Explore, Discover, Enjoy!
Athabasca River is a hub of adventure in Alberta Rockies. This river originates at the Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park and flows into Lake Athabasca throughout the year, giving it a busy buzz. Explore the Athabasca River alongside your friends and families. Get ready for genuine encounters with community, nature, and wildlife.
Embracing the Wilderness: Camping
Camping by the water is an experience like no other. With over 30 campsites around the area, you can discover the serene beauty of the river no matter where you stay. Each campsite is uniquely distanced from the others so that you can enjoy the sounds of the tranquillity of the outdoors. Camping by the Athabasca River is an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take a look at the campsites available over at VisitAthabasca.ca
Hook, Line, and Adventure: Fishing
Fishing on the Athabasca River is a captivating feeling for outdoor enthusiasts and anglers alike. This majestic river, winding through the stunning landscape of Alberta, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. Whether you're casting your line for the thrill of catching trophy-sized Northern Pike, Walleye, or Rainbow Trout or simply enjoying the tranquillity of fly fishing in the crystal-clear waters, the Athabasca River has something for everyone.
Paddling in Paradise: Kayaking
Take control of the waters with your kayak and enjoy the wilderness at your own pace. Allow nature to unfold around every bend and create an unforgettable experience. Anyone can book a guided canoeing tour with Adventures.com. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned paddler, our tours ensure safety and expert knowledge as you navigate the gentle currents and discover the secrets of the untouched wilderness. Looking to explore more lakes in the area? Check out Pyramid and Patricia Lakes!
Conquer the Rapids: White Water Rafting
Experience the thrill of the fast-paced rapids while surrounded by stunning scenery with white-water rafting. Take the gentler ride, great for the entire family, or fuel your adrenaline with the more exhilarating route, but be prepared to get splashed either way! Throw your life jackets and prepare for a lifetime ride down the rapid waters!
The Athabasca River has activities for adventure-seeking travellers and groups travelling together and for families taking vacations to the area. However, there is still an option of booking the white-water rafting in a smaller group for a more personal adventure or gathering a bigger crew for an even greater experience. No matter what option you select, this trip along the Athabasca River will take you on a fantastic nature-packed journey that you will wish to relive again and again. Do not allow this opportunity to go by without engaging in an exciting river adventure that will remain in your cherished memories for years.
Book Athabasca River Rafting
What's New & Exciting!
The potential release of treated oilsands tailings into the Athabasca River takes center stage as a solution under review by the Canadian government. Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault addresses concerns regarding the environmental impact of the massive toxic ponds in northern Alberta, emphasizing that releasing treated water into the Athabasca River is just one option under consideration. The article sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding the cleanup of these hazardous ponds adjacent to the Athabasca River and threatening Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada's largest national park.
Guilbeault's statement, "We've never said that this is the only solution we're contemplating," underscores the government's commitment to exploring various alternatives. The article points out that there are other strategies in play besides releasing treated tailings into the river, highlighting ongoing efforts to find technical solutions to address the tailings ponds issue. The imminent threat to Wood Buffalo National Park is brought to the forefront, with UNESCO investigators assessing the adequacy of federal and provincial measures to avert potential harm to the park, a World Heritage Site.
Guilbeault emphasizes the situation's urgency and notes that regulations for potential tailings discharge must be in place by 2025, coinciding with the projected capacity limit of the existing ponds. The article also raises concerns from First Nations and environmental groups, who are skeptical that releasing treated water into the Athabasca River is the favoured solution. The piece further outlines alternative approaches, including decontamination, recycling the water back into operations, and underground injection.
The scale of the problem highlights the complex nature of the issue – the ponds currently hold a staggering 1.4 trillion litres of contaminated water, obstructing mine reclamation efforts. Guilbeault emphasizes the ongoing collaboration between Environment Canada, industry stakeholders, and First Nations, emphasizing that industry alone will not dictate the ultimate solution. The review of leaked documents expressing concerns from provincial environmental monitoring scientists adds a layer of skepticism about the adequacy of Alberta's grasp on the overall impacts of the oilsands.
Want to find out more? Read the full article at CBC Canada.