Charge into accessible whitewater on the Ottawa River with guided, family-friendly rapids, a riverside BBQ, and a video kayaker capturing the action. Ideal for first-timers seeking a full-day soft-adventure on a historic waterway.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The raft heels, water chattering at the gunwales, and your guide calls the line as the river dares you into the next rapid. Morning light fractures on the Ottawa River and the current pushes the boat along the same corridor the voyageurs used centuries ago. You feel both motion and history: rock shelves and rounded boulders of the Canadian Shield shaping each drop.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Light aerobic fitness—able to sit, paddle intermittently, and follow guide commands for 5 hours on river within a full-day tour.
Wildlife
History
The Ottawa River was a primary fur-trade and voyageur route, its channels guiding canoes between inland trade networks and the St. Lawrence.
Conservation
Operators emphasize Leave No Trace practices; stick to marked put-ins, avoid disturbing shoreline habitat, and use provided waste facilities.
Reserve your spot on the Soft Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Expect to Get Wet
Wear quick-dry layers and secure footwear—spray and splashes are constant on rapids and during re-boarding.
Meet the Weight Minimum
Participants must be over 50 lbs (23 kg); operators enforce this for safe flotation and boat balance.
Protect Small Electronics
Pack phones and cameras in a waterproof dry bag or leave them at base—the operator films highlights, but personal devices are vulnerable.
Hydrate and Fuel Up
An energetic day on the river requires hydration and snacks; a riverside BBQ is provided at the end of the trip.
Water shoes or sturdy sandals
Give toe protection and traction when boarding, exiting, and walking on rocky shores.
summer
Quick-dry clothing and a light synthetic layer
Dries quickly after splashes and layers defend against wind off the river.
summer
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps phone, keys, and spare clothes dry while on the raft.
Sunscreen and a brimmed hat
Open river exposure makes sun protection important during mid-day stretches.
summer