Wilderness Tours stands out as the ultimate destination for military training due to its unique offerings, extensive facilities, and specialized services. Here’s what makes us the go-to partner for military units and defense training programs:
Wilderness Tours offers over 5,000 acres of diverse training terrain, providing an expansive environment for military units to conduct operations, drills, and training exercises. What sets us apart is that we provide access to this training area at no cost, even if units are not utilizing Wilderness Tours’ other services. This allows units to benefit from a vast, secluded environment perfect for real-world training scenarios.
Additionally, emergency access is available at every training location on the river, ensuring the safety of all participants and enabling swift response times when needed.
At Wilderness Tours, we specialize in a wide range of military training programs tailored to the needs of military units. Here’s a list of exclusive programs and services that set us apart from other providers:
Swiftwater Rescue Training: As the exclusive provider of Rescue Canada certification on the Ottawa River, Wilderness Tours offers in-house Swiftwater Rescue training. Our program ensures military personnel are prepared for real-world water rescue situations.
Climbing & Rappelling: Wilderness Tours is a premier location for climbing and rappelling training, giving military units the skills necessary for high-angle terrain operations and rescue techniques.
Mountain Biking & Sea Kayaking: Our diverse mountain biking and sea kayaking programs offer specialized training for military personnel to improve endurance, technical skills, and adaptability in various environments.
Whitewater Kayaking & Raft Guiding: As part of our Guide Your Own Raft program, we offer exclusive raft guiding training for the military. Wilderness Tours is also a leading provider of whitewater rafting and whitewater kayaking programs designed to enhance teamwork and operational readiness.
Wilderness Canoe Outfitting & Map & Compass Training: Whether it’s for extended backcountry operations or precise navigation in the wild, our wilderness canoe outfitting and map & compass courses provide military units with essential skills for navigating remote areas.
Winter Training & Ice Rescue: Wilderness Tours offers winter survival training, including cross-country skiing and ice rescue techniques to ensure military personnel are prepared for the harshest environments.
Beyond our core training offerings, we also specialize in providing customized training programs designed specifically for military units. This includes courses in First Aid & CPR, hiking, and specialized training for wilderness survival.
Our exclusive partnership with Algonquin College also allows us to provide military personnel with access to the college’s prestigious 2-year Outdoor Adventure diploma program. This unique collaboration makes Wilderness Tours the trusted partner for all levels of military outdoor training.
To streamline the training experience, Wilderness Tours creates a custom webpage for each military unit, accessible only to your team. This special page makes it easy to reserve accommodations, book meals, and schedule adventure activities, ensuring your training session runs smoothly from start to finish.
If you’re ready to take your military training to the next level, Wilderness Tours offers everything you need for an unforgettable and highly effective experience. For more details or to get started, please visit our FAQ section or contact us directly at [email protected].
Partner with Wilderness Tours for the ultimate in military training, and equip your unit with the skills necessary to succeed in real-world environments.
In 1974, Joe Kowalski, Founder and President of Wilderness Tours, faced a life-changing decision that would alter the course of his future. As he completed his final year of a four-year military commitment, Joe had recently been promoted to Captain—a prestigious milestone that signified a promising career in the armed forces.
However, Joe’s heart was set on a different path. The dream of creating Wilderness Tours, a whitewater rafting and kayaking company, had been stirring within him for years. The thrill of outdoor adventure and a passion for the Ottawa River inspired Joe to leave behind the security of his military career and pursue his vision. After much internal debate and soul-searching, Joe made the bold decision to step away from his military promotion and begin his journey toward building what would become Canada’s top whitewater adventure company.
The beginning of Wilderness Tours was not easy. Joe faced significant challenges in the early years, from financial struggles to the pressures of establishing a new business. But Joe’s determination, hard work, and perseverance paid off. By focusing on providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable outdoor experiences, Wilderness Tours began to grow, attracting adventurers and thrill-seekers from all over the world.
Over time, Wilderness Tours gained a reputation for being a leader in the whitewater rafting and kayaking industry. Today, Wilderness Tours is a renowned name in outdoor adventure, offering everything from adrenaline-pumping rafting trips to relaxing kayaking tours and specialized training programs.
As Wilderness Tours grew in prestige, opportunities began to emerge. One of the most exciting developments came in the form of military units from across Canada and the United Kingdom seeking out Wilderness Tours as a premier training destination. The company’s vast, scenic landscapes and expertise in adventure programming made it the perfect location for military personnel looking to develop new skills in swiftwater rescue, climbing, whitewater rafting, and other outdoor disciplines.
Today, Wilderness Tours is not just a premier adventure resort—it is also a trusted provider of military training programs. In 2025, Wilderness Tours offers a range of training experiences, from 1-day training sessions to multi-week programs, tailored to the needs of military units and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Joe Kowalski’s decision to follow his passion and take a leap of faith into the world of outdoor adventure changed his life—and the lives of countless people who have experienced the magic of the Ottawa River through Wilderness Tours. What started as a dream in 1975 has blossomed into a world-class adventure company that continues to lead the industry in whitewater rafting, kayaking, and outdoor education.
As Wilderness Tours enters its 50th year, Joe’s legacy lives on in every adventure, every training program, and every guest who steps foot onto the resort grounds. Whether you’re visiting for a thrilling rafting adventure or participating in one of our world-class training programs, Wilderness Tours remains committed to delivering the highest standards of outdoor fun, safety, and education.
Join us in 2025 and discover why Wilderness Tours is the ultimate destination for adventure, training, and unforgettable experiences.
Need some more information? Send us an e-mail at [email protected]
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