Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting: Jasper National Park's Only Class III Rapids
4.9
112 Ratings
Jasper
Experience the thrill of Sunwapta Challenge, Jasper National Park's only Class III rapids. Take a wild whitewater rollercoaster ride with stunning scenery and wildlife sightings. Book now!
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Maligne Adventures -

Sunwapta is the Stoney Indian term for turbulent river and this river lives up to its name. Traveling in 6 passenger self-bailing rafts, your expert guide will maneuver your group skillfully down the 13 kilometer stretch of river punching through a consistent flow of Class II rapids in-between several sections of Class III whitewater.

Set in a pristine wilderness area of Jasper National Park, the Sunwapta is a low volume, technical river that follows the Endless Chain Mountain Range from its source at the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. You will be surrounded by spectacular Canadian Rockies scenery in prime wildlife habitat allowing the chance to spot elusive native wildlife from the raft or during the scenic bus rideThese trips do not require any previous experience and are suited for physically active individuals, 12 years and above and weighing at least 90 lbs (41 kgs) who are looking for an exhilarating ride.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure for check-in procedures.

What's Included
  • Highly experienced, certified river guide
  • Return transfers to and from the river, departing from our Downtown Location
  • Wet Suits and all on-river equipment
  • All necessary technical equipment
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

Dare to take the Sunwapta adventure in the untamed whitewater escapade in Jasper. This four-hour return trip on the steep slope and numerous rapids, represents the sole Class 3 rapids situated entirely in Jasper National Park. It presents breathtaking landscapes and numerous chances to see wildlife. Make sure you don’t miss the high water periods from mid-June to late July!

  • All day parking is located in the parking lot directly across the street.
  • You are required to check-in and sign waivers 15 minutes prior to departure time
  • Dress with a swimsuit underneath your street clothing and bring warm clothing for afterwards. It is also recommended to bring a drink and snack for after the tour
  • This trip runs in all weather conditions. Participants will be provided with all the necessary technical equipment including wetsuits, spray jackets, neoprene booties, helmets and lifejackets, however on cooler days, those prone to feeling the cold should bring either a fleece or wool jacket to wear underneath the spray jacket (no cotton should be worn)
  • Participants must be at least 12 years of age and weigh a minimum of 90 lbs (41 kg)
  • Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • Not recommended for those with back injuries
  • All departure times listed are in Alberta Mountain Standard Time Zone (MST)
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Location
638 Connaught Dr
Connaught Drive
Beside Public Washroom – Look for white Maligne Rafting Van in public parking lot on Cnr. Connaught Dr & Hazel Ave. Check-in required 15 minutes prior to departure time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(112 Ratings)
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Valeskach
Aug 21, 2023
AMAZING EXPERIENCE - the experience was incredible and the guides that accompanied us gave 100% and made the whole trip much better! the team was super charismatic and we were able to enjoy the rapids a lot! AMAZING VIEWS. Breathtaking. The communication with Maligne Adventures was always fluid and they always kept us up to date if there was any change in the activity which generates a lot of peace of mind when you are traveling on vacation! 100% recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tamara_b
Aug 17, 2023
AMAZING! - This trip was AMAZING. So much fun, beautiful scenery, guide was an expert and humorous. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Globetrotting423272
Aug 16, 2023
Living our best life! - A top activity in our 3 week trip to the Canadian Rockies. We had great fun rafting down the Sunwapta with Maligne Adventures. The guys who took us were friendly, fun and professional. Thank you to Andy who was stuck with the boring English family! Best Wishes, OFees from Guildford, UK
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joani_s
Aug 12, 2023
Great ride for those seeking more than a river float yet not dangerous. - Beautiful scenery and just the right amount of exertion/excitement. Guide was very knowledgeable and kept us engaged throughout the trip. I was a little nervous about the rapids but they were very navigable.
Review provided by Viator
Joanis529
Aug 12, 2023
Exciting yet completely safe. - Beautiful view. Guide was great with just the right amount of excitement and scenery. Never felt unsafe.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travellercjd
Aug 11, 2023
Fun rafting adventure with an outstanding guides - This company is fantastic! Our family of 4 (parents and 2 sons in their 20's) had a tremendously fun time on this trip. From the time we boarded the bus, the guides were welcoming, hospitable, and very entertaining. Luke chatted with our family for the approximately 45 min ride to the put in location. Some equipment is distributed on the bus, and upon arrival, the guides have a very organized way of getting everyone ready and with their guide. Our guide was Levi, and he was very personable and a very capable guide. Our family has been on about 9-10 whitewater rafting trips (we go on most of our vacations), and this one ranks right up with the best. The Sunwapta river trip starts off with about 20 minutes of calm river, where we enjoyed the scenery, took pictures, and chatted with Levi. Then the level 3 rapids begin, and they keep it up pretty much until the end of the trip. We have not been on a rafting trip with such consistent, fun rapids. Highly recommend this trip and all of the guides, as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Naptownmark
Aug 11, 2023
Fun times! - Fun had by all. Great communication about getting on the water and being safe. We had a great time on the water with Ty. He made sure there wasn't a dry spot on our wetsuit by the time we were done. The have the process down to a science which is great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_g
Aug 5, 2023
Rafting highlight in Jasper - Austin was very humerous, as well as managing to keep us all in the boat while we meandered the tricky Sumwapta river. Excellet value for a fun ( not too wet ) day out.
Review provided by Viator
Sarahbo776ql
Aug 3, 2023
Fabulous time!!! - Our guide Andy could not have been better. We had the best time and it was such a fun way to end our trip to the Canadian rockies. Seeing the mountains from the water was incredible and getting splashed by the glacier water was thrilling. Andy inspired confidence in his guiding ability and made it easy. His love for rafting is palpable. He's an overall very positive person and we feel very lucky to have had this experience with Andy and the awesome crew. We only wish it was longer but longer would have meant over Sunwapta Falls and that's not a good ending!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M1536xgphilips
Jul 31, 2023
One not to miss! - This was one of the highlights of our Rockies tour. The ride up to the river was comfortable enough in an old school bus, and for those of us not from North America, really cool and quirky! The guides were friendly, knowledgeable and clearly enjoyed rafting. We were in a boat with Andy, who was brilliant! So encouraging, clear with instructions and supportive in teaching us to raft. Cannot recommend this experience enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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May 2024
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