Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting: Class III Rapids
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Take the Sunwapta challenge on Jasper’s wild whitewater rollercoaster ride. With a steep gradient and numerous rapids, this 4-hour round trip is the only Class 3 rapids located fully within Jasper National Park. It offers spectacular scenery and good wildlife opportunities. Don’t miss the high water mid-June to late July!
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
All day parking is located in the parking lot directly across the street.
You are required to check-in and sign waivers 15 minutes prior to departure time
Dress with a swimsuit underneath your street clothing and bring warm clothing for afterwards. It is also recommended to bring a drink and snack for after the tour
This trip runs in all weather conditions. Participants will be provided with all the necessary technical equipment including wetsuits, spray jackets, neoprene booties, helmets and lifejackets, however on cooler days, those prone to feeling the cold should bring either a fleece or wool jacket to wear underneath the spray jacket (no cotton should be worn)
Participants must be at least 12 years of age and weigh a minimum of 90 lbs (41 kg)
Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Not recommended for those with back injuries
All departure times listed are in Alberta Mountain Standard Time Zone (MST)
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
No Pets – Service Dogs with Valid Paperwork Only
What To Expect
Maligne Adventures
‘Sunwapta’ is the Stoney Indian term for ‘turbulent river’ and this river lives up to its name. Traveling in 6 passenger self-bailing rafts, your expert guide will maneuver your group skillfully down the 13 kilometer stretch of river punching through a consistent flow of Class II rapids in-between several sections of Class III whitewater. Set in a pristine wilderness area of Jasper National Park, the Sunwapta is a low volume, technical river that follows the Endless Chain Mountain Range from its source at the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. You will be surrounded by spectacular Canadian Rockies scenery in prime wildlife habitat allowing the chance to spot elusive native wildlife from the raft or during the scenic bus rideThese trips do not require any previous experience and are suited for physically active individuals, 12 years and above and weighing at least 90 lbs (41 kgs) who are looking for an exhilarating ride. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure for check-in procedures.
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies comprises a vast wilderness area of Alberta province defined by glaciers, lakes and peaks like 11,033-ft.-high Mt. Edith Cavell. The Icefields Parkway, a road from the town of Jasper, passes subalpine forest and the immense Columbia Icefield. Outdoor activities like hiking, camping and skiing are popular. Native wildlife includes elk, moose, bighorn sheep and bears.
Options
Whitewater Rafting
What‘s Included
Highly experienced, certified river guide
Return transfers to and from the river, departing from our Downtown Location
Wet Suits and all on-river equipment
All necessary technical equipment
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Food and drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
143 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Book This Rafting Trip!
JuliaH4438,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Book it! This is an amazing experience! Craig, Tyler and Eric were absolute professionals and explained every step of the way. The wetsuits which were provided kept us warm on the river. The exhilaration of the rapids was matched only by the amazing views.
Book this Rafting Trip!
Julia H,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Book it! This is an amazing experience! Craig, Tyler and Eric were absolute professionals and explained every step of the way. The wetsuits which were provided kept us warm on the water. The exhilaration of the rapids was matched by the amazing views.
Amazing rafting experience on the Sunwapta river
JF C,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The team (Colin Shane and Tim) took great care of us on this rainy day Once you reach the first white water zone cold is a distant memory Go for the Sunwapta river with Maligne Adventures
super expérience Rafting dans un joli cadre
512amandineb,Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great rafting trip thanks to our guide funny, patient, knowledgeable, and professional. He reassured us since we were beginners, and everything went really well. I recommend this excursion even for beginners who want a bit of excitement. Everything is perfectly organized from start to finish . congratulations and thanks to the whole team!They truly made us want to return to Jasper and explore even more of this stunning region
Exhilarating!
andrewtX7635ZI,Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a wonderful experience with an amazing company. Guides are great (thanks to Austin and Ty!), the scenery is breathtaking, the rapids are so much fun, and it’s a thoroughly safe - but exhilarating - ride. Support this company! They rock.
Five stars
lillybI5082DI,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good rafting, lots of fun and you don’t need any experience! The guides were friendly and knew what they were doing.
Did not disappoint!!
Mel Straight,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my first time going on a raft tour and it did not disappoint! Austin was fantastic, he put us at ease right away! It was so fun and worth every penny!! the river was fast and the rapids were amazing! I never once felt like we were out of control but the thrills kept coming! I'm already looking to schedule my next run!!
Adrenaline filled rafting experience in Jasper National Park.
philippa h,Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Looking for excitement and an adrenaline rush in Jasper National Park? Look no further than a rafting trip down the Sunwapta River with Maligne Adventures. With sustained grade 3 rapids you are assured of lots of fun whilst in the safe hands of your raft guide. Thank you so much to Danni for taking us on our exciting adventure making fantastic memories along the way. 🌊🌊🌊🤩🤩🤩
Fun rafting
Chad D,Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great crew with plenty of Experience. Mason was a fun guide, made it memorable. Would highly recommend to future travelers.
A fantastic time!
reesew818,Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would absolutely recommend this company and the Sunwapta Challenge. The whole team was friendly, knowledgeable, and fun and made us feel safe. Luke was a great guide and our whole group had a great time. We were a group of 6 adults and we were already discussing our next tour with this company as we were walking up from the river.
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Operated by Maligne Adventures