Beginner Rafting Day Trip

Whitewater Rafting | Low Intensity

Beginner Rafting Day Trip is the perfect whitewater rafting trip for first timers and non-swimmers. As with all of our day trips our guests have access to our resort before and after your trip. You can always save $$ when you stay longer with our multi day packages.

Trip Overview

Our Beginner Rafting Day Trip is perfect for first time whitewater rafters wanting the right amount of thrills while staying in the boat. This is a full day adventure, professionally guided, whitewater rafting down the world-famous Ottawa River.

Your day begins with a thorough safety briefing and paddling practice led by your guide. Above each rapid, your guide will brief you on the run.

This section of the Ottawa is like a whitewater staircase with calm pools below the rapids allowing time to rest and bask in the splendor of this beautiful river. Rafting with WT is a complete experience with time for body surfing (swimming rapids), or swimming off your floating island. This trip is also perfect for our first-time rafters to the Ottawa River.

Once you’ve reached the resort, the adventure continues on our resort.

Take advantage of the beachfront, from swimming, to flat water kayaks and SUP boards there’s an adventure for everyone. 

Save with Packages

Each sport rafting day can be added as its own single day of rafting or as an upgrade to any of our multi-day programs like our 3 Day Getaway Package or Resort Getaway.

Need some more information? Check out our FAQ’s section or send us an e-mail at [email protected] 

Included

Trip Duration: 4-5 Hours

Trip timing can vary depending on daily river conditions. Our professional trip leaders always prioritize safety and guest enjoyment!

Ottawa River’s Best Adventure

Wilderness Tours combines whitewater rafting with access to our resort amenities such as flat water kayaking, SUP boarding, inflatable waterpark, and swimming to create the best adventure on the Ottawa River.

Professional Guide

Wilderness Tours guides are famous for their industry-leading skills, as well as their friendly personalities and positive attitudes.

Lunch Included

A hearty lunch is included either after or before your whitewater raft trip depending on your trip timing.

Gear Included

Paddle, personal flotation device, and a helmet are provided prior to your trip

Daily Shuttle Included

This trip begins by meeting your trip leader just out front of the Rafters Pavilion. After a safety orientation, you will be provided with gear, then you’ll board the best which take the trip to the beginning of the rapids. The river then flows back downstream to the Wilderness Tours Rafting Resort where the trip ends on shore, walking-distance from your vehicle. 

Itinerary

ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN [-00:45]

We recommend arriving 45 minutes before your Pre-Trip Briefing time. Your briefing time can be found in your reservation information. Arriving with enough time before your trip will ensure that you can get prepared for your trip at a comfortable speed. Our trip briefings operate ON-TIME. Shuttles for trips generally depart 30 minutes after the pre-trip briefing time.

Gearing Up and Dress for the River [-00:30]

Dressing appropriately for the river is the easiest way to ensure your trip is an enjoyable one.  As we raft rain or shine we recommend the following:

  • Regular swim wear
  • Closed toe shoes or sandals with a heel strap (no flip flops or crocks)
  • we have an option wetsuit rentals for colder days.

Please note: cotton t-shirts and sweaters will actually make you COLDER. We recommend wearing synthetic materials for sun protection; wool or neoprene for thermal insulation; rain jacket outer shell for wind protection.

Pre Trip Safety Briefing [00:00]

It’s time to meet your trip leader for the day. They will explain what to bring, what to wear, health and safety considerations, and the schedule for the day. This meeting usually lasts 10-12 minutes. This is a great time also to ask any last minute questions before you depart for the river. After the pre-trip briefing is complete you will have a few final minutes to make any last-minute adjustments with how you are dressed or also make any last visits to the restrooms.

Shuttle Bus to the Top of  Rapids

Our transportation service shuttles your group from the Park Village 9KM up-river to the “put-in”, where your rafts and guides are waiting. This is a one-way shuttle as you will be rafting all the way back to Wilderness Tours Rafting Resort. None of your belongings should be left on the bus.

Meet Your Guide + Safety Talk

Wilderness Tours pioneered whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River in 1975, our guides have the most experience as we’ve been setting the standard for whitewater in Canada going into our 5th decade. We have your safety in mind first in everything we do. Your trip leader will explain all of your equipment and safety procedures for the day.

Rafting Time

You’ll face many rapids on your journey down the river. The rapids you descend and the specific lines your guide chooses will depend on the river conditions of the day. The beauty of the Ottawa River is that at every water level, there’s an exciting and appropriate route to take!

Snack Stop

Our trip stops half way down the river. At this stop, you will get the chance to have a quick snack, relax, enjoy the beautiful views of the river, and use the restroom.

More Whitewater Rafting

The second half of the trip holds many more exciting rapids! Depending on the specific water levels, your guides will also show you some exciting extra activities such as raft surfing, cliff jumping, and/or body surfing.

Lazy River Swim

The final stretch of the river before arriving back at Wilderness Tours Rafting Resort is a perfect lazy river swim. When your guide says it’s safe to do so, hop out of the raft and enjoy the relaxing ride!

Your arrival back to Park Village

The currents slow down just in time for you to catch the right-hand turn into the bay at Wilderness Tours Rafting Resort. Your guides will instruct you on the end-of-trip procedures such as gear returns, post-trip media viewings, use of the beachfront, resort amenities, and evening entertainment options.

Optional Upgrades

Stayover Package

Stayover packages bundle your choice of activity with dinner, breakfast, and a campsite.

Photo-Video Package

Our media team captures those special moments worth saving – so you can focus on paddling! Pre-book your video and photo package to save 20% off. Choose this option during checkout!

Wetsuit Rental

We always say, “there is no bad weather only bad gear.” We have you covered for all weather situations. Wetsuit rentals are available on site to keep you warm no matter what the skies are doing. During the month of May and after Labor Day weekend, wetsuits rentals are complimentary for all trips.

Storage Lockers

We have coin operated storage lockers to keep your valuables safe while you are on the river.

Rates Sun - Fri Saturday*
Adults (18+)
$169
$189
Youth (13-17)
$139
$159
Spring/Sept Adult
$139
$169
Spring/Sept Youth
$109
$139

Note: Prices are subject to 13% HST & $15/day/person Park Pass

*Saturday and Holiday Pricing

**Spring & September Discount – Opening Weekend – June 22nd, 2025 and After Labor Day Weekend

MAKE IT A MULTI-DAY TRIP AND SAVE $$$

At Wilderness Tours we know how hard you work for you $$.  When you package rafting, meals and a stay over the savings are substantial, up to 40% off on our Long weekender style packages. Check out our most popular whitewater rafting overnight packages.

Adult Adventure Week Long Vacation Ontario

Adult Adventure Week

Adult Adventure Week is our week long vacation package that allows you to choose your own adventure. 4 full days of guided adventures on our best trips.

Read More »
Wilderness Tours Resort On the Ottawa River

Resort Package

The Resort Day is 1 Day of Whitewater Rafting and 1 Day at the Resort. Choose one of our world-famous whitewater trips for your first day and relax at our riverside resort on day two!

Read More »
Getaway Whitewater Rafting Package Ottawa River

Getaway Package

Getaway Package is our version of choose your own adventure. We have a number of combinations to suit your desired intensity level.

Read More »