Ages 12-17
5 Days of Instruction
5 of Shared Accommodation
15 Meals Included
Class I-III Rapids
Introduce your teen to whitewater kayaking with 5-days of learning and adventure on the Ottawa River. Our coaches help new paddlers build a foundation of skills and grow comfortable on the water. It’s a chance to try something new, make friends, and discover the enjoyment of learning to whitewater kayak.
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!
Your teen will work on the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking, including:
Your teen does not need to know how to roll before joining the course. Skills develop through practice, and progression varies between participants.
For Kids Kayak Week and Lil Ripper, children stay on-site with their parents or a responsible adult, unless attending through our local day-program option (for Whitewater Region residents).
Our teen programs include shared accommodation with a responsible staff member providing overnight supervision. Parents do not need to stay on-site.
This package includes five days of instruction, kayaking equipment, fifteen meals, five nights of shared accommodation, all of the whitewater kayaking equipment you will need to get started (Helmet, PFD, Sprayskirt, Paddle, Kayak, and a Wetsuit for cooler days), and shuttles to the river.
Halal, gluten-free, and vegan meals carry an additional charge of $2 per person, per meal, plus HST.
Program prices are subject to 13% HST.
No previous kayaking experience is required.
This course is suitable for teens ages 12-17 learning to kayak
There is a minimum weight of 90 pounds or 40 kilograms that must be met.
Participants must meet the program’s age, weight, and equipment-fit requirements. If you have questions about eligibility or equipment sizing, contact info@ottawakayak.com before booking.
This program program begins with a 5 pm briefing on the riverside patio at Rafters Pavilion. This serves as a brief overview of what to expect during the week followed by a meet and greet with other kayak school participants.
A Wilderness Tours overnight staff member will accompany your teen to meet their instructor at the Rivershop located in the back of the Rafters Pavilion. This is where the instructor will confirm the schedule and river plan for the day.
The fifteen meals begin with dinner on the arrival night and finish with lunch on your final day.
Please tell us about dietary requirements when booking. Halal, gluten-free, and vegan meals are available for an additional $2 per person, per meal, plus HST.
Our local rate includes on-water instruction and your lunches for a reduced rate of $1050 per person.
This reduced rate is available exclusively to permanent residents of Whitewater Region.
Local participants arrive at 8 am and finish by 4:30 pm daily.
Book four friends into an Ottawa Kayak School program and receive 50% off your own trip. Email info@ottawakayak.com to arrange the offer.
Special group pricing is available. Send us your group size, preferred dates, and program so we can provide a quote.
Contact us before booking to confirm the applicable discount and whether offers can be combined.
Please note: daily timings and river plans may change with weather conditions and participant progression.
Join the 5 pm briefing at Rafters Pavilion and meet other participants. Get oriented before your first day of instruction, share your paddling goals, and meet the people you’ll be learning alongside!
Continue refining the skills introduced on Day 1, applying them in more dynamic whitewater. Your instructor will provide feedback through on-water coaching and video review, with opportunities to work on river running, surfing, and rolling. The day’s activities follow the group’s progression and current river conditions.
Our instructors will continue to help you progress on water during Day 4 to help prepare you for 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!
Choose an activity date below to view available pricing and begin your booking or request a quote.
Note: Prices are subject to 13% HST
Reservations can be made online or by calling the Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours Resort at 1.888.723.8669 with VISA/Mastercard/Amex/Visa-Debit. E-transfers are also accepted with minimum booking/payment 7 days in advance of arrival.
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your trip reservation with the balance due 30 days in advance of arrival (the Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours will automatically charge your credit card).
Reservations within 30 days of your trip require full payment with the reservation.
Full refunds are issued only if trip cancellation notice is received more than 30 days prior to the trip date.
No refunds or alternate dates will be issued within 30 days of trip date without cancellation insurance.
Explore upgrades, extra nights, and transportation options for your visit. Contact our team to confirm availability and pricing before booking.
Extend your visit with a stayover package that adds a night of camping, dinner, and breakfast.
Please fill out our custom quote form and our team will arrange the additional night and confirm pricing for your stay.
Shuttles from Ottawa Airport are available upon request.
Email info@ottawakayak.com with your flight details to confirm availability, pickup arrangements, and pricing before finalising your travel plans.
Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours
1260 Grants Settlement Road
Foresters Falls, Ontario
