The Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours is renowned for its focus on youth development through the exciting sport of whitewater kayaking. Our teen kayaking program is specifically designed for youth aged 12-17, providing a life-changing experience that helps teens build confidence, teamwork, and critical outdoor skills. Simply drop off your teen for the week, and we’ll take care of everything else!
Nestled in the heart of the Ottawa River, one of North America’s most iconic whitewater destinations, our program offers the perfect environment for learning and adventure. With its deep, warm waters and endless channels, the Ottawa River provides challenges by choice at every rapid, making it an ideal location for paddlers of all skill levels.
Our program is designed to guide your teen through a structured learning process that starts with flat-water fundamentals and progresses to beginner-level rapids. Under the guidance of our world-class certified instructors, teens will build essential kayaking skills at a comfortable pace, gaining both confidence and competence as they tackle new challenges.
This beginner-level teen kayaking camp is the ideal foundation for developing strong, well-rounded kayaking skills. It’s perfect for any teen who’s new to the sport or looking to improve their existing skills in a supportive, fun environment.
Throughout the program, your teen will develop and refine a variety of whitewater kayaking skills, including:
Are you a local resident of the Ottawa River Valley or prefer to forgo overnight accommodations and meals? Be sure to ask about our Locals Rate, which allows your teen to participate in the program while staying off-site. Daily sessions run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, ensuring a full and rewarding day of kayaking.
Our Teen Kayak Camp is more than just a summer adventure; it’s the first step on the path to future opportunities. Graduates of the program can take their kayaking skills to the next level by enrolling in our world-famous Keener Program, preparing them for summer jobs as river guides and kayak instructors.
Experience the Ultimate Whitewater Adventure with 5 Days of Expert Kayak Instruction
Our 5-day whitewater kayaking program at Ottawa Kayak School offers an immersive and unforgettable experience on the Ottawa River. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills, this program is designed to give you hands-on instruction in real river conditions. While trip timing may vary based on daily river conditions, our professional instructors prioritize your safety, learning, and enjoyment every step of the way.
At Ottawa Kayak School, our instructors are known for their industry-leading expertise and exceptional ability to connect with students. Not only will you benefit from their technical proficiency, but you’ll also enjoy their positive, supportive approach to teaching. Whether you’re learning to master new skills or refine existing techniques, our instructors are committed to helping you achieve your goals in the water.
Our 5-day kayaking program offers more than just instruction. We ensure you have everything you need for an optimal experience:
15 Delicious Meals Included: Start your adventure with a welcome dinner on your arrival night, and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, finishing with lunch on your final day.
5 Nights of Shared Accommodation: Stay in comfortable Hostel Motel Units for our teen kayak programs, ensuring your teen is well-rested and ready for each day of kayaking. All our programs include camping accommodations, but we make sure your teen stays in a cozy, relaxed environment for the best sleep possible.
Daily Shuttle Service: Every morning, meet your instructor at Rafters Pavilion for a daily briefing and gear-up session. Then, board the shuttle bus that will take you and the group to the river. After a thrilling day on the water, the shuttle will return you to Rafters Pavilion, conveniently located near your vehicle.
Our 5-day program offers you the most river time, providing ample opportunity to fine-tune your skills and gain confidence on the Ottawa River. You’ll experience the river’s iconic rapids, learn essential whitewater techniques, and have fun while doing it, all under the guidance of our professional instructors.
By the end of the program, you’ll leave with improved kayaking skills and unforgettable memories of your whitewater adventure.
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 programs with 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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