Wilderness Tours Raft and Kayak Resort

80's Night and Party!
2025-08-30 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-08-09 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-07-19 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-06-28 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-06-07 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-05-18 03:00 (America/Toronto) | Wilderness Tours, 1260 Grant Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, K0J 1V0, Canada
Welcome to the jungle! Big your best big hairstyles, scrunchies, and shoulder pads, to fully participate in this theme party! Bring your best ’80s costume and get down to the best hits of the ’80s down at the Rafter’s Pavilion.

Ottawa River Enduro
2025-08-23 08:30 - 17:00 | Wilderness Tours Bike Park, 1260 Grants Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, ON, K0J 1V0, Canada
Ottawa River Enduro Mountain Bike race at the Wilderness Tours Bike Park is back. The 3rd installment of this 7 stage race will be held on Saturday, August 23rd.
We have special camping and accommodation rates for competitors as well as packages. Day Package includes 2 meals lunch & dinner as well as socks for the first 80 registrants.
For full package and registration details check out the full event page.

Full Event Registration and Package Details

2024 Video Recap

Canada Cup
2025-08-17 09:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Ottawa River Barn, 10 Fletcher Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, K0J 1V0, Canada
Canada Cup 2025: Unleash Your Paddling Skills on the Ottawa River – August 16-17
Get ready for the most exciting weekend of whitewater action in 2025! The Canada Cup is back, set for August 16-17, 2025, and it’s bigger and better than ever. With two thrilling events lined up, this is your chance to compete, showcase your skills, and join the paddling community for an unforgettable experience on the Ottawa River.
Two High-Energy Events You Can’t Miss

Saturday, August 16th: Classic Downriver Race – Take on the iconic Main Channel of the Ottawa River for an epic downriver race. Test your speed and skill on one of the most fun whitewater courses in the world with the mass-start race starting at 10 AM at the top of the Lorne Rapid!
Sunday, August 17th: Freestyle Wave Surfing Competition – Show off your aerial tricks and technical moves in the Freestyle Wave Surfing competition. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a freestyle rookie, the waves at the Ottawa River are the perfect place to push your limits.

Both events will conclude with an after-party at the Ottawa River Barn, on Sunday evening where paddlers and fans will come together to celebrate the weekend’s highlights and crown the Canada Cup champions.
Registration Information

Enter Both Events: $70 CAD
Single Event Registration: $40 CAD

Click here to register today!
Cash Prizes: The top 5 finishers in the Men’s and Women’s categories at each event will receive a cash payout, based on the number of competitors in each class. Bring your best performance and compete for a chance to win!
After-Party Celebration
The fun doesn’t stop after the last wave or race. Join us for the Canada Cup after-party at the Ottawa River Barn for food, drinks, and a chance to mingle with fellow paddlers. Recap the weekend’s top moments, share stories, and celebrate the new champions of the Canada Cup.
Why You Should Compete in the Canada Cup

Two Unique Events: Compete in both the Classic Downriver Race and the Freestyle Wave Surfing competition, or just choose the one that suits your skills and passion.
Iconic Location: Race and surf on the world-famous Ottawa River, known for its challenging rapids and perfect freestyle waves.
Cash Prizes: The top 5 finishers in each category will receive cash payouts, rewarding the best performances.
Celebration & Networking: The after-party at the Ottawa River Barn is the perfect place to relax, network with fellow competitors, and enjoy the spirit of the paddling community.

Have Questions?
For any questions or additional information, feel free to contact Casey Bryant Jones at Casey@ottawakayak.com.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action! Register now and gear up for an unforgettable weekend at the Canada Cup 2025. Whether you’re racing downriver or throwing down tricks in the freestyle competition, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Country Party
2025-08-16 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-07-26 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-07-05 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-06-14 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-05-24 15:30 - 19:30 | Wilderness Tours, 1260 Grant Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, K0J 1V0, Canada
Grab your Cowboy hats, your best pair of boots, and a dancing partner because we’ve got a country-themed party for the ages!

Pirate Party
2025-08-02 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-07-12 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-06-21 15:30 - 19:30, 2025-05-31 15:30 - 19:30 | Wilderness Tours, 1260 Grant Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, K0J 1V0, Canada
X marks the spot! The riverside patio at the Rafter’s Pavilion is the nightlife treasure you’ve been searching for. Bring your best pirate outfit and crew because this treasure is worth sharing!

