At Wilderness Tours, we’ve had the distinct pleasure of welcoming guests for nearly 50 years. What began in 1975 as a regional summer adventure destination has since transformed into a world-renowned resort offering unforgettable experiences for adventurers of all kinds. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure or a peaceful retreat, Wilderness Tours delivers an unparalleled vacation experience.
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Ottawa River in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, Wilderness Tours offers breathtaking views of the National Whitewater Park. Our resort is thoughtfully designed to blend comfort and nature, with numerous decks and porches that provide the perfect vantage points to enjoy the spectacular surrounding landscape. This stunning backdrop combined with our resort amenities creates a vacation experience like no other—whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation.
Located just one hour from Ottawa, Wilderness Tours is ideally situated to offer the perfect combination of wilderness and creature comfort. Our prime location provides easy access to one of Canada’s most pristine environments, giving you the best of both worlds: an escape into nature and the convenience of modern amenities.
Designed for families and adventurers alike, Wilderness Tours offers a fun-filled resort with activities for everyone. Choose your ideal adventure:
Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, or a quiet escape to reconnect with nature, Wilderness Tours offers something for everyone. Our riverside resort location provides the perfect balance of adventure and comfort, making it the ideal destination for your next family getaway or adventure vacation.
Let us be your guide to the ultimate Ottawa River experience—relax, escape, and explore at Wilderness Tours.
Wilderness Tours offers the ultimate adventure experience on the Ottawa River, combining thrilling whitewater rafting with access to our world-class resort and extensive amenities. What sets us apart from the competition is not just the stunning natural beauty and unparalleled location, but also the all-inclusive experience that ensures every guest has a truly unforgettable stay.
Wilderness Tours isn’t just Canada’s top whitewater adventure resort—it’s where it all began. Established in 1975, we were the first company to offer whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River. Since then, we’ve earned a reputation for providing safe, exciting rafting adventures for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced thrill-seekers.
Whether you’re looking for a mild rafting experience on the gentle sections of the river or you’re ready to tackle the wild rapids that the Ottawa River is famous for, we’ve got a whitewater adventure for you. No matter the challenge, you’ll enjoy expert guides, world-class equipment, and stunning natural surroundings.
Located just steps from the resort, our beachfront area is the heart of outdoor fun at Wilderness Tours. Here, the whole family can enjoy a variety of water activities. Explore the waters on a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP), take a ride on one of our sit-on-top kayaks, or dive into our inflatable water park—it’s the perfect spot to play and relax. After your adventure, unwind in one of our Muskoka chairs, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the spectacular river views.
For nature enthusiasts, Wilderness Tours offers direct access to over 17 km of hiking trails right from the resort. Our trails wind through hardwood and cedar forests, leading to breathtaking views of the Ottawa River. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore caves formed during the last ice age and experience the natural beauty that makes this region one of Canada’s most stunning outdoor destinations.
One of our newest features at Wilderness Tours is the Downhill Flow Mountain Biking Trails, offering nearly 10 km of downhill mountain biking excitement. Plus, you’ll have access to the BORCA Mountain Bike Trail Network, with nearly 60 km of interconnected trails, all within a 5-minute ride from the resort. Whether you’re an experienced biker or a beginner, there’s a trail for you.
Don’t have a mountain bike? No problem! You can rent a bike for just $40 for 2 hours and hit the trails for the adventure of a lifetime.
The heart of Wilderness Tours is our Rafters Pavilion, a spacious, open-air venue where you can enjoy a hearty meal, drinks at the bar, and live entertainment. Whether you’re relaxing after a day of adventure or enjoying the atmosphere with friends and family, Rafters Pavilion offers everything you need to unwind. Explore our retail shop for souvenirs or grab a bite to eat at our fully licensed restaurant, offering fresh and delicious meals that will satisfy every appetite.
Just steps from the Rafters Pavilion, our Sports Courts and Games Area offer a variety of recreational activities for all ages. From ball hockey and basketball to beach volleyball, bocce ball, and corn hole, there’s always something fun to do. Whether you want to engage in friendly competition or just enjoy a casual game, our sports courts provide the perfect space for outdoor fun.
At Wilderness Tours, we are deeply committed to the preservation and revitalization of the Ottawa River and its surrounding natural beauty. This mission extends to our Timber Sauna, a 150-year-old cabin that has been restored and transformed into a luxurious sauna experience. Located in a secluded corner of the Park Village, the sauna features an exclusive riverside deck, perfect for relaxation with your group.
The Timber Sauna is available for private rentals and is ideal for group relaxation after an exciting day of adventure. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and unwind in this one-of-a-kind space, available for hourly bookings to suit your schedule.
With a prime location on the Ottawa River, Wilderness Tours offers not only exciting whitewater rafting, but also a wealth of outdoor activities and resort amenities to suit every interest and skill level. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, there’s something for everyone here.
From the scenic hiking trails and mountain biking adventures to our beachfront activities and sports courts, the possibilities for fun are endless. Our Timber Sauna offers the perfect spot to unwind, and the Rafters Pavilion ensures that you’ll have everything you need for a memorable dining and entertainment experience.
If you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure destination, Wilderness Tours is the place to be. Book your next trip today and experience the thrill of the Ottawa River like never before!
