The Global Paddling Community

Waterfall: Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, River Jasper, Fraser

What's it like

The height is about 12-15 meters and it's a fairly straight forward plunge. Caution: The waterfall has dug out a good sized cave behind the curtain. It happened before that people ended up behind the waterfall, but up until now, they have been able to paddle themselves back out.

The runnable line is on the left line during lower water levels. At high-water more or less any line is runnable.

There is a world class grade III+-V run above the fall called the Upper Fraser, and a grade III+-V one below the fall called Fraser Canyon. During high water things are more difficult.

Temperature: Canadian Rockies Cold. Slightly warmer than some other mountain rivers as it is further from the glacial headwaters. Best time is May-October.

How to get there

Head on highway 16 west from Edmonton to Jasper Alberta. The fall is about 75 kms west of Jasper, Alberta, heading on highway 16 west. Jasper is located about 350 kms from Calgary, or from Edmonton Alberta (the two major cities of Alberta). The highway 16 West is the only road that heads into British Columbia from Jasper and the first town you encounter, if you drive past the section of the river, will be Valemont or McBride (two little tiny places).

Put-in-talk with the local paddlers at Freewheel Cycle bike-shop downtown Jasper. They will provide you with important info. The put-ins depend on what kind of run you want to do, before or after the fall. Getting back to the put-in: set up a shuttle with bikes, car, or runner, cause hitch hikers don't get picked up in British Colombia. If you need more directions, while in Jasper, either visit the Parks Canada Info Center, you can look at a book called White Water -Canadian Central Rockies. This book is also at Freewheel Cycle.

More info

It's best to judge the water levels for oneself. At high water levels, expect to see a green curtain that is slightly lower but with a lot of volume. Low water brings a white curtain with lots of volume but less foam.

Locals

Fishermen, rafters, spectators, and more kayakers.

Info sources

Spencer Cox