Rafting on the Ottawa River

Ottawa is a city for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. North of the capital, magnificent landscapes await you for hiking and cycling. Nestled quietly on the banks of the Ottawa River, Ottawa residents have the privilege of enjoying white-water rafting just a stone's throw from the heart of the city. Adventurers can try their hand at rafting, kayaking and even kayarafting, a combination of the two!

Rafting is a white-water sport that involves manoeuvring an inflatable boat down a river of rapids and obstacles. Using paddles, you and your team advance along a watery course while trying not to fall into the water and staying on course! Kayarafting is a hybrid between kayaking and rafting.

The Ottawa River is the longest river in Quebec. It is named after the Outaouais people, an Aboriginal nation in Canada. The river is 1,271 km long and has its main source in Lake Ottawa. It empties into the St. Lawrence River not far from Montreal in Quebec. Although the waters of the river are too cold to swim in during the winter, it is in summer that it welcomes visitors and euphoric Ottawans for a variety of freshwater activities. The river is dotted with islands, some of which are large and inhabited. Île aux Allumettes, opposite Pembroke, is home to 1,346 people. Water temperatures flirt with 20°C during the hottest months of the year, between June and August.

You can also organise cruises on the Ottawa River. You can also explore the white waters in a canoe, a small boat that resembles a rowboat, or on a stand-up paddle. Find out more about all the activities on the Outaouais tourism website.

Boreal River, professional and fun

Boreal River is a family business based in Ottawa. Launched by two rafting enthusiasts, the company combines adventure with personal challenge. Boreal River offers full-day activities and immersive stays, sometimes even over 9 days. You can choose from several routes on the Ottawa River.

The beginner's route: Kayarafting Outaouais

This 4.5-hour activity takes you out on the white water to learn the skills and reflexes of this environment. You'll be aboard your kayak in a group of no more than 12 people. There are two instructors to guide you and teach you how to kayak and swim rapids in complete safety. The excursion runs from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., from 1 July to 9 September. The cost of this activity is $199.

Rafting expeditions in Gatineau

For adventurers and keen rafters, Boreal River organises trips of 3 to 5 days on request. In a completely immersive way, you explore the waters of Gatineau, a Quebec city just 1 hour 45 minutes from Ottawa. This trip is a way of reconnecting with nature and learning the basics of survival in the forest. You sleep in a tent. The price of this activity is subject to quotation and depends on the length of your stay.

Find all the information you need to book your activity on the Borel River website.

Wilderness Tours Ottawa river, a team you can trust

Wilderness Tours specializes in family rafting trips. Since 1975, Wilderness Tours has been a reliable company offering a variety of tours and packages around Ottawa. You can go rafting for a day, or take the whole family on a week-long adventure. For part-time adventurers, Wilderness tours offers rafting holidays where you stay in a hotel and enjoy the games and comforts of the resort.

A family rafting day

Climb aboard your inflatable boat for a fun-filled family day on the waters of the Ottawa River. This trip has been specially designed for families with children aged 5 to 12. In the morning, you descend the rapids. You'll stop near a waterfall and visit small islands on the river. In the afternoon, you arrive at the resort and enjoy all the activities, kayaking, slides, restaurants, etc. The excursion lasts between 4 and 5 hours and costs between $129 and $159 per adult.

Details of this day trip can be found on the Wilderness Tours website.