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.  

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

Do you have to go rafting to come to Wilderness Tours?
You don’t have to raft to join your friends or family for a whitewater rafting adventure. Just reserve a non-rafting program or our resort day to enjoy Canada’s top adventure resort with its water park, nightly entertainment, hiking trails, good food and more. You’ll do everything expect for whitewater raft, and there is a lot to do!  

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.

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.

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.

SHUTTLE BUS TO 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.

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. 

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.