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 River offers more thrills and spills—these trips are for the more adventurous and last 3–4 hours. Most companies offer a choice of rivers and provide transportation to and from downtown hotels. Expect to pay $60–70 for trips on the Athabasca and from $80 for the Sunwapta.
The following companies offers tours with downtown pickups: Maligne Rafting Adventures (780/852-3370 or 866/625-4463), Raven Adventures (780/852-4292 or 866/496-7238), 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-kilometer (10-mile) stretch of the Athabasca River in large, stable inflatable rafts; adult $55, child $20.