The Whirlpool is formed in Athabasca Pass, collecting meltwater from the Hooker Icefield and the Mount Brown Icefield. It flows north, collecting the Middle Whirlpool River before passing under Alberta Highway 93A and flowing into the Athabasca River south of Jasper. The Moab Lake Road parallels the Whirlpool near its confluence with the Athabasca River.