Athabasca Falls rafting in Jasper: 15km guided run

Paddle through a canyon only seen from the river

The Athabasca Falls Run is a 3-hour guided rafting trip on the Athabasca River in Jasper National Park, starting at the base of Athabasca Falls and covering 15 kilometers of moderate rapids through the majestic Athabasca Valley. The trip includes all rafting gear, a safety briefing from a federally licensed guide trained in First Aid and CPR, and a chance to spot wildlife along the way. Children from age 6 can join when accompanied by an adult, and the guide speaks English or French.

The Experience

You'll start with a 30-minute bus ride from town to the river, then suit up in your rafting gear while your guide runs through the safety talk. The guides are federally licensed and trained in First Aid and CPR, so the focus is on keeping everyone secure before you push off. After a short 5-minute walk down to the water, you're at the base of Athabasca Falls—the actual starting point of the run.

The river trip opens with the first set of rapids seconds after you launch into the main current. Once those soak the raft, you're into the canyon—a stretch of the Athabasca Valley you can only see from the water. The 15-kilometer run mixes moderate rapids with stretches where you can catch your breath and scan the banks for wildlife. The whole trip takes 3 hours round-trip, which means you're back in town with time to spare.

All rafting equipment is provided, and you'll ride in an 8-person guided raft. Wear a bathing suit or t-shirt and shorts under your regular clothes; everything else—wetsuit, life jacket, paddle—is included. A professional photographer guide is also part of the trip, so you can purchase photos of the run if you want them.

What’s included

• All rafting equipment (wetsuit, life jacket, paddle, helmet).
• professional guide trained in First Aid and CPR.
• bus transportation from town.
• safety briefing.
• professional photographer guide.
• GST.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Rocky Mountain River Guides

Is this one for you?You're in an 8-person shared raft with a federally licensed guide leading the whole trip, so you paddle with the group rather than navigating on your own—this keeps the pace steady and the focus on the rapids and the canyon instead of technique. It works well if you want to raft without prior experience or if you're bringing kids along; the guide handles the route and timing, so you just show up and paddle.

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Top questions

Can I bring my 6-year-old on the Athabasca Falls rafting trip?

Yes, children from age 6 are welcome as long as they're accompanied by an adult. The trip is designed for all fitness levels and the moderate rapids make it suitable for families.

What do I need to bring and wear for the Athabasca Falls Run?

Wear a bathing suit or t-shirt and shorts under regular clothes. All rafting gear—wetsuit, life jacket, paddle, helmet—is provided, and you'll change into it after the 30-minute bus ride to the river.

How long is the Athabasca Falls rafting trip?

The trip is 3 hours round-trip, including the 30-minute bus ride from town, the safety briefing, and the 15-kilometer raft down the river.

What are the rapids like on the Athabasca Falls Run?

The rapids are moderate—the first set hits within seconds of launch and will soak the raft, but the run is designed for families and all fitness levels. The rapids alternate with calmer stretches where you can look for wildlife along the canyon walls.

What's included in the Athabasca Falls rafting trip?

The trip includes all rafting equipment, the professional guide, transportation from town, the safety briefing, and a professional photographer guide. Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately.

Do the guides speak languages other than English?

Yes, the guides speak both English and French, so you can request your preferred language when you book.