Fraser River Rafting near Mount Robson: Class 3+ Whitewater

Paddle the biggest whitewater in the Jasper area, then walk around Rearguard Falls on foot.

Self-drive Fraser River rafting near Mount Robson in British Columbia puts you on Class 3+ whitewater with a professional guide, full gear and a short bus shuttle from Mount Terry Fox Rest Area. You paddle for approximately 2 hours, portage around Rearguard Falls midway through, and tackle the lower canyon's most exciting rapids before returning to your vehicle to continue your journey. No previous rafting experience is required, and the trip suits first-time and experienced rafters alike. Minimum age is 12 and participants must weigh at least 90 lb. Those under 18 need an adult with them. You drive yourself to the meeting point and arrive 15 minutes early. Cell service is limited along Highway 16, so allow extra time and review directions before you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fraser River Whitewater Rafting Adventure

• Meet guides at Mount Terry Fox Rest Area
• Change and shuttle to Fraser River launch
• Receive safety briefing and paddle instruction
• Raft through Class 3+ whitewater rapids
• Portage around Rearguard Falls and view falls
• Raft through lower canyon's biggest rapids
• Float gently to take-out with optional swim
• Shuttle back to Mount Terry Fox Rest Area
• Change and return to vehicle

The experience

What makes this work for a road trip is the self-drive setup: you meet the Maligne Rafting team at Mount Terry Fox Rest Area just outside Mount Robson Provincial Park, get outfitted with a wetsuit, paddle jacket, life jacket, helmet and neoprene booties, then ride a short bus to the Fraser River launch. Your certified guide runs a safety briefing and paddle instruction before you push off, so you're ready even if you've never rafted before. The whole experience runs 3 hours from start to finish.

Once on the water, you and your guide work together to paddle through the biggest whitewater in the Jasper area: Class 3+ rapids with large rolling sections and calmer stretches between them. About midway through, you step ashore for a short portage around the impressive Rearguard Falls, stretch your legs and take in the view, then return to the raft. The lower canyon holds some of the trip's most exciting whitewater, and after the final rapids you float gently toward the take-out with the option to swim if you want. The bus brings you back to Mount Terry Fox Rest Area, you change out of your gear, and you're free to continue exploring Mount Robson Provincial Park or head west on your own schedule.

All necessary equipment is provided, and you can leave personal belongings in your vehicle or store them on the bus during the rafting. Wear a swimsuit under your regular clothes to make changing easier, and bring a towel, warm dry clothing, water and a snack. On colder days, pack a fleece or wool layer to wear under your paddle jacket. The trip runs rain or shine, and raft assignments are made by guides on the day based on group size and conditions. The team makes an effort to keep your party together, though that's not always possible.

What’s included

• Professional certified river guide.
• wetsuit, paddle jacket, life jacket, helmet and neoprene booties.
• short bus ride from Mount Terry Fox Rest Area to the river launch and back to your vehicle after rafting.
• approximately 2 hours of paddling on Class 3+ whitewater.
• portage around Rearguard Falls.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 22 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Maligne Adventures

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're driving Highway 16 near Mount Robson and want Class 3+ whitewater without leaving your vehicle behind. You meet the guide at the rest area, paddle about 2 hours, then drive on.

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Top questions

How do I get to the meeting point if I'm staying in Jasper?

Mount Terry Fox Rest Area is outside Mount Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia, about an hour west of Jasper. You drive yourself and must arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Cell service is limited along Highway 16, so allow extra driving time and review directions before you leave. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

What happens if I've never rafted before?

No previous rafting experience is required. Your certified guide provides a safety briefing and paddle instruction before you launch, and the Class 3+ rapids suit both first-time and experienced rafters. You work together with your guide to navigate the whitewater.

What is Rearguard Falls and why do you portage around it?

Rearguard Falls is an impressive waterfall midway through the Fraser River section. You step ashore for a short walk around it, stretch your legs and take in the views, then return to the raft for the most exciting whitewater of the trip in the lower canyon.

What gear is included and what should I bring?

Wetsuit, paddle jacket, life jacket, helmet and neoprene booties are all provided. Wear a swimsuit under your regular clothes to make changing easier, and bring a towel, warm dry clothing, water and a snack. On colder days, pack a fleece or wool layer to wear under your paddle jacket.

Can I keep my belongings with me during the rafting?

Personal belongings can stay in your vehicle or be stored on the bus while you're on the water, so you don't have to worry about them during the trip.

What's the age and fitness requirement?

Participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh a minimum of 90 lb (41 kg). Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The trip is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, back injuries, poor cardiovascular health or conditions that may be aggravated by whitewater rafting.