Diverse is how we would best describe the paddling in this mountain/prairie province. In the west of the province runs are characterized by beautiful backdrops, continuous rivers and cold water. Everything from mellow multi day floats in national parks to hairy class V creeking is available in the west. As you move further east the gradient drops but there are still plentiful paddling options for those looking to float mellow rivers in really unique surroundings. It is a huge province so don't neglect to look north and south too. A very worthwhile paddling destination in it's own right.
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Athabasca River
- A big water feel class II river with several small play spots and many wave trains. The river runs through some canyon sections with beautiful scenery and lots of potential for eddy practice.
The rapids begin right at the put in. Aim right of the house sized boulder and follow the wave trains.
Roughly 20 minutes into the run there is a long straight flat section that leads into a canyon. As you enter the canyon, noise from the upcoming rapid echoes and sounds as though you are heading towards a huge drop, this is the Kerkeslin ledges and it is not as big as it sounds. It is a straight forward series of wave trains, the smoothest line is center left.
After the ledges there is a 30-45 minute class I float to the takeout. Watch for the Take Out #1(Meeting of the Waters) on the left at the confluence with the Whirlpool river a short time after the Athabasca meets and begins following Hwy 93. Take out #2 is on river right just around the corner from Take Out #1
Athabasca River
- A large volume class II run. Starting at the Mile five bridge everything is nice and mellow until arriving at the rapids at Becker's Chalet where things pick up into a class II wave train through the s-bend. Just past the s-bend on the left side of the river is Becker's hole which is a fun play spot at certain flows.
After Becker's rapid are a few more rapids involving big wave trains and small holes here or there until the Alpine Village take out. From Alpine Village to Old Fort Point is quite mellow.
