Rafting Alberta's Rockies
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Alberta's Rockies, Alberta.
The vast and varied landscape of Alberta's Rockies is an ideal setting for a rafting adventure, regardless of experience. While being carried downstream, travellers experience a unique vantage point from which to view the lofty, snow-capped peaks, deep canyons and dense pine forests. Floating gently down a river is a peaceful activity for families, novices can get a kick out of light rapids, and white-water rafting gives enthusiasts the thrill of adventure.
NAVIGATING THE COOL WATERWAYS OF ALBERTA'S ROCKIES
Rafting trips in the northern part of the Rockies often depart from Jasper, Hinton and Grande Cache along the Athabasca, Fraser and Sunwapta rivers. In the southern Rockies, trips typically start in Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise, navigating the Bow, Elbow and Kananaskis rivers downstream, sometimes as far as Calgary.
The waterways that crisscross Alberta's Rocky Mountains are almost exclusively glacial fed. The runoff from long, snowy winters melts into high-altitude lakes, which in turn feed large rivers. These rivers are channelled through deep canyons and grottos carved out by millions of years of erosion. As the cool water begins to wind and twist through the rocky passages, speed increases and pressure builds, creating churning white-water rapids. These areas, close to the source, are ideal for those interested in experiencing high-speed rapids but those looking for a quieter experience should look farther downstream, where rivers widen and waters smooth out.
AN EXHILERATING EXPERIENCE FOR BEGINNERS
A rafting trip may sound daunting to first timers, especially when seeing adverts featuring pictures of people in the midst of a wild ride, but rest assured this is a safe experience that can be enjoyed by anyone. Rocky Mountain River Guides offers family adventures catering to visitors as young as six years old.
A beginner-level trip can simply be a float trip or can include mild rapids. Float trips are usually a consistent, lazy float down a calm river, giving participants a chance to view the peaceful scenery and take photographs as the mountains glide by. There are also plenty of opportunities to view elusive wildlife; the rafts are not motorized, so animals generally aren't scared away.
Float trips are also an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about local history. Knowledgeable guides, most of whom are native to the area, are happy to share stories. Jasper Raft Tours takes guests on the scenic Athabasca River, an early 1800s fur trade route, while the licensed guides provide anecdotal and factual information in the historical context of the river.
A more eventful beginner-level trip begins in a similar fashion but is then followed by an encounter with some light rapids. Guides are always well acquainted with the river and will give warning and instruction to rafters before encountering rougher water. Instructions are not complex and novices can easily navigate the waterway with some guidance while enjoying an exhilarating and safe ride.
Beginners may want to consider short excursions, up to a half day in length, or combine it with other activities provided by tour operators, including hiking and horseback riding.
ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE FOR INTERMEDIATES
The Canadian Rockies are an ideal setting for intermediate-level rafters; the region offers amazing natural beauty as well as plenty of opportunities to improve upon rafting skills.
Be prepared to get very wet while navigating the wild waters of the Rockies. Level-two and -three rapids will rush the raft along the river, providing intermediate-level rafters an exhilarating experience. The speed at which these rapids are driven and the degree to which the water is churned is determined by the size and shape of the channel. As fast and turbulent rapids are encountered, guides, well acquainted with the area, artfully instruct participants how to navigate the dynamic waterscape. Both Chinook Rafting and Wet 'n' Wild have been leading rafting trips in Alberta's Rockies for over 20 years.
Intermediate-level rafters may want to consider a full-day or multi-day excursion. A day trip can be an exhausting experience but stops are made throughout the day to refuel, when refreshing drinks and light bites or picnics and barbecues are provided. Multi-day excursions also include a variety of related activities like swimming, rock diving and spelunking.
ADRENALINE-PUMPING ACTION FOR EXPERTS
While some experts may consider navigating the Rockies' cool, clear waters on their own, they must understand that the rivers can be unpredictable for those that are not familiar with local conditions. An international system of grading rivers and rapids helps indicate the level of experience needed to traverse rapids. However, this scale can be misleading in that river conditions change all the time and so a rapid's category can also change. For this reason even experienced rafters are wise to hire a guide who knows the area and can offer their good judgement before commencement of the trip.
Advanced trips generally include a large amount of level-three and -four rapids. Levels five and six are not usually navigable by raft, however, for those looking for a rush, many operators offer kayaking trips, kayaks being better suited to more turbulent waters.
For those looking to improve their skill level, advanced courses are offered by many tour operators. Swiftwater Rescue Certification—an opportunity to learn how to assess risk and react appropriately if a rescue attempt is required—is offered by Inside Out Experience.
A multi-day trip usually appeals to experts, allowing time to get familiar with the unique terrain of the Rockies and to truly experience the wondrous scenery. Multi-day experiences are combined with backcountry camping. Hosts supply hot meals, cool drinks and memorable campfire stories. Wild Blue Yonder provides all of these elements, as well as the opportunity to combine a rafting trip with other adventures, including horseback riding, caving and rock climbing.
