Rafting Athabasca River Mile 5 — Jasper Class II Morning Trip
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours (≈1 hour on water)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; able to sit and brace in a raft for an hour.
Overview
A compact, family-friendly whitewater run just outside Jasper: one hour on the Athabasca with Class II rapids, glacier-fed views, and a direct link to the routes of early fur traders. Ideal for first-time rafters and short on logistics but big on scenic payoff.
Rafting Athabasca River Mile 5 — Jasper Class II Morning Trip
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The bus drops you beside sleepy rail tracks, rafts stacked like bright lemons on a trailer, and the first scent is cold water and cut pine. Within ten minutes the river takes over — an easy float loosens shoulders, then Class II rapids slap the raft with playful force. For an hour the Athabasca alternates between teasing eddies and brief churning that sends clean spray across faces; the valley walls open and close like pages, revealing lobed glacial ridges and spruce-draped benches that have watched traders and explorers for two centuries.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive 15 minutes early
Meet at the RV parking lot (706 Sleepy Hollow Road) to check in and get fitted with safety gear before departure.
Wear swimwear under clothes
River spray and a wetsuit or quick-dry layers are standard—wear your bathing suit beneath to stay comfortable.
Secure electronics
Use a waterproof pouch or leave phones on shore; splashes are frequent during Class II rapids.
Children and groups
Minimum age is 5 and groups over 8 require organizer notification—confirm numbers in advance.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Bald eagle
History
The corridor follows historic fur-trade and exploration routes used by David Thompson and Indigenous pathways along the Athabasca Valley.
Conservation
The Athabasca flows through Jasper National Park boundaries—practice leave-no-trace and avoid disturbing shoreline vegetation to protect floodplain ecology.
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Adventure Hotspots in Jasper
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Quick-dry layers
Keeps you warm during chilly spring runs and dries quickly after splashes.
spring specific
Closed-toe water shoes
Protects feet during launch and provides grip in wet conditions.
summer specific
Waterproof phone pouch
Allows photos while keeping electronics safe from spray.
fall specific
Light waterproof jacket
Useful for cool mornings and unexpected showers in shoulder seasons.
winter specific