Jasper National Park Paddle Sports

Jasper National Park paddle sports include canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, all possible on many lakes around the town of Jasper, including Pyramid Lake (rentals available) as well as Edith and Annette Lakes.

Within Jasper National Park, the Athabasca and Sunwapta Rivers are run by a half dozen whitewater rafting outfitters, while across the border in British Columbia, the Fraser River is another option for a guided rafting trip. On the Athabasca River, the Mile 5 Run is an easy two-hour float that appeals to all ages. Farther upstream, some operators offer a trip that begins from below Athabasca Falls, on a stretch of the river that passes through a narrow canyon; this run takes three hours. The boulder-strewn rapids of the Sunwapta and Fraser Rivers offer more thrills and spills—these trips are for the more adventurous and last 3 to 4 hours. Most companies offer a choice of rivers and provide transportation to and from downtown hotels.

The following companies run at least two of three rivers: MALIGNE RAFTING ADVENTURES (780/852-3370 or 866/625-4463), ROCKY MOUNTAIN RIVER GUIDES (780/852-3777 or 866/952-3777), and WHITE WATER RAFTING (780/852-7238 or 800/557-7238). JASPER RAFT TOURS (780/852-2665 or 888/553-5628) specialize in family-friendly trips, floating a 16-kilometre (10-mile) stretch of the Athabasca River in large, stable inflatable rafts.

Rafting down the Athabasca River.