If you’re searching for the best rafting experience on the Ottawa River, you’re likely comparing safety, excitement, atmosphere, and overall value.
While several companies operate on the Ottawa River, Wilderness Tours stands apart as Canada’s original and largest rafting resort, offering not just world-class whitewater, but a complete riverside adventure destination.
Since 1975, Wilderness Tours has been welcoming guests to the Ottawa River. What began as a pioneering rafting company has grown into a 650-acre waterfront resort designed for families, thrill-seekers, and groups looking for more than just a few hours on the water.
So what makes Wilderness Tours the Ottawa River’s best rafting experience?
The Ottawa River is widely recognized as one of the top whitewater rafting destinations in North America. Unlike many rivers, the Ottawa River is an excellent experience any time of year because we have exciting rapids regardless of the time of year or the flow of the river.
At Wilderness Tours, guests can choose from mild family-friendly rafting to high-action sport rafting, all guided by experienced professionals trained in safety and river leadership.
Additionally, Wilderness Tours offers several exclusive river programs on the Ottawa River. You can only go Lazy River Tubing, Family Fishing, Sport Yaking (inflatable kayaks), or Guide Your Own Raft down the Ottawa River with Wilderness Tours.
Nearly five decades of operating on the Ottawa River means our programs are refined, professional, and built around guest confidence. Experience matters on big water, and we’ve been doing this longer than anyone else on the river.
Many rafting operators offer a single activity: meet, raft, leave.
Our riverfront property is designed as a destination. When you arrive, you’re stepping into a full outdoor campus that includes:
Transforming your raft trip into a complete outdoor getaway.
Instead of rushing back to the city, you can stay where you play, enjoying evening views over the Ottawa River, dinner at the Rafters Pavilion, and a relaxed morning before heading home.
This is a fundamentally different experience.
When people ask, “Which company offers the best rafting experience on the Ottawa?” they’re often comparing prices.
But value isn’t just about cost, it’s about what’s included.
With Wilderness Tours, your rafting adventure connects to:
You’re not paying for a raft trip alone. You’re investing in a full-day or weekend experience built around adventure.
Whether you’re planning:
Wilderness Tours offers programming and facilities designed for scale and flexibility.
Families love the inflatable waterpark and beach access. Thrill-seekers gravitate toward our sport rafting options. Groups appreciate the space, private venues, and ability to combine adventure with dining and entertainment in one location.
No other rafting companies on the Ottawa River can offer that level of diversity.
Founded in 1975, Wilderness Tours was the first rafting company on the Ottawa River. Today, we employ more full-time outdoor professionals than any other operator on the river and are trusted by organizations such as the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, and Algonquin College’s Outdoor Adventure program.
Longevity reflects consistency, safety systems, infrastructure, and reinvestment in the guest experience.
We’re not just another rafting company.
We are the flagship rafting resort on the Ottawa River.
If you’re asking, “Why choose Wilderness Tours over other rafting companies?” the answer is simple:
Because we combine Canada’s premier whitewater rafting with our premier resort setting.
You get the thrill of the Ottawa River’s legendary rapids plus a riverside resort designed to extend and elevate the experience.
More adventure.
More atmosphere.
More time outdoors.
More value per hour of experience.
When people refer to Ottawa’s best rafting, they’re talking about the combination of river quality, professional guides, and the environment that surrounds it.
At Wilderness Tours, adventure begins on the river and continues long after you step back on shore.
