Emma WhiteOttawa is a whitewater wonderland, did you know? Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer seeking heart-pounding thrills or a family looking for a splash-filled day out, the Ottawa River has the perfect whitewater adventure for you.
Interested? Well then, join us as we uncover the best places for whitewater rafting in Ottawa, tailored to your thrill-seeking level. Just be ready to trade the city streets for swirling whitecaps and the sound of rushing water!
Ottawa City Rafting
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Location: 102 Greenview Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 5Z6, Canada
Contact: +1 844-688-7238
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Ottawa City Rafting takes you on a journey through time as you paddle the historical “voyageur route” used by fur traders centuries ago. This isn’t just a splash in the water, it’s a chance to feel a part of Ottawa’s rich history
This place is also not one size fits all. They offer trips for every appetite, from the gentle “Urban Rafting,” perfect for a scenic float with a side of history, to the adrenaline-pumping “Sports Rafting” option for those craving classic whitewater thrills.
Your adventure here begins and ends at the beautiful Britannia Beach. That means you can pair your rafting trip with a refreshing lake dip or a relaxing picnic. Consider it your all-in-one summer daycation
OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River
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Location: 40 Owl Lane, Foresters Falls, ON K0J 1V0, Canada
Contact: You may contact them here
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
If you’re a rafting newbie or have a crew that prefers a scenic float over a heart-stopping plunge, OWL Rafting is your wingman.
Their signature “Soft Adventure Rafting” is all about enjoying the beauty of the Ottawa River with a touch of excitement. You’ll tackle eight kilometres of gentle whitewater, perfect for dipping your toes (or oars) into the world of rafting without getting flipped upside down.
But what truly sets this place apart is that after your exciting ride down the river, you’ll be met by their very own floating kitchen – a luxurious pontoon boat!
Boreal River Adventures
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Location: 78 George St #204, Ottawa, ON K1N 5W1, Canada
Contact: +1 866-242-9383
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Boreal River is a big believer in getting people connected with the river, not just splashed by it. Their trips focus on teaching you river safety, reading the water, and even history and geography along the way.
While most Ottawa outfitters focus on raft trips, Boreal River Adventures is a haven for paddlers. You can try their “Ottawa Kayarafting” adventure, where you conquer rapids in an inflatable kayak, adding a fun, and personal challenge.
They also offer a wide selection of adventures. So, if you’re looking to truly disconnect and become one with the river, Boreal River’s multi-day expeditions are where it’s at.
Wilderness Tours
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Location: 1260 Grants Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, ON K0J 1V0, Canada
Contact: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wilderness Tours isn’t exactly a rafting rookie. They hold the title of Canada’s number one and Ontario’s biggest whitewater rafting resort.
That means they’ve got years of experience under their belts, which translates to smooth sailing (well, maybe not exactly smooth, but safe and enjoyable) for you.
Here, you can choose a family-friendly float trip or a pulse-pounding adrenaline rush, all on the magnificent Ottawa River. They know the river like the back of their hand, and with multiple channels, they can tailor the trip to your exact thrill level
RiverRun Rafting Resort
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Location: 1260 Grants Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, ON K0J 1V0, Canada
Contact: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
RiverRun Rafting conquers the Ottawa River’s famous Rocher Fendu rapids, known for their numerous channels and islands. This means they can tailor your trip perfectly! Want a family-friendly float? Check. Seeking a pulse-pounding, class-five rollercoaster ride? They’ve got that too!
This place also boasts some serious bragging rights – they’ve been splashing through the Ottawa River for over three decades!
This translates to experienced guides who know the rapids like the back of their paddle and a smooth, well-oiled operation so you can focus on the fun
‘The Pumphouse’ Whitewater Course
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Location: Ottawa, ON K1R 0A7, Canada
Contact: You may contact them here
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Think of the Pumphouse as the plucky little brother (or sister) of the Ottawa whitewater scene. While it doesn’t offer the wild heart-pounding experiences of traditional rafting trips, it’s got a lot to brag about.
Don’t be fooled by its small size though – the Pumphouse is where champions are made. Seasoned paddlers have used this course for years to improve their technique and even host major competitions.
Plus, unlike traditional rafting outfitters, this place is a public facility, making it a great option if you’re watching your spending. Got your own gear? Even better! You can score some serious practice time without breaking the bank.
