The last 30 years have seen a lot of changes in the outdoor industry. As the whitewater industry has changed, OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River has been a leader. We transformed rafting from something that you do with a group of friends into something that you can also do with the whole family. Our family trips have introduced a whole new generation to the wonders of whitewater.
As Canada’s first whitewater rafting company, we started with the family trip on the Madawaska River in 1972; the transition to the Ottawa River in 1981 was a natural progression. In the early years rafters came for the adrenaline rush, and now returning years later…people are amazed this activity can be shared with their children. This is due having both options: a High Adventure and a Family Trip.
However, some things have remained the same: for a newcomer to the sport…”the thrill of whitewater is still best experienced from the inside of a raft!”
At OWL, we have the longest trip on the Ottawa River thanks to our unique way of returning to our Adventure Resort. At the completion of the rapids, we board our 70-person Pontoon Boat for an on-board grilled meal cruise as we return to OWL’s beachfront resort through one of the most scenic and least visited parts of the Ottawa River - a truly memorable experience.
New for 2010, we are excited to introduce two theme weekends. The first corresponds with Canada Rivers Day as our Voyageur Heritage Weekend – June 12/13. Not only will you raft the river that three centuries of voyageurs and loggers have come to fear…but learn about this folklore on the water and from the Valley’s famous songwriter/story teller, Barney McCaffrey. Kick up your heels to local fiddle music and paddle up the Ottawa in a vintage Voyageur Canoe, en-mass ! The second weekend falls on the Nations holiday, where we are hosting the TEVA Emergency Service Challenge – July 3/4. This promises to be a great weekend on the water with some friendly competition. Teams of seven learn ‘rapidly’ how to maneuver their own raft to challenge others in the industry both on and off the river. Prizes to be won, including a free return for 2011 for the winning team !
The best theme of all still remains to be the RIVER ! We are so fortunate to have this natural resource in our own back yard….sure hope to have you join us !
See you on the river!
OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River opens its doors on the May Long Weekend with a Spring High Water Special.
1-Day and 2-Day Whitewater Rafting Trips, as well as Family Rafting trips run 7 days a week until mid-September.