Need some more information? Check out our FAQ’s section or send us an e-mail at [email protected]
*Please ask your trip leader about our coin operated lockers or you always have the option to leave your personal belongings in your car or accommodation, our trip leaders will have a lockable key box which you’re welcome to leave your keys in prior to each of your experiences.*
When Joe Kowalski, the founder of Wilderness Tours, first paddled the Ottawa River, he was captivated by the river’s powerful whitewater and the breathtaking beauty of its surroundings. Inspired by the river’s magic, Joe dreamed of sharing this experience with his friends, family, and others who shared his passion for adventure. That dream became a reality when he founded Wilderness Tours, which has since grown to become Canada’s largest and leading adventure company.
Over the past 50 years, Wilderness Tours has earned a reputation for offering world-class outdoor experiences and is now recognized as a leader in whitewater rafting, kayaking, and other adventure activities on the Ottawa River. But our commitment to excellence doesn’t end with adventure. We’ve had the honor of hosting special groups from some of the most prestigious organizations in Canada and beyond, including the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Hilti, Tomlinson Group, and Carleton University, just to name a few.
Wilderness Tours isn’t just a destination for outdoor adventure; it’s the ideal place for corporate retreats, destination weddings, family reunions, and much more. We are proud to offer a variety of special group services, designed to make every event unforgettable. Whether you’re planning an intimate family getaway, a team-building seminar, or an adventurous bachelor/bachelorette party, we’ve got something for everyone. Our diverse offerings include:
At Wilderness Tours, we offer several private venues that are perfect for hosting special events, celebrations, and gatherings. These intimate, picturesque settings provide the ideal atmosphere for any occasion. Our resort location features a variety of beautiful and unique venues, including:
If you’re planning something larger or more private, we also offer the option to rent the entire resort for your event. Imagine having our 650-acre property all to yourself, with access to adventure activities, accommodations, and amenities to suit your needs.
Wilderness Tours provides much more than a venue for your event; we offer a complete experience for your guests. Whether you’re hosting a corporate meeting or celebrating a destination wedding, your group can enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and other exciting outdoor activities. With a variety of accommodations, delicious food, and nightly entertainment, we ensure that your event is not only memorable but also fun and relaxing for everyone involved.
At Wilderness Tours, we are committed to providing an exceptional experience for every group, whether it’s for a corporate seminar, a family reunion, or a destination wedding. Our exceptional staff, beautiful resort locations, and range of adventure activities make us the top choice for any event or group outing.
Want to learn more or book your event? Contact us today, and let us help you plan an unforgettable experience at Wilderness Tours!
Great question, and one we take very seriously. The answer is simple: Wilderness Tours stands out because we offer an unparalleled combination of expert staff, world-class adventure experiences, and top-tier resort facilities. Here’s why so many people choose to raft with us—and why you should too:
With all these advantages, it’s no wonder that Wilderness Tours is the top choice for outdoor adventure seekers in Canada.
Absolutely! We love hosting special groups here at Wilderness Tours. Whether you’re organizing a corporate retreat, family reunion, bachelor/bachelorette party, or school group, we’ve got the facilities and expertise to accommodate all types of events. Our resort and outdoor adventure offerings make it the perfect venue for any gathering.
In fact, we recently had the pleasure of hosting the 2023 Carleton University Engineering Frosh event, and it was a huge success! From thrilling rafting adventures to relaxing downtime in our resort, we ensure that your group has an unforgettable experience.
Yes, we welcome partnership opportunities at Wilderness Tours! Our main resort center spans 650 acres, offering ample space for entrepreneurs looking to operate their own businesses in collaboration with us. We are open to exciting ideas such as paintball, zip lines, mini-golf, massage services, and driving ranges—these are ideas we believe would thrive at Wilderness Tours but prefer to leave to experts in their respective fields.
If you have a proposal or idea, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your business idea to [email protected], and let’s see how we can work together to bring it to life.
Looking to add some excitement to your weekend? You’re in luck! Wilderness Tours is always buzzing with activity, especially during the summer months. To make sure you don’t miss out on the fun, be sure to check out our Calendar of Events for the latest updates on themed weekends and special happenings.
Wilderness Tours is the place to be if you’re looking for adventure, entertainment, and fun all weekend long!
While we don’t have a traditional beer store onsite, Wilderness Tours offers a full-service bar where you can enjoy your favorite beverages while soaking up the sunshine on our licensed deck. If you prefer to purchase alcohol and enjoy it in your private space, there is a store about 20 minutes away, but please note that alcohol purchased offsite must be consumed at your campsite, not in public areas of the resort.
Yes, we’d love for you to join our team! At Wilderness Tours, we offer a wide variety of job opportunities—from adventure guides to hospitality staff, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal job or a long-term career in outdoor adventure, we have roles that suit different skill sets and interests.
Not sure which position is right for you? Take a look at our current job listings, and explore the variety of roles available. You’re not just limited to one job at Wilderness Tours—there are endless possibilities to grow and develop your career in the outdoor adventure industry!
If you have any other questions or need additional information, don’t hesitate to check out our FAQs section or send us an email at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help and provide you with the information you need to plan your next unforgettable adventure at Wilderness Tours!
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