Ottawa River Classic
2025-07-20 06:00 - 15:00 | ON
Introducing the Ottawa River Classic 2025: A Thrilling New Event Presented by Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours
Get ready for an exciting new addition to the 2025 whitewater racing season: the Ottawa River Classic! Proudly presented by the Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours, this event is set to become an annual highlight for the Ottawa River paddling community.
Inspired by the success and popularity of the Movember Whitewater Classic, organized by Matt Hamilton and Robyn Butler, the Ottawa River Classic embraces the spirit of this iconic event while adding its own unique twist. This race is designed to bring together paddlers of all abilities for a fun, competitive, and community-driven day on the water.
What is the Ottawa River Classic?
The Ottawa River Classic is a thrilling race down the Middle Channel of the Ottawa River. The course will be determined on the day of the race, adding an element of surprise and adventure. In keeping with the traditions of the Movember Whitewater Classic, the event will focus on team-based racing, with participants racing in pairs.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, this event offers a chance to compete in a fun and inclusive environment while supporting a great cause. 100% of the entry fees will be donated to the Whitewater Region Emergency Services, making your participation even more impactful.
Race Day Details

Date: July 20, 2025
Entry Fee: $30 CAD (100% of the entry fee goes directly to Whitewater Region Emergency Services)
Registration: 10:00 AM at the Wilderness Tours Main Office
Shuttle Service: Group shuttles begin at 11:00 AM
Race Start: 12:00 PM – Mass start above McCoy’s Chute
Race Format: Teams of two (you must race with a partner)
Boat Restrictions: None! Feel free to paddle a tandem kayak if you prefer
Finish Line: The first team to reach the Wilderness Tours take-out wins!

Click here to register now!
After-Race Celebration at the River Barn
The fun doesn’t end when the race is over! Join us at the River Barn, located at 10 Fletcher Rd, for the post-race awards and celebration. Enjoy cold drinks from Whitewater Brewery and delicious food as we honor the top finishers and everyone who participated in this amazing event.
Why Participate in the Ottawa River Classic?

Fun & Inclusive Racing: Whether you’re racing for the first time or are an experienced paddler, this event is designed for all skill levels.
Great Cause: All entry fees go directly to supporting Whitewater Region Emergency Services.
No Boat Restrictions: Race in any boat you prefer, including tandem kayaks.
Beautiful Location: Experience the thrill of racing on the iconic Ottawa River, home to some of the best whitewater in the world.
Post-Race Party: Celebrate with fellow paddlers and enjoy great food and drinks at the River Barn.

Have Questions?
For more details, feel free to contact Casey Bryant Jones at Casey@ottawakayak.com.
Don’t miss out on this exciting new race for 2025! Register now and be part of the Ottawa River Classic – a fantastic day of paddling, community spirit, and supporting a worthy cause!

Mountain Bike Instructor Level 1 Course
2025-07-03 - 2025-07-05, 2025-06-13 - 2025-06-15 | Wilderness Tours Bike Park, 1260 Grants Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, ON, K0J 1V0, Canada
Want to learn to be a mountain bike instructor or just learn some new skills? Wilderness Tours is hosting a Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association Course (PMBIA) at our bike park. What’s involved?
PMBIA LEVEL 1 COURSE | 3-DAY BEGINNER-INTERMEDIATE INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION
The Level 1 course trains both new and experienced instructors to teach and guide beginner to low-intermediate mountain bikers, in both cross country and downhill environments. New instructors learn the tools they need to safely and effectively teach, while experienced instructors will increase their level of skill and understanding in teaching and riding theory that the PMBIA Certifications uniquely provide.
A strong focus is given to learning teaching skills in their own right, to develop a sense of this all-important part of a mountain bike lesson. Throughout the course candidates will learn and practice PMBIA’s proven, modern teaching models and skills, enabling them to deliver safe, effective and fun lessons to beginner to low-intermediate riders.
Each day of the 3-day course, instructor candidates will learn riding skills and theory, have plenty of time to practice, and receive personal feedback for their own improvement. Additional workshops covering topics such as bike set-up, risk management and first aid, take place throughout the course to further build knowledge and skills during the course.
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?

Develop a passion for teaching: Any professional instructor must have a passion for teaching as much as they do for riding. This course will give you the essential tools you need to begin the process of becoming a professional instructor. You’ll learn how important it is to understand teaching as a skill in its own right as you begin the process of developing into a safe, fun and effective mountain bike instructor.
Recognized Certification from the global industry leader: Gain the industry’s most widely available and globally adopted mountain bike instructor certification, the PMBIA Certification.
Some key things you’ll learn: How to ride and demonstrate with more skill and consistency, how to plan and execute skill and maneuver-based mountain bike lessons in both cross country and downhill settings and how to guide MTB groups safely on single-track, technical terrain.
Have fun: It’s 3-days of riding bikes, learning and getting stoked!
Become your own coach: Through a greater knowledge of riding skills and learning theory, your increased understanding of the sport will help you analyze your own riding and enable you to teach yourself!
Improve your own riding skills: Learn the all-important, fundamental skills you need to rail corners, gain confidence on technical climbs & descents, and master maneuvers such as front and rear wheel lifts, or rolling drops. Learn how to gain control in any situation to build confidence, safety and fun on your bike.

Click the registration link below to sign up. Any questions please email bikes@wildernesstours.com and we’ll help you with discounted accommodations or camping.

50th Anniversary | Turbo Krankur and Party
2025-06-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Wilderness Tours, 1260 Grant Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, K0J 1V0, Canada
Help us celebrate our storied history with the one and only Turbo Krankur!
Chris Hum warms up the stage at 6pm with TK taking to the mic at 9pm.

