Sunwapta
Craving a bit more excitement?
Challenge yourself with the next level of adventure
For those looking for a thrill, it’s time to take on the Sunwapta River. The name ‘Sunwapta’ comes from the Stoney word for ‘turbulent river’. Living up to its name, this Class III white water adventure will provide more consistent and more challenging rapids than the Athabasca River has to offer.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking this is for expert rafters only. Despite a higher level of difficulty, this section of river is an excellent choice for the brave beginner as it begins with a gentler section of Class I and Class II rapids before ramping up into the Class III white water that gives the Sunwapta its name
Option I
Sunwapta River
Self Drive
Self-Drive $114
Difficulty Class III
Water Time ~1.25 hours
Wapta is average 2.5 hours (meeting and ending at Sunwapta).
No online booking fee at checkout. Prices do not include Parks Canada Levy or GST.
Trip departure times
You will meet at the Sunwapta River takeout, parking is before the gate and limited, so stay to the sides and leave the turnaround open.
Always meet us 15 minutes prior to the trip times. There will be no refunds for missed departures.
Travel time from Jasper is approximately 45 Minutes!
If you are coming from British Columbia, you will be an hour late, so set your clocks to mountain time.
Trip departure times
May 30th, 2025 to August 20th, 2025
9:45 AM – 12:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Departure from Sunwapta River Takeout
Grand Adventure
Tackle the powerful white water of the Sunwapta River, challenge yourself by rafting through consistent Class II and Class III rapids, and be rewarded with grand views of the Endless Chain mountain range.
What's Included?
- River Equipment
- Wet-suit, boot, jacket, etc.
- Professional Instruction
- From one of our certified Raft Guides
What's Not Included?
- Transportation
- Photos
Available for purchase after your trip. $40 for all of your trip’s photos, or $20 for two.
Typical Itinerary
8:45 am | 11:45 am | 2:45 pm – Leave Jasper
With your swimwear on (underneath some warm clothes), you will meet our team at the Sunwapta River Takeout Parking Lot, located 55 km south of Jasper, 300 metres south of the Sunwapta Resort Hwy 93 (Icefield Parkway)
Arrive at the Put-In
Your eponymous adventure starts here, lock your vehicle and hop on our rafting bus. We will transport you to the staging area. With the short bus ride over, it’s time to gear-up. Our guides will provide the gear and instructions, as well as the prepare the rafts your upcoming Class III adventure.
Arrive at the Take-Out
Roughly an hour and 15 minutes later (depending on water levels), you will finish your adventure upstream of the famous Sunwapta Falls. 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.
Arrive back at the Sunwapta River 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).
Option II
Sunwapta River
Transportation included
Adults $124
Difficulty Class III
Water Time ~1.25 hours
Trip length for the Wapta town pick up is average 4 hours.
No online booking fee at checkout. Prices do not include Parks Canada Levy or GST.
Trip Times
You will meet at the RV parking lot located at Sleepy Hollow Rd & Hazel Ave in Jasper. Always meet us 15 minutes prior to the trip times. If you are coming from British Columbia, you will be an hour late, so set you clock to Mountain time.
Trip Times
May 30th, 2025 to August 20th, 2025
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Departure from RV Parking
May 30th, 2025 to August 20th, 2025
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Departure from RV Parking
Grand Adventure
Tackle the powerful white water of the Sunwapta River, challenge yourself by rafting through consistent Class II and Class III rapids, and be rewarded with grand views of the Endless Chain mountain range.
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
Meet at the RV Parking Lot
With your swimwear on (underneath some warm clothes) on, 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!
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 45 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.
Arrive at the Put-In
With the bus ride over, it’s time to gear-up. Our guides will provide the gear and instructions, as well as the prepare the rafts your upcoming Class III adventure.
The Adventure Begins!
After a short walk down to the river, it’s time to hop into your raft. The Sunwapta River will ease you into the world of whitewater rafting by proving a 10-15 minute section of Class I and Class II water. After that, Class III awaits!
Arrive at the Take-Out
Roughly an hour and 15 minutes later (depending on water levels), you will finish your adventure upstream of the famous Sunwapta Falls. 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.
Head Back to the RV Parking Lot
One quick head count later, and you’ll be on your way back to the RV Parking Lot! From the Sunwapta Falls, it is another 45 minute drive back to town. During this time, entertainment will be provided by one of our Raft Guides in the form of a slideshow of all the trips’ photos. Your photos will be available for purchase after your trip through our website.