A shriek from the front of our raft signals the first of the many rapids on the Fraser River, the refreshing water splashing into the face of its latest victims. The water, about 4 degrees, slowly sliding down their backs underneath their wet suit ensuring their spine feels every last drop of its frigid entity.

The lucky visitor’s face says it all, mouth open gasping for air, eyes blinking with water streaming down and back arched to try to prohibit the icy water from travelling any further. 

A boyish chuckle is heard from the back of the raft, coupled with a ‘woo’ – which seems to be the colloquial term used among raft guides to express their enjoyment of getting their customers wet during their raft trips. 

With a variety of vistas to be found in the Canadian Rockies, it’s no wonder there is a range of companies that offer the view from a raft – either adrenalin pumping or just a relaxing float – down the many rivers.

Adrenalin junkies of all kinds will enjoy the Sunwapta and the Fraser River, both offering Class 3 rapids within an hour drive from Jasper.

If you’re hesitant to take the plunge from your comfortable car seat and into the Class 3 rapids, the fully trained guides will ensure you are equipped with appropriate gear – that includes some good looking wetsuits, cute black booties to match and a colour spray jacket if you’re headed out on a colder day. 

Also, they’ll give you the low down on ‘what if’ scenarios to ensure the highest level of safety is maintained all the time. By the end of their blurb you’ll be ready to rock and roll on the rapids of Jasper National Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park. 

The Sunwapta journey starts about 40 minutes out of town and eases you into the world of rafting. The first half-an-hour equates to a child and a just out of reach lollipop as you bob through the water – the imminent rapids just ahead.

Travelling down the Sunwapta, you’ll drift along the river for about half an hour or so, enjoying the view of the Endless Chain Ridge to the east. For wildlife spotting gurus, there’s also the chance to check out some local residents of the river, such as moose, geese, or even bears as they come to cool off by the water. 

Anticipation of the bustling water will have you more than eager to get wet as you begin hitting your first rapids. With the Sunwapta, once you’ve got to the winning part of the river you have a steady chain of rapids to keep the smile on your face right up until you get to just before the Sunwapta Falls – where you’ll pull the boats out and take another scenic cruise back to Jasper. 

Unlike the Sunwapta, if you want to get in the raft and go, then the Fraser’s probably the river for you. A quick five minute journey down the Fraser and you’re into the first rapid – no reaching required for this lollipop as it’s laid out before you.

Within the space of ten minutes, your guide will ensure that most of your boat has felt a nice wet welcome to the Canadian Rockies. 

The view from the Fraser River is nothing short of spectacular and a change from the one you’ll see if you’re headed south down to Lake Louise or Banff. The peak of Mount Robson, which stands at just under 4,000 metres, has an ominous feeling as you drift away from its grandeur and into the white water ahead.

At the half way point of your journey down the Fraser, you’ll have to work a little harder – the raft comes out and over Rearguard Falls. Watching the water rush over the massive rocks you’ll be glad the guides made you get out! They send the raft back into the water, just after the falls, where you can jump back in the boat for the last of the Class 3 rapids for the day. 

Both journeys will have you paddling hard to get through some of the intense rapids – the best of which are just after the Rearguard Falls. And don’t worry, there’s a photographer on the bank taking a drenched photo with the spectacular falls in the background. 

A novelty for some, though your body may end up numb, at the end of the journey down the Fraser you can take a splash in the water – minus the boat. Your guide will give you the chance to get out and float down the river, testing your aquatic skills and overall circulation. Don’t worry though, you can stay in the dry orange raft if you’d prefer. 

If it’s just the views you’re looking for then there is also the option of a float trip, a journey designed for grandma, grandpa and the little kids that shows off the beauty of the surroundings without the formidable and frigid water rolling down your back. All rafting companies in Jasper offer a relaxing stroll down the Athabasca River.

Knowledgeable and friendly, your guide will tell you about the surroundings, the upcoming rapids and maybe even a few jokes as you hover down the river of your choice.

No matter which river you end up on, or what level you decide to do, rafting offers a unique and different perspective on Jasper National Park.