Mile 5

Yearning for something new?

Let us guide you into the world of white water rafting

Just a few minutes drive from the town of Jasper, Alberta, there’s a new adventure waiting for you and your family. A section of the Athabasca River known as the Mile 5 is the perfect introduction to the sport of white water rafting. With a mix of calm Class I water, and beginner Class II rapids, is suitable for novice rafters of all ages!

Additionally, you will be rafting one of the area’s most historic sections of river. As you raft along the border of Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 lands, you will have an opportunity to learn about the various Indigenous Peoples who inhabited what we now call Jasper National Park throughout history, most recently the Cree and Stoney-Nakoda. The Mile 5 also has the importance of being one of the last sections of river before Athabasca Pass, a northern route through the Rocky Mountains, allowing the 19th Century fur trade to expand further west.

Athabasca Mile 5

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Adults $94 | Child 12 & Under $47

Difficulty Class II
Water Time ~1 hour
Total Time (from town) ~2 hours

No online booking fee at checkout. Prices do not include Parks Canada Levy or GST.

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Trip departure times

The times below are to provide a general itinerary. Always meet us 15 minutes prior to the trip times. If you are coming from British Columbia, you will be an hour late.

Trip departure times

May 9th, 2025 to May 16th, 2025

11:00 AM 2:00 PM

May 17th, 2025 to September 7th, 2025

9:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:30 PM

September 8th, 2025 to September 28th, 2025

11:00 AM 2:00 PM

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Pickup Location RV Parking Lot

Mile 5 Booking

A Historic Route

Raft down what explorer David Thompson and countless fur traders canoed up. It’s more fun this way!

Introductory Class II rapids will provide fun splashes, and the Athabasca Valley will provide splendid vistas to keep you thoroughly entertained during your hour on the Athabasca River.

What's Included?

Transportation
From Jasper, to the river, and back
River Equipment
Wet-suit, boot, jacket, etc.
Professional Instruction
From one of our certified Raft Guides

What's Not Included?

Photos

Available for purchase after your trip. $40 for all of your trip’s photos, or $20 for two.

Typical Itinerary

8:45 AM – Meet at the RV Parking Lot

With your swimwear on (underneath some warm clothes), you will meet our team at the RV Parking Lot, located just across the railway tracks from downtown Jasper. When you see our blue or yellow school buses, you’ll know you’re in the right spot!

9:00 AM – Depart the RV Parking Lot

With your swimwear on (underneath some warm clothes), it’s time to set off! To get to the put-in, you’ll enjoy a 15 minute drive on the spectacular Icefields Parkway. Once introductions have been made, one of our professional raft guides will explain the trip, go over the gear, assign everyone’s rafts/guides, and answer any questions you might have.

9:15 AM – Arrive at the Put-In

Your eponymous adventure starts here, at the Mile 5 Bridge, which spans the mighty Athabasca River. Once your bus has parked, we will start the process of getting you geared up with our river attire, and will provide everyone with a safety talk.

9:40 AM – The Adventure Begins!

After a quick photoshoot, it’s time to hop on the water! The Athabasca Mile 5 begins with a ~10 minute float on Class I water. After this float, you will come across your first set of Class II rapids located next to Becker’s Chalets. Here our bus driver will capture some action shots as your raft navigates through its section of white water. The rest of your adventure will be a mix of Class I and Class II water as you head back towards town on the Athabasca River.

10:40 AM – Arrive at the Take-Out

Roughly an hour later (depending on water levels), you will finish your adventure at the Old Fort Point parking lot. Here our bus driver will be waiting for your arrival. After helping us return the raft to its trailer, you will go through our finely honed gear-down process.

10:55 AM – Depart the Take-Out

After everyone has geared-down, and a final headcount has been completed, it’s time to return to the RV Parking Lot. In order to keep everyone entertained on the long three minute drive back, we will have a slideshow of all the photos taken during the trip.

11:00 AM – Arrive back at the RV Parking Lot

Before hopping off the bus, you will double and triple check under your seat to make sure you have all of your belongings. After some high fives from the crew, and some sad goodbyes, you will have the opportunity to purchase the trip’s photos from the bus drive (if desired).