When is the Best Whitewater Rafting?
Rafting season info for the Ottawa River, Ontario-Quebec Canada.
Multiple Channels means lots of options
easy, medium, or high intensity always available
The Ottawa River is a world famous rafting river and is within convenient driving distance of Ottawa, Toronto or Montreal.
This section of the Ottawa River is known as “The Rocher Fendu” (Split Rock) section. A unique geography of maze-like channels means the river is laid out more like a ski hill than a normal rafting river. There are always options on how to get through: easy, medium, or challenging.
But when is the best time to come rafting?
Considering this is Canada, winter is obviously off the table. But should visitors plan on spring, summer or fall? The truth is that they are all great times. It will come down to exactly what you’re looking for.
Read more to find the answer.
SPRING: May and Early June
Highest Water Levels, Biggest Waves, Most route options.
When are the rapids biggest? This is a question we get a lot.
If big is what you’re looking for, come rafting in May and early June.
Big exciting runs like Garvin’s Chute, the Greyhound Bus Eater or Coli West are typically “in” during this time period.
Spring isn’t just for huge waves though. With the higher water levels, there are many alternate routes that open up (normally dry channels during summer) that can provide a fun gentle ride through the Rocher Fendu rapids.
EARLY SUMMER: Mid June to early July
Longest Days, Warmer Weather, Lingering High Water
By mid-June the spring runoff water levels are typically subsiding. This doesn’t mean the rafting is getting tame though – not even close!
Some of the most exciting rapids appear this time of year in the form of the Waikiki waves, the Lunch Stop Waves, or “main-line” Coliseum. These rapids are classic big fun waves that will send the rafts up and down like a rollercoaster.
Join us Canada Day weekend for fireworks and lots of Canadian spirit!
PEAK SUMMER: July and August
Hottest Weather, warmest water
Peak summer is when most groups come rafting. Hot days and very warm water make for very comfortable conditions for getting in the water and having fun.
While most rivers will start to dry out in the summer, the Ottawa River is such a large river that this is never even a remote possibility.
The Ottawa River in the summer at its “lowest flows” holds substantially more water than most rivers’ spring conditions. It is the 2nd largest river in eastern Canada (after the St-Lawrence) after all!
LATE SUMMER: September
Water Still Warm, fall Colours Leaf Peeping
September is the best-kept secret of the rafting season. While all-too-many people have mentally finished summer, September is second summer on the Ottawa River. Water temperatures continue to be blissfully warm and water levels are exciting and fun.
This time of year can be perfect for a school groups, corporate outings, or romantic getaways. Fewer crowds means you can really feel like you’ve got the place to yourself.
AUTUMN: September to November
Outdoor Education, Adventure Training, Business Events & Weddings
Algonquin College’s Outdoor Adventure program chose Wilderness Tours over 20 years ago to be its program delivery partner. This is an exciting 2 year program that combines a business education with the cutting-edge skills of an array of outdoor industry sports such as Rafting, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, Skiing, Ice Climbing and more.
School groups will find plenty to do to meet a variety of learning outcomes. Lazy River Tubing, Trail Hiking, and interesting geologic formations from the last ice age round out a fantastic Outdoor Education day.
Wilderness Tours locations and facilities are also available for your perfect event. We can host weddings or conferences up to 100 people.
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