Our Pro Kayak Guides lead you on the famous Guide Your Own Rafting (GYOR) experience. This trip is unique and exclusive to Wilderness Tours


This signature program allows YOU to be in charge of your raft. We give you guide training so you know how to drive and steer the raft then we lead you on an exciting adventure. At every step of the way, experienced kayakers are alongside you as we assist you on your way downstream.


Once you’ve reached the resort, the adventure continues on our beachfront. From swimming, to flat water kayaks and SUP boards there’s an adventure for everyone.  


Combine this in our “Getaway” Package and save your group some $

Best Team Challenge
5/5
  • Thursday
    $149
  • Sunday
    $159
  • Saturday/Holiday
    $169

*Price is subject to 13% HST & $10/day/person

Choose Activity Date to Begin Booking or Quote

Day Trip Includes

  • 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

    Once you’ve reached the resort, the adventure continues on our beachfront. From swimming, to flat water kayaks and SUP boards there’s an adventure for everyone.

  • 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 raft trip depending on your trip time.

  • Gear Included

    Life Jacket, Helmet, Paddle.

  • Shuttle Included

    This trip begins by meeting your Trip Leader at the Park Village. After a safety orientation, you will be provided with gear, then you'll board the bus which takes the trip to the beginning of the rapids. The river then flows downstream back to the Park Village. The trip ends on shore at the Park Village walking-distance from your vehicle.

  • Kids' Wetsuits

    Wetsuits for kids ages 5-12 are complimentary.

Trip Itinerary

Optional Upgrades

  • Trip 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 and save 20% off. Choose this option during check out.

  • Stayover Package

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

  • Wetsuit Rental

    Wetsuits are provided no charge for children 5-12 years of age. Rentals are available for teens and adults.

  • Storage Lockers

    We recommend locking all personal items in the trunk of your car prior to departure. Car keys are kept in a lock box at the starting point. Coin operated lockers are available if required.

  • Check n at Wilderness Tours

    1. Arrival & Check-In

    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.

  • River Shop Retail Shop at Wilderness Tours

    2. Dress for Rafting

    You will need to wear footwear that will stay securely on your feet (NO FLIP-FLOPS, NO CROCS, ETC). You will also want to dress according to the weather. Our trips operate RAIN OR SHINE. Regular swim-wear is good. If you get cold easily we recommend you wear a wet suit. Bring your own or rent one of ours. 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.

  • itinerary-briefing-joel-kowalski-bay-raft-trip-thumbnail

    3. Pre-Trip Briefing

    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.

  • itinerary-thumbnail-bus-shuttle

    4. Shuttle to Top of Rapids

    This trip begins by meeting your Trip Leader at the Park Village. After a safety orientation, you will be provided with gear, then you'll board the bus which takes the trip to the beginning of the rapids. The river then flows downstream back to the Park Village. The trip ends on shore at the Park Village walking-distance from your vehicle.

  • Itinerary SportYak Safety Briefing With Your Pro Kayak Guide

    5. River Safety Briefing

    The river safety briefing for this trip will cover a variety of important topics. You are in your own boat on this trip, so please make sure you pay attention!

  • Itinerary Guide Your Own Raft Training With Pro Kayak Guide

    6. Paddle Training

    Training is an important part of the Guide Your Own Raft experience. Your pro kayak guides will expose you to all the relevant skills to navigating the river.

  • Guide Your Own Raft McCoys Chute Wilderness Tours Adventure Ottawa River Best Summer Trip in Ontario Canada

    7. McCoys's Chute

    McCoy's Chute is the first rapid on your journey. Before each major rapid your Trip Leader will brief you on the key information for the rapid. Our kayak guides will be strategically placed throughout the rapid to assist you on your descent.

  • Itinerary Guide Your Own Raft Iron Ring Middle Channel

    8. Middle Channel

    Many highlights are waiting for you on your journey down the river. Each trip is slightly different as the water levels fluctuate naturally with the seasons.

  • Garvins Chute Snack Stop Ottawa River Wilderness Tours National Whitewater Park Ontario Canada Best Adventure Trip

    9. Snack Break

    Garvin's Chute is probably the most beautful spot on the river. Our guests get to enjoy an exclusive location at the base of these beautiful falls. The snack stop includes access to restrooms.

  • Itinerary Guide Your Own Raft Middle Channel More Rapids

    10. More Rapids

    The action continues as you challenge a few more exciting rapids.

  • Itinerary return to park village

    Return to Park Village

    The currents slow down just in time for you to catch the right-hand turn into the bay at the Park Village. Your guides will instruct you on end-of-trip procedures such as gear return, post-trip media viewings, and evening entertainment options.