasca Glacier, Miette Hot springs, gorgeous waterfalls, pristine forests and sparkling lakes. Visit the wonders of the park by road or be whisked away on the Jasper Tramway to enjoy any of the wonderful sites and activities this incredible park have to offer.

Water Trips

White water rafting is possibly the most popular summer sport in the park. Many companies offer you a chance to plunge through the foamy water in exhilarating day trips or longer overnight trips. There are trips available for all experience levels and on site lessons for beginners. Swim in a secluded lake after a day of trekking around the foothills or just bask on one of the beaches for nap before dinner.

Whitewater Rafting in Jasper Park - Photo courtesy of Jasper Raft Tours

Motorized Tours

Van and van-assisted or motorcycle tours are available for sightseeing in the park. They offer you a chance to get out and closely explore areas you may not have seen otherwise. A helicopter can be hired for incredible sight seeing above the park or to deposit you in a private spot for a heart pounding heli-hiking experience. Choose a local company to take you on a guided tour of the Athabasca Glacier in one of their Ice Explorers.

Muscle Power

Guides can be hired for many of the activities you want to experience however, self guided tours are also popular. Spend some time walking, hiking or backpacking over some of the 1,200 kilometers of trails available. Many of these routes were used by Indigenous people and later by explorers as they traveled through these areas. There are climbing and mountaineering options, cycling and mountain biking expeditions and horse back riding tours available everywhere. Be sure to register or get any of the permits required for your chosen activity.

Mount Edith Cavell, Jasper National Park - Photo courtesy of Jasper Adventure Centre

Spend The Night

Whether you prefer the comfort of a lodge or hut, a tent amongst the trees or a primitive site off the beaten track, there is something for everyone. Spend a couple nights in one of over 1000 sites campsites to choose from. If you wish to have a fire to brighten up your campsite be aware that they are not allowed at all sites and pay attention to any fire bans that may be in place in your area.

Historical Sites

When it became clear, in 1907, that two railroads would be built through the Athabasca Valley the Canadian Parliament declared valley as a forest reserve. In time the reserve became known as the Jasper National Park and besides the scenery and wildlife the park also holds four National Historic Sites. The Jasper Information Centre was built in 1914 and showcases the value of building with local resources. This was the first substantial building built in Jasper and is the first to greet visitors arriving by train. The Athabasca Pass, Yellowhead Pass and Jasper House are also National Historic Sites within the park.

Raft the Thompson River and stay with us on your next BC road trip through the Fraser Canyon. Known for 36 years of rafting expertise and great family vacations, Kumsheen is only 3 hours from Vancouver. Facilities include cabin tents, teepees, RV sites, private campground, licensed restaurant, outdoor pool.

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