NAVIGATING THE COOL WATERWAYS OF ALBERTA'S ROCKIES
Rafting trips in the northern part of the Rockies often depart from Jasper, Hinton and Grande Cache along the Athabasca, Fraser and Sunwapta rivers. In the southern Rockies, trips typically start in Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise, navigating the Bow, Elbow and Kananaskis rivers downstream, sometimes as far as Calgary.
The waterways that crisscross Alberta's Rocky Mountains are almost exclusively glacial fed. The runoff from long, snowy winters melts into high-altitude lakes, which in turn feed large rivers. These rivers are channelled through deep canyons and grottos carved out by millions of years of erosion. As the cool water begins to wind and twist through the rocky passages, speed increases and pressure builds, creating churning white-water rapids. These areas, close to the source, are ideal for those interested in experiencing high-speed rapids but those looking for a quieter experience should look farther downstream, where rivers widen and waters smooth out.
AN EXHILERATING EXPERIENCE FOR BEGINNERS
A rafting trip may sound daunting to first timers, especially when seeing adverts featuring pictures of people in the midst of a wild ride, but rest assured this is a safe experience that can be enjoyed by anyone. Rocky Mountain River Guides offers family adventures catering to visitors as young as six years old.
A beginner-level trip can simply be a float trip or can include mild rapids. Float trips are usually a consistent, lazy float down a calm river, giving participants a chance to view the peaceful scenery and take photographs as the mountains glide by. There are also plenty of opportunities to view elusive wildlife; the rafts are not motorized, so animals generally aren't scared away.
Float trips are also an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about local history. Knowledgeable guides, most of whom are native to the area, are happy to share stories. Jasper Raft Tours takes guests on the scenic Athabasca River, an early 1800s fur trade route, while the licensed guides provide anecdotal and factual information in the historical context of the river.
A more eventful beginner-level trip begins in a similar fashion but is then followed by an encounter with some light rapids. Guides are always well acquainted with the river and will give warning and instruction to rafters before encountering rougher water. Instructions are not complex and novices can easily navigate the waterway with some guidance while enjoying an exhilarating and safe ride.
Beginners may want to consider short excursions, up to a half day in length, or combine it with other activities provided by tour operators, including hiking and horseback riding.
ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE FOR INTERMEDIATES
The Canadian Rockies are an ideal setting for intermediate-level rafters; the region offers amazing natural beauty as well as plenty of opportunities to improve upon rafting skills.
Be prepared to get very wet while navigating the wild waters of the Rockies. Level-two and -three rapids will rush the raft along the river, providing intermediate-level rafters an exhilarating experience. The speed at which these rapids are driven and the degree to which the water is churned is determined by the size and shape of the channel. As fast and turbulent rapids are encountered, guides, well acquainted with the area, artfully instruct participants how to navigate the dynamic waterscape. Both Chinook Rafting and Wet 'n' Wild have been leading rafting trips in Alberta's Rockies for over 20 years.
Intermediate-level rafters may want to consider a full-day or multi-day excursion. A day trip can be an exhausting experience but stops are made throughout the day to refuel, when refreshing drinks and light bites or picnics and barbecues are provided. Multi-day excursions also include a variety of related activities like swimming, rock diving and spelunking.
ADRENALINE-PUMPING ACTION FOR EXPERTS
While some experts may consider navigating the Rockies' cool, clear waters on their own, they must understand that the rivers can be unpredictable for those that are not familiar with local conditions. An international system of grading rivers and rapids helps indicate the level of experience needed to traverse rapids. However, this scale can be misleading in that river conditions change all the time and so a rapid's category can also change. For this reason even experienced rafters are wise to hire a guide who knows the area and can offer their good judgement before commencement of the trip.
Advanced trips generally include a large amount of level-three and -four rapids. Levels five and six are not usually navigable by raft, however, for those looking for a rush, many operators offer kayaking trips, kayaks being better suited to more turbulent waters.
For those looking to improve their skill level, advanced courses are offered by many tour operators. Swiftwater Rescue Certification—an opportunity to learn how to assess risk and react appropriately if a rescue attempt is required—is offered by Inside Out Experience.
A multi-day trip usually appeals to experts, allowing time to get familiar with the unique terrain of the Rockies and to truly experience the wondrous scenery. Multi-day experiences are combined with backcountry camping. Hosts supply hot meals, cool drinks and memorable campfire stories. Wild Blue Yonder provides all of these elements, as well as the opportunity to combine a rafting trip with other adventures, including horseback riding, caving and rock climbing.
Whitewater Rafting
Rafting for 25 Years
Whitewater Rafting
Jasper's Whitewater
Rafting Company Ltd.
Safe, guided whitewater rafting trips in Jasper National Park since 1971!
