A Local’s Guide to Owl Rafting on the Ottawa River for First-Time Rafters
Do you know what we did last summer? Like many crazy adventures, the idea of whitewater rafting came up in a conversation after a few beers with that friend.
It sounded fun, but seeing the image of a tiny raft plowing through fast-flowing rapids was pretty sobering and enough to make us rethink our life choices. But after a little bit of research, and seeing kids do it, we couldn’t back down.
If you’re ready to get in on the action, we’re here to help. Our guide to OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River should help you plan a safe and epic adventure.
About OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River
OWL Rafting Resort is one of the best places for whitewater rafting and other fun summer activities along the Ottawa River.
You’ll follow the historic route forged by the First Nations. Plunging deep into the wilderness, you’ll have the best views of the dense forests and rugged rock formations on the Canadian Shield.
Located 123 km from Downtown Ottawa, the resort is a 1 hour and 30-minute drive away via the Trans-Canada Highway. The location is quite remote, so there aren’t a lot of hotels or restaurants nearby.
Most of them open seasonally, which means you really have to plan and make the reservations if possible.
OWL Rafting Levels of Difficulty: What to Expect
Low Intensity
If it’s your first-time whitewater rafting, you should go on the low-intensity route because your chances of falling off the raft are very slim. It’s a safe, easy, and scenic route, making it suitable for families.
Even children under 16 can join in the fun as long as they meet the minimum weight requirement of 50 lbs (23 kg).
An experienced guide will steer from the back and give everyone directions while you paddle as a team. Past the tumbling whitewater rapids, you’ll come across quiet pools, where you can float around and even body surf.
Medium Intensity
For a slightly challenging course, go on the full-day Adventure Whitewater Rafting excursion. You’ll hop on a 12-person raft with an experienced guide who will steer from the stern using oars for better control and propulsion.
Body surfing, floating, and even cliff jumping are within the realm of possibility, but it’s all up to the river. You also have a higher chance of falling off the raft, so hold on tight!
This package doesn’t cover your overnight stay at the campsite. However, if you stay the night at the resort, you can upgrade the package and select your preferred accommodations.
High Intensity
Suitable for experienced whitewater rafters, OWL’s most challenging route is not for the faint of heart. It’s a full-day river excursion with a high probability of surfing, flipping, and falling out of the raft.
Not to worry, an experienced guide will be with you every step (or should we say stroke) of the way. You’ll be paddling through rough rapids to reach calmer parts of the river where you can eventually do backflips, swim, and float around.
After a thrilling adventure on the water, a buffet will be waiting for the entire group on the pontoon. You will be cruising along the river, following the historical route of the First Nations—but this time, no paddling is needed!
How to Get to OWL Rafting
Car: The best way to reach OWL Rafting Resort on the Ottawa River is by car. From Downtown Ottawa, get on the Trans-Canada Highway 417, heading northeast on Queen Street and toward O’Connor Street.
Hop back on Trans-Canada Highway 417 to reach Highway 17, which will take you to Renfrew Country Road 4 and Owl Lane.
Train: To reach the OWL Rafting Resort via rail, take the ONTC train from Tremblay to Cobden, which is a 2-hour ride. Get off at Cobden and find a cab that will take you to the resort.
The Best Time to Go OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River
The best time to go OWL rafting on the Ottawa River is between May and June. It’s cheaper and less crowded during the early season, even on the weekends.
Once the season starts, Saturdays are always packed while off-peak times from Sundays to Fridays see fewer crowds and great discounts.
Where to Eat Near the OWL Rafting Resort
OWL Cafe
There aren’t a lot of restaurants near the OWL Rafting Resort, but they have the OWL Cafe on-site, which serves coffee, milkshakes, baked goods, and even samosas. They open early at 7 am so you can grab a quick bite before your morning rafting trip.
If you’re getting an overnight rafting package, it will include a complimentary breakfast or dinner at the OWL Cafe.
All rafting packages with OWL include a complimentary barbecue lunch or dinner, which you’ll enjoy on a pontoon cruise back to the resort.
Riverside Brew Pub
Next to the OWL Rafting Resort, you’ll find the Riverside Brew Pub, which offers al fresco dining and live entertainment. It’s the perfect place to unwind after an exhausting rafting adventure as they serve hefty meals and great beer.
Get their pizza as they make it fresh using the nutrient-rich spent grain from the brewery. It’s not just a sustainable choice but a very delicious one at that!
Their Vampire Nachos are also a crowd favorite. Packed with your choice of protein, caramelized onions, a variety of cheeses, and homemade pico de gallo, their nachos come in huge portions that are great for sharing.
Ottawa River Barn
Just 15 minutes from the resort, you’ll see a big red barn along a dirt road. They’re open on the weekends, serving everything from steak frites, fried chicken, pizza, and all sorts of wraps for a convenient grab-and-go meal.
Save some room for dessert because their smores and freshly baked pies are a must-have. And on a hot summer’s day, there’s nothing better than getting hand-scooped ice cream in your favorite flavors.
Before you hit the road, check out their little store. You can get locally sourced produce and snacks that you can munch on.
Where to Stay Near the OWL Rafting Resort
OWL Rafting Resort
One of the biggest advantages of rafting with OWL is the inclusion of camping in their packages You can pitch a tent or park an RV along the river at no extra cost, but you can’t reserve a spot as they have a first-come-first-serve policy.
If you’re scheduled for a 7:15 am or 8:30 am rafting trip, we recommend staying at the resort the night before for convenience. For extra comfort, you can upgrade your accommodations to a more luxurious tent, a cabin, or a cabana along the lake.
With plenty of recreational activities like paddle boarding, canoeing, volleyball, and disc golf, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whitewater Cottage & RV Resort
From tiny homes and log cabins to Mongolian yurts, Whitewater Cottage & RV Resort has a wide range of accommodations along the water’s edge.
It’s great for large groups as they have cabins that can fit up to 12 guests. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and high-speed internet, your summer getaway will be extra comfortable for everyone.
And thanks to their pet-friendly policy, your furry companions won’t miss out on all the summer fun.
Splash Valley Waterpark & Resort
From ziplines, waterslides, and floating playgrounds, Splash Valley Waterpark & Resort is the ultimate summer getaway for families and their furry travel buddies.
They offer single-bedroom suites and spacious villas, but outdoor lovers can camp under the stars from May to October. Situated along Astrolabe Lake, you won’t find any noisy motorboats in the area, so you’ll wake up to the sound of nature every morning.
Just around the corner, you’ll find an 18-hole golf course, which is fun and challenging enough for adults looking for a more relaxing time.