Jasper’s Whitewater Cools Down the Canadian Rockies

Whitewatering rafting in Jasper National Park

Running rivers is fun for the whole family.

By Nicholas J Parkinson

Staff Writer

Rockies.com

JASPER, Alberta (Rockies.com) – When trekking and sightseeing in Jasper National Park have reached their end, reach for a paddle. When your feet have accumulated enough blisters for the next year, strap on a lifejacket and jump into a rubber raft. There are few better ways to enjoy nature’s beauty in the Canadian Rockies than whitewater rafting.

The Athabasca River traverses the national park like an artery. After signing up with Maligne Rafting Adventures, river enthusiasts can be part of this historical waterway, jumping in just outside of the town of Jasper. The Athabasca is marketed as a family river, with class 2 rapids and plenty of calm water for the kids.

“It’s a fun activity for the family. You can only do so much hiking, and people want a different kind of thrill. Rafting is a good way to do that and at the same time it’s an adrenaline sport,” says Darren Grab, Malign River Adventure river guide and manager.

Grab’s company offers two river trips each day in the summer. For families, the Athabasca River has plenty of class 2 rapids, but for the more adventurous, the Fraser River in neighboring British Columbia will get the adrenaline pumping.

A five hour roundtrip excursion, the Fraser’s summer water levels are perfect for whitewater river rafting, according to Grab. The number of tourists visiting the Canadian Rockies has dropped sharply however. The lull in tourism is in part due to the economic downturn, with most visitors choosing instead to stay home, he reasons.

See the rugged beauty of Jasper National Park

This hasn’t deterred Grab and his team of guides though. Every day in summer, Maligne River Adventure is guiding river tours, between 1 and 2 hours long. For kayakers, Grab offers a tour, but the tour must be reserved in advance.

“Each day throughout the season we raft either the Fraser or Sunwapta River. Whichever river offers the best ride on any particular day. So book either river and we’ll pick the best river for your trip,” the company says on its website.

For even more river fun, Maligne River Adventure guides two and three day excursions, spending maximum time on the Fraser and Athabasca Rivers.

“The Fraser River is world famous not just amongst rafters but kayakers too. We have a lot of good whitewater at our disposal that definitely compares to rivers in other countries,” Grab explains.

Prices run between $65 and $100 for day trips with Maligne River Adventures. Day trips do not require any previous experience and are suited for physically active individuals who weigh 90 lbs (41 kgs) or more. Transportation to and from the river is provided, as well as lifejackets, wetsuits, paddle jackets, booties and paddles.

“There are no two rivers alike, so it’s always nice to be there,” Grab philosophizes.

You could not step twice into the same river; for other waters are ever flowing on to you. -Heraclitus