Ottawa River rafting
World-class whitewater about 1.5 hours west. OWL Rafting (Foresters Falls, family-run since 1981) ends each day with a pontoon meal cruise. Wilderness Tours, near Beachburg, the river's original outfitter, runs everything from gentle family floats to big-water days; kids can join from age seven. For something closer, Ottawa City Rafting runs a 2.5-hour trip through the rapids just west of downtown.
Boat cruises
Sightseeing cruises run on the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River from roughly May to October. The river cruise gives the best views of Parliament Hill and the Museum of History.
Food tours
ByWard Market food tours mix the market's history with tastings: BeaverTails, local cheese, craft beer and more. They're good on a first visit and as a gift.
Ghost tours
Ottawa's ghost walks lean on real history, including the old Carleton County Gaol (now a hostel), the site of Canada's last public hanging. Evening walks run most of the year, with extra dates around Halloween.
Bike and brewery tours
Ottawa's pathways along the canal and river make it one of Canada's best cities to tour by bike. Guided bike tours and rentals operate downtown, and brewery tours visit local craft breweries on both sides of the river.
Ziplining and aerial parks
Camp Fortune in Chelsea, 20 minutes from downtown, runs an aerial park with ziplines and treetop courses in summer.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals
In summer you can rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards along the canal, the Ottawa River and in Gatineau Park, including canoe and kayak rentals at Meech Lake and Lac Philippe.
Which tour should you book?
- First visit, short on time: a river cruise plus a ByWard Market food tour.
- Families: a family rafting float, or a boat cruise.
- Couples: a sunset cruise or a brewery tour, then dinner in the Market. See date night ideas.
- Thrill-seekers: a full-day adventure raft on the Ottawa River.
FAQ
Where can you go whitewater rafting near Ottawa?
On the Ottawa River near Foresters Falls and Beachburg, about 1.5 hours west, with outfitters like OWL Rafting and Wilderness Tours. Ottawa City Rafting runs a shorter trip near downtown.
Can kids go whitewater rafting near Ottawa?
Yes. Gentle family trips are offered, and Wilderness Tours' family programs start at age seven.
When do Ottawa boat cruises run?
Generally from May to October, on both the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River.
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