50th Year Anniversary | Film Festival
2025-06-27 04:00 - 13:00 | Wilderness Tours, 1260 Grant Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, K0J 1V0, Canada
We are beginning with a ceremony celebrating those who have gone before us at Inspiration Point and the evening will conclude with a Wilderness Tours film festival.
Staff films through the decades will be playing throughout the night to celebrate the long and storied history of Wilderness Tours.

50th Year Anniversary | Opening Ceremony
2025-06-26 11:00 - 19:00 | ON
Since 1975, Wilderness Tours has been the premier resort and adventure destination on the Ottawa River. Help us celebrate our storied history! Evening events will include several speeches and a lumberjack dinner and show.
Itinerary
3 Days of celebrations begins Thursday, June 26th 3 pm. The full itinerary for the weekend is as follows.
Thursday, June 26th, 2025: MAIN CEREMONY
3:00 pm: 50th Anniversary Ceremony @ Rafters (At our new location: 1260 Grants Settlement Rd)
Welcome by MC Hugh MacKenzie, WT’s first GM 1980-1990
WT is fortunate to have 4 terrific Operations Managers who will present their “generation”
1975 – 1980 Joe Kowalski
1980 – 1990 Rick Troutman
1990 – 1995 Garry Hierlihy
1995 – 2003 Chris Melmoth
2003 – Present Charles Tong
6:00 pm: Dinner/Theater at “new” Rafters – The Ottawa River has always been a “working river” from the Algonquins, Voyageurs, Cour de Bois, Lumberjacks, and most recently river guides and kayak instructors. We are pleased to have local legend Gail Gavan and her troupe showcase the Ottawa River in music, story, and dance. Even dinner will be themed with lumberjack fare from centuries gone by. Get in the spirit wearing valley plaid and river guide garb. It will be a terrific evening ending with the Valley Shantyman Chris Hum. Don your dancing shoes or river sandals9:00 pm: Chris Hum Friday, June 27th, 20257:00 am: Breakfast starts9:45 am: Briefing Time1:30 pm: Lunch at Rafters Restaurant3:00 pm: Remembrance Ceremony at Inspiration Point (Lorne) Parking at River Barn4:00 pm: Irish Wake at the River Barn w/ cash bar6:00 pm: Dinner at Rafters Restaurant6:00 pm: Staff Videos Screenings Amphitheatre.700 pm: Chris Hum Saturday, June 27th, 20257:00 am: Breakfast starts9:45 am: Briefing Time1:30 pm: Lunch at Rafters Restaurant6:00 pm: Dinner at Rafters Restaurant6:00 pm: Chris Hum9:00 pm: Turbokrankur
Sunday, June 28th, 20257:00 am: Breakfast starts10 am: Accommodation/campsite checkout and departure at your leisure
Looking for the staff reunion schedule, and booking information.

Staff Reunion Booking Info

1st Guide Staff Wilderness Tours 1975
Wilderness Tours Staff Photo 2012

World Yoga Day
2025-06-20 - 2025-06-21 | Wilderness Tours, 1260 Grant Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, K0J 1V0, Canada
Celebrate World Yoga Day at Wilderness Tours!
Event details tbd.

University | College Weekend
2025-06-12 - 2025-06-15 | Wilderness Tours, 1260 Grant Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, K0J 1V0, Canada
It’s the Wilderness Tours University and College Weekends!
We have two incredible options depending on the level of adventure you are looking to add for the weekend.
Why wait for frosh week next September, start early with our University Weekend. Bands, Beer, and the best whitewater rafting river, it doesn’t get much better than this. If you pay tuition somewhere then pick a weekend to come and visit the Ottawa River.
Give us a call at 1-888-RAFT-NOW to reserve your group for this discount.
If you already have friends who have booked you are not able to add to their reservation from this page you will have to call to add to their reservation to ensure you are rafting together.

Youth Group Weekend
2025-06-05 - 2025-06-08 | Wilderness Tours, 1260 Grant Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, K0J 1V0, Canada
The first weekend in June is always our Youth Group weekend. We offer special group discount for Guides, Cadets, Scouts and many more this week every year!
Email groups@wildernesstours.com and we’ll get your group a special rate for any one of our trips this weekend, or any other.

Ottawa XL - Event Cancelled
2025-05-18 06:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-17 06:00 - 13:00 | Ottawa River Barn, 10 Fletcher Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, K0J 1V0, Canada
Event Update: Ottawa XL
After much consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Ottawa XL event due to low registration numbers. While we’re disappointed, we know that timing and availability can be tough, and we appreciate those who expressed interest.
That said, we’re incredibly excited for the rest of this season’s whitewater events, and we’d love to see you there:

Coli Cross – July 6th

Ottawa River Classic – July 20th

Canada Cup – August 16–17

Each one promises community, competition, and the river magic we all love. Thank you for your continued support—we can’t wait to paddle with you soon.
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail, Casey Bryant Jones – Casey@ottawakayak.com

First Regularly Scheduled 2025 Raft Trip
2025-05-17 03:30 - 09:00 | ON
The season kicks off with a High Adventure and Sport Raft trip down the rapids. This time of year is characterized by high water which means huge waves!
