The Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours is renowned for its youth development programs that use the thrill of kayaking to foster confidence, teamwork, and leadership. Our teen kayaking camp, designed specifically for ages 12-17, offers an exceptional opportunity for young paddlers to develop new skills and explore their potential on the river. Whether you’re dropping off your teen for the week or they’re joining as part of a family Adventure Week Program, we ensure they have a fun, safe, and rewarding experience.
The Ottawa River is one of the best locations in the world for whitewater kayaking training. With its deep, warm waters and endless channels, this river offers a variety of challenges by choice—suitable for all skill levels. From beginner to advanced rapids, every rapid provides an opportunity for your teen to progress and test their skills.
Whether your teen is joining as a resident camper or a day student, they will be immersed in an environment where they can learn advanced kayaking techniques, improve their river-reading skills, and become confident in whitewater safety. Our certified professional instructors ensure that each teen receives personalized guidance to help them excel.
Before enrolling, participants must have a flat-water roll and demonstrate proficient boat control in Class II-III rapids. For teens who already meet these prerequisites, we will help them “bombproof” their combat roll, ensuring they are ready for more challenging water. This foundational knowledge will provide them with the skills needed to tackle advanced whitewater safely and confidently.
Throughout the course, teens will develop a range of essential kayaking skills to help them progress on the water. Here are the key areas of focus:
Each day at the Teen Kayak Camp begins with a review of the basics, ensuring that all paddlers are well-prepared to refine their kayak strokes, concepts, and rolls. Teens will spend the day practicing their techniques on the Ottawa River, where our expert instructors will provide tailored feedback to help them advance their skills.
As your teen progresses, they’ll gain the confidence needed to tackle more difficult rapids and enjoy the thrills of freestyle kayaking in one of the most exciting paddling locations in the world.
For families living in the Ottawa River Valley or those not requiring overnight accommodation or meals, we offer a Locals Rate for day students. Teens can participate in the camp by arriving each morning at 8 am and spending the day on the river, typically wrapping up by 4:30 pm.
The Teen Kayak Camp is not only about learning kayaking skills—it’s also the first step toward more advanced training and career opportunities in the outdoor adventure industry. Graduates of this program can go on to enroll in the Keener Program at Ottawa Kayak School, which is known worldwide for developing future kayaking professionals. Many of our former campers have gone on to secure summer jobs as river guides and kayak instructors, making this a fantastic foundation for both fun and future career prospects.
Embark on an unforgettable kayaking adventure with 5 days of expert instruction on the Ottawa River—one of the world’s premier whitewater destinations. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to fine-tune your skills, our professional instructors at Ottawa Kayak School will guide you through every step, prioritizing both safety and guest enjoyment. Keep in mind, trip timing may vary depending on daily river conditions, ensuring that every session is tailored to maximize your learning experience.
At Ottawa Kayak School, we pride ourselves on our professional instructors, known not only for their world-class kayaking skills but also for their friendly and approachable personalities. They are dedicated to creating a positive, supportive environment where you can confidently improve your skills while enjoying the thrill of whitewater kayaking.
Throughout your 5-day kayaking experience, you will enjoy 15 meals, starting with dinner on the night of your arrival and ending with lunch on your final on-water day. We take care of all your meals, ensuring you stay energized and ready for each adventure-filled day on the water.
To ensure that you’re well-rested and ready to tackle each day’s kayaking challenge, 5 nights of shared accommodation are included in your program. For teen kayak programs, we reserve the Hostel Motel Units to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment, so your teen is fully prepared for the next day’s activities.
Each morning, your day begins by meeting your Ottawa Kayak School instructor at the Rafters Pavilion. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll receive a daily orientation and gear briefing before boarding the bus for the short ride to the river. At the end of each thrilling kayaking session, the shuttle will return you to Rafters Pavilion, conveniently located within walking distance from your vehicle.
Our local rate includes on-water instruction and your lunches for a reduced rate of $949 per person.
This discount is simple, when you book 4 friends to any Ottawa Kayak School program your trip is 50% off! To redeem this discount please send us an e-mail: [email protected]
Kayaking clubs are so important to the longevity of the whitewater kayaking community. In recognition of their importance Ottawa Kayak School has a special discount for kayak clubs and their organizers.
Choose any one of our preexisting beginner or intermediate 2, 3, or 5-day programs.
When you book 5 for one instructor and 10% off per person.
5+ for two instructors and 20% off per person.
10+ for three instructors and 25% off per person.
Want to add an additional instructors? It’s $175 per day.
The Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours provides the primary gear needed for all beginner kayak courses including kayaks, paddles, PFD’s, helmets, spray skirts, and wetsuits (top and bottoms) for colder days.
*Please ask your instructor about our coin operated lockers or you always have the option to leave your personal belongings in your car or accommodation, our instructors will have a lockable key box which you’re welcome to leave your keys in prior to each day of kayaking.
Participants must meet age range of 12-17, weight, and chest size minimums and maximums for the specific trip they are partaking.
Need some more information? Check out our FAQ’s section or send us an e-mail at [email protected]
Arrival & Check-in:
Your kayak program begins with a 7PM briefing followed directly by a meet and greet.
Day 1 | Gearing Up & Review of the Basics
To best prepare you for your time on water with us, our coaches begin all of our intermediate and advanced programs with a review of the basics. From the way our boats and gear fit to our most basic techniques, our aim is to master the fundamentals.
Days 2 & 3 | Implementation of New Skills:
As the program continues, our instructors will encourage you, the participant, to take the skills you learned in Day 1 and implement them in more dynamic scenarios providing feedback along the way through verbal coaching and video review.
Day 4 | Continue Your Progression:
Our instructors will continue to help you progress during Day 4 to help prepare you for culmination day!
Day 5 | Culmination Day:
Challenge by choice will be the theme on culmination day. Our instructors will provide opportunities for you to use the new skills you’ve learned throughout the week and push yourself as far as you can!
Note: Prices are subject to 13% HST & $15/day/person Park Pass
*Holiday Rate, **Spring & September Discount – Opening Weekend – and After Labor Day Weekend.
Accommodation Upgrades:
Receive a 40% discount on all accommodation upgrades by booking a multi-day whitewater kayak program.
Stayover Package:
Stayover packages bundle your choice of activity with an additional dinner, breakfast, and a night of camping.
Storage Lockers:
Coin operated storage lockers can be found on-site to keep your valuables safe while you are on the river.
Airport Shuttles:
Can be arrange, please contact Ottawa Kayak School via e-mail at [email protected]
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