Best whitewater rafting in Ontario
Ottawa River | Destination Ontario
It's time to check whitewater rafting off your bucket list.
Gear up to ride the class III and IV daredevil sections of the Ottawa River’s Rocher Fendu rapids at Butcher’s Knife, Coliseum and Hell’s Half Mile. Wrestle opponents named Bus Eater and The White Faced Monster. And tackle the steep, five-metre waterfall at Garvin’s Chute in the Middle Channel.
High-adrenaline trips include guided big raft adventures for up to 13 people, sport rafting for six to eight people and compact whitewater kayaks. For rafting with less heart-pounding excitement, set out on a relaxing half or full-day river float along quieter channels, perfect for a family trip.
Whitewater rafting season
The Ottawa and Madawaska Rivers have excellent flows from May to September. Some rapids are better in lower water than high. The rapids are rated as Class III to V, but at any water level, these exciting Ottawa Valley rivers deliver some of Ontario's best whitewater rafting.
Whitewater rafting resorts
Four waterfront resorts in the Ottawa Valley offer exceptional guided day or multi-day whitewater rafting packages that cater to different skill levels.
Packages include delicious meals, accommodation options of campsites, RV sites, cabins or lodge rooms and use of resort amenities. In addition to the whitewater rafting, enjoy other water activities like paddling, swimming, as well as beach volleyball, mountain biking and even relaxing in a sauna.
The resorts are open from May to September, and weekdays are generally less crowded, as are early season weekends.
Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort
As Canada’s largest whitewater rafting resort, this property offers the full experience.
Accommodations range from camping to basic and deluxe cabins and activities extend beyond the wild river rafting and kayak adventure. There’s a pool, sports courts and a restaurant with live music entertainment and nightlife. If the rough ride isn’t thrilling enough, up the ante with fishing or mountain biking.
Location: 1260 Grants Settlement Road, Foresters Falls
OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River
This riverside resort features great high-energy adventure and family-oriented trips in their one- or two-day packages.
Choose from waterfront camping, rustic cabins or luxury cabanas with ensuite washrooms. Meal plans are available and the dinner cruise along the calmer waters of the Ottawa River is highly recommended.
Location: 40 Owl Lane, Foresters Falls
RiverRun Rafting Resort
Choose your adventure level from whitewater thrills on big rafts or sport rafts to a gentler whitewater trip on the Middle Channel. Or opt for a relaxing summer day of floating in an inner tube down the river.
Whatever experience you choose, you’ll share a laugh while regrouping in the pub at the end of the day for refreshments and a video presentation of your trip. Lodging options include a range of cabins, cottages, two nearby houses and a campground.
Location: 1260 Grants Settlement Road, Foresters Falls
Madawaska Kanu Centre
In addition to rough and tumble whitewater action, learn new techniques and improve your paddling skills on a gentle rafting, canoeing or kayaking excursion on the Madawaska River. This is the perfect balance of adventure and guiding for families or anyone looking for an intro to the sport.
Created, owned and operated by three generations of paddlers, you’re in expert hands on these trips downstream. Stay in the Swiss-style chalet with easy access to the activity centre. Cabanas, dorms and camping are all also available.
Location: 247 River Road, Barry’s Bay
Types of whitewater rafting trips
Different types of whitewater excursions offered are based on the level of adventure intensity: low, medium or high.
Low-intensity rafting trips
Low-intensity rafting trips are easy and suitable for non-swimmers, multi-generational groups and families with children five years old and up weighing at least 22 kilograms (50 pounds).
Your experienced guide will steer the six—or seven-person raft and direct you on how to paddle, although these gentle float adventures don’t require you to do so. There is a very low chance your raft will flip or fall out.
These day or multi-day packages are offered from June to September in the gentle river channels with Class II and III rapids. Trips include optional body surfing and swimming along the way.
Choose from:
- OWL Rafting soft adventure rafting packages
- Wilderness Tours gentle float rafting adventures
- RiverRun family rafting adventures
Medium-intensity rafting trips
Medium-intensity rafting trips are designed for people with basic to good swimming skills who are comfortable in the water as there is a good chance your raft will flip.
These trips use a 12-person raft steered by an experienced professional. All participants must actively paddle. Trips include optional body surfing, floating and cliff jumping.
Children must be 13 years or older and weigh 40 kilograms (90 pounds) or more. Single day or multi-day packages run from May to September.
Choose from:
- OWL Rafting medium adventure rafting packages
- Wilderness Tours guide your own raft tours
- RiverRun Rafting medium adventure rafting
- MKC family rafting adventure
High-intensity rafting adventures
High-intensity rafting trips offer the ultimate excitement in whitewater fun in smaller rafts.
Participants should possess strong swimming skills and be very comfortable in the water, as the raft is likely to flip. These are not recommended for first-timers.
An experienced professional will guide keen paddlers in a six or seven-person sport raft or a two-person sport yak and will be required to do active paddling. Trips include optional body surfing, floating and cliff jumping.
Children must be 13 years or older and weigh 40 kilograms (90 pounds) or more. These day or multi-day packages run from May to September.
Choose from:
Whitewater rafting for non-swimmers
Non-swimmers can enjoy low-intensity whitewater rafting trips or a gentle float trip. Medium and high-intensity trips are not recommended.
Ontario’s whitewater rafting resorts offer a host of alternative activities for people who choose not to raft, including hiking trails, mountain biking and relaxing on the beach by the river.
What to wear whitewater rafting
River water temperatures are cool during May and September, and full wetsuits are available to rent or may be supplied by some rafting companies.
Later in spring and summer, the river warms up to roughly 20 C (70 F), but on cooler days, you may still want to rent a half or full suit.
You will be advised what to wear when you book your trip. However, this list will give you an idea of what you might need.
Cooler days: May, early June and September
- Secure footwear, including sneakers, sport sandals or water shoes (no flip flops or crocs)
- Wool socks
- Wool or fleece sweater
- Nylon windbreaker
- Full wetsuit (available for rent)
- Sunscreen
Warm days: mid-June through August
- Sneakers, sport sandals or water shoes (no flip flops or crocs)
- Bathing suit
- Quick dry clothing
- Full or half wetsuit depending on weather (available for rent)
- Sunscreen
Last updated: March 11, 2025