Dear Friends,
Thanks to your incredible support, Wilderness Tours has evolved from a regional, summer-only adventure resort into a premier four-season adventure vacation destination. What started as a humble beginning in Algonquin Park has blossomed into a world-class experience that draws adventurers from all over the globe.
During the past summer, a simple walk through our parking lot revealed license plates from across Canada and the United States—a clear sign that we are attracting a diverse and passionate group of paddlers. As you stroll along our deck, you’ll hear accents from Britain, Europe, the US East Coast, and the Midwest, further proving that Wilderness Tours has truly arrived on the world’s adventure travel stage.
While the majority of our guests still come from the Golden Horseshoe of Lake Ontario and Ottawa, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort is now recognized as a must-visit destination for adventurers from near and far.
Since our founding in 1975, our mission has been simple: to provide the finest rafting experiences east of the Rocky Mountains. Your feedback over the years has made it clear that we’ve not only met but exceeded that goal. Now, after over 40 years in operation, we are more committed than ever to delivering unparalleled adventure experiences—whether you’re here for whitewater rafting, kayaking, or any of our other thrilling activities.
This commitment is a daunting task, but we are more than up to the challenge. Just as we did in 1975, we eagerly look forward to sharing the magic of whitewater on Canada’s Ottawa River with you.
We can’t wait to see you on the river!
See you on the river.
Joe Kowalski
Founder/Owner
Wilderness Tours
From the moment I pushed off the shore in 1975, I knew the Ottawa River was unlike any other. With its hundreds of islands, secluded beaches, and hidden coves, the river was a paradise waiting to be explored. This pristine waterway, still as untamed as when French explorer Samuel de Champlain first encountered it over three centuries ago, was a place of thundering waterfalls, untouched shorelines, and of course, classic whitewater.
I quickly realized that this river deserved to remain as it was—pure and unspoiled. From McCoy Chute to the base of Rocher-Fendu Lake, the Ottawa River was still the same stunning landscape Champlain saw, and I knew it was crucial to preserve its natural beauty. As the first to paddle its waters, Wilderness Tours established its resort in the most ecologically appropriate location, far from the river’s edge, staying true to the belief that development should be kept out of the river corridor.
When it came time to put down personal roots, my decision was again made with the river in mind. I chose to settle away from the river’s edge, ensuring that the land remained undeveloped and untouched. Since that pivotal moment in 1975, every spare dollar has been funneled into the Wilderness Tours Land Trust, which works tirelessly to protect the river’s shoreline and its surrounding habitat from any future development. In essence, Wilderness Tours pioneered the environmental movement on the Ottawa River, long before conservation became a widespread cause.
Although we’ve had significant success, our work is far from complete. Our mandate to protect the entire Ottawa River continues to this day, and we need your help to ensure its preservation. The fight to protect this precious waterway is ongoing, and your support is crucial to securing its future. If you’re interested in contributing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at 613-703-6110 x230.
To date, Wilderness Tours has successfully conserved over 4,000 acres of waterfront, ensuring that our children—and their children—will have the opportunity to experience Champlain’s river just as he did: in awe of its untamed beauty and natural artistry.
If this is your first time exploring the mighty Ottawa River, we hope you’ll enjoy every moment of its breathtaking landscapes and whitewater thrills. And if you’re a returning adventurer, you’ll be happy to know that, thanks to our conservation efforts, the river has remained just as wild and beautiful as ever. Wilderness Tours continues to protect and celebrate this magnificent waterway, ensuring that it will remain a vibrant and awe-inspiring destination for generations to come.
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