Ontario Highlands Rafting
- Multiple Durations Available
- May to September
Northwest of the nation’s capital, the Ottawa River surges across Canadian Shield country. This is a path forged by First Nations, traversed by fur traders since the 1600s and fostered by foresters at the turn of the last century. Today you can visit for a whitewater adventure, enjoying a day-long rafting experience through the dynamic Rocher Fendu Rapids. With options available to suit everyone, choose a gentle family-friendly float which meanders calmly down the river, or pick an adrenaline ride on the high-adventure whitewater tour which can see up to Class IV rapids.
OWL ADVENTURE RAFT
Duration: 7 Hours – Departure: week days – check in at 8:30am, return at 4pm / weekends – check in at 7:15am, return at 2pm
Arrive and sign in at the OWL Rafting front desk. Join others for your trip briefing, gear up, and climb aboard the OWL bus for a short transfer to the ‘put-in’, the start of your river day.
Here you meet your guide who will have you practise your strokes to prepare for the rapids ahead. Your guide lines the boat up for the best line, then with everyone paddling, you crash through waves a meter in height and get very wet- but the water is warm with Ontario’s hot summer weather. Each rapid on the Ottawa is followed by a ‘pool’, giving you time to relax and prepare for the next one.
You’ll stop for a snack and maybe some cliff-jumping, float and perhaps see an osprey or beaver. Before you know it, you meet the Pontoon boat, where you’ll climb aboard for a hearty hot barbecued meal on the return cruise to the resort. Rafter wrap-up has you relive your day’s adventure as you watch a short video of your own trip: a great souvenir to purchase. Before you depart, enjoy a sauna or a hot outdoor shower and play on our sandy beach – canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards
What to wear: All participants MUST be wearing secure footwear (eg. running shoes or water shoes). Crocs, flip-flops, and bare feet are not acceptable. We also suggest a bathing suit or swim shorts. For sun protection, consider sunscreen and long-sleeved athletic tops.
Restrictions: All participants must weigh at least 41 kg (90 lbs)
OTTAWA RIVER SOFT ADVENTURE
Duration: 6 hours – Departure: Check in at 11:30am, return at 7pm
Arrive and sign in at the OWL Rafting front desk. Join others for your trip briefing, gear up, and climb aboard the OWL bus for a short transfer to the ‘put-in’, the start of your river day.
Here you meet your guide who will have you practise your strokes to prepare for the rapids ahead. Your guide lines the boat up for the best line, then with everyone paddling, you splash through waves and get wet – the water is warm with Ontario’s hot summer weather. Each rapid on the Ottawa is followed by a ‘pool’, giving you time to relax and prepare for the next one. You’ll stop for a snack and maybe some cliff-jumping, float and perhaps see an osprey or beaver.
Before you know it, you meet the Pontoon boat, where you’ll climb aboard for a hearty hot barbecued meal on the return cruise to the resort. Rafter wrap-up has you relive your day’s adventure as you watch a short video of your own trip: a great souvenir to purchase. Before you depart, enjoy a sauna or a hot outdoor shower and play on our sandy beach – canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
What to wear: All participants MUST be wearing secure footwear (eg. running shoes or water shoes). We also suggest a bathing suit or swim shorts. For sun protection, consider sunscreen and long-sleeved athletic tops.
Restrictions: All participants must weigh at least 23 kg (50 lbs).
PONTOON 2 HOUR CRUISE
Duration: 2 Hours – Departure: Check in at 1:30pm, return at 4pm
Climb aboard and savour the time on the water as you travel upstream for an hour, then return during your meal. All meals include a hot main grilled on the boat, choice of three salads, freshly baked bun, tea, coffee, juice, and baked sweet. OWL Rafting is a three-generation family-run resort, renowned for its attention to detail, exceptional service, and locally sourced cuisine.
MADAWASKA TWO HOUR RAFTING
Duration: 2 hours – Departure: 10am, 12:30pm or 2pm
An exciting and fun short trip option for all the family. The two-hour river trip winds its way through 5 fun-filled kilometres of beautiful scenery and tumbling
whitewater in the Algonquin area. You’ll experience the river with experienced raft guides, moving water safety, scouting, and reading the rapids, just like the Algonquin First Nation who navigated the Madawaska for thousands of years. There are two options:
Family Rafting: Skilled raft guides introduce you to the river world – while you hold on and enjoy the adventure in our 12-person rafts. To get you in the swim of things, there are opportunities to jump into the current – so dress to get wet! Suitable for ages 2 & up!
Adventure Rafting: Up the challenge in smaller 7-person rafts! A guide will teach you to paddle, surf, and attempt to flip the boat over! Passengers must weigh at
least 41kg (90lb).
What to wear: All participants must be wearing secure footwear (running shoes or water shoes). We suggest a bathing suit or swim shorts and a change of clothes for after your trip.
Contact us for the operating schedule and pricing.