Change your date or transfer to a friend for free. Read our cancellation policy
“It was absolutely thrilling. My son and I saw the rapids and we said ‘there’s no way I’m going down those rapids!’
And of course as the day progressed—we were down them—just because we felt comfortable
…because we had these good people to help us out if we got into trouble.”
Norma G., Ottawa Kayarafting participant
Take an adventure day in the city
Explore the water and waves of the Ottawa River
Escape—for a refreshing, fun, active adventure
Learn whitewater skills and safety concepts
Experience and connect with the Ottawa River from a new perspective
Boreal River Adventures is a trusted tour operator of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. This urban kayarafting adventure has been recognized as delivering an iconic Canadian travel moment!
Details at a Glance
This 4.5 hour experience runs from 9am to 1:30pm.
Join a ‘scheduled departure’ any Saturday, Sunday, or Monday—or book your private group Tuesday through Friday
Departs from
Parc Moussette, Gatineau
Group size
Up to 10 participants plus 2 instructors
Dates
June 25 to September 19 (Oct 3 for private groups)
Activities
Kayaraft, swim, learn whitewater skills and safety
Activity level
You don’t need any river experience.
Remoteness:
In the City!
Physical activity:
Active
Whitewater:
Class I – II
Who’s this for?
You don’t need any previous river experience or training.
To participate, you need to be:
Age 14 and up (age 10 and up for private groups)
Physically active, with average swimming ability
River Safety
The safety of everybody in the group is always our number one priority. The most important factor is our instructors’ years of experience, training, and knowledge of the river.
Many people think of whitewater as extreme. But in fact, with the right approach to decision making, we have a lot of control. Throughout the day, as you learn about how the river works, you’ll see that whitewater is 100% predictable.
Safety practices
The Ottawa Kayarafting Adventure always has a minimum of two river instructors—no matter how small the group
Our instructors have extensive and current industry-leading safety credentials and certification. Every trip has a staff member with Wilderness First Responder (an 80-hour medical course) and Whitewater Rescue Technician certification—As well, many of our instructors teach those disciplines
Each trip carries 2 cell phones. They are always carried by the guides in separate waterproof containers in different boats
Each trip carries an extensive first aid kit, river safety equipment, and an AED (defibrillator)
All activities are ‘challenge by choice’. It is up to you if you want to participate in a given activity
Of course, river travel and whitewater paddling have inherent risks. We ask that you read through and sign our Liability Release Form before you arrive.
Please contact us if you have questions about safety. It’s one of our specialties and we enjoy talking about it. As lifelong wilderness travellers, our guides feel more safe on a river than they do on city streets—and our primary goal is that we want you to feel the same way!
Description and outline
What to expect
Experience paddling and swimming in rapids and learn how to ‘read’ the river.
Get an understanding of key safety concepts so you can recognize danger and make good decisions on and around moving water.
For groups—this is a great way to bond during an active, outdoor adventure.
We’ll outfit you with your own packraft, which is a lightweight inflatable kayak. These boats are great for learning because they’re stable and easy to steer.
You’ll gain a foundation that’ll allow you to safely expand into more river activities, from wilderness canoe trips, to packrafting expeditions, to fishing around rapids, and more!
Prep
Register and pay online
Start your learning with a 30 minute online mini-course with videos, a safety briefing, and sign your digital waiver
Your day on the river
Go to Parc Moussette, in Gatineau (minutes from downtown Ottawa). There’s free parking and it’s accessible by bike path
Your session goes from 9:00am to 1:30pm
Meet your instructors (please arrive 15 minutes early)
Meet the group and intros
Suit up with top-quality gear that we’ll provide for you
There are nearby public bathrooms and changing areas
You’ll get right into the action and into the water!
We won’t take a long lunch break but we’ll do a couple of 15-20 minute breaks to refuel (bring your food and water bottle) and use the bathroom
The 4.5 hours will fly by
TOPICS COVERED
Skills
Swim in whitewater
Shallow water crossing techniques (wading)
Paddle rapids by packraft (inflatable kayak)
Whitewater maneuvers
Surf waves (or at least attempt to!)
Inflatable kayak self-rescue (flip and get back in)
Intro to technical safety gear: whitewater PFD, knife, whistle
Knowledge
River hydrology (understanding the water moves…so you can ‘read’ rapids) and basic terminology
River hazards and decision making
Internationally recognized river signals (hand and whistle)
Safety principles
How to safely ‘rig’ (tie stuff in) to a boat
What’s included
4.5 hours of professional instruction with 2 Boreal River Rescue instructors and up to 10 participants
30 minute online learning (to complete beforehand)—you can do it on your phone—covering river hydrology and whitewater safety principles
Equipment provided:
kayaraft (inflatable whitewater self-bailing kayak) and paddle
helmet and PFD (lifejacket)
small drybag (to store your lunch, water, hand sanitizer, etc.)
wetsuit:
From June 15th to Sept 1: summer-wetsuit (1mm) top and bottom
Before June 15 and after Sept 1: 4mm wetsuit
What to bring
The weather and water temperature in the summer in Ottawa are warm.
We’ll provide you with a summer-wetsuit (1mm) top and bottom. It’s a good idea to bring at least one complete layer of merino wool or synthetic clothing to wear under your wetsuit
Remember: avoid cotton—it doesn’t dry and doesn’t insulate when it’s wet.
Please also bring a pair of surf shorts or quick-dry shorts to wear over your wetsuit—they’ll help protect our wetsuits when you sit!
Your packing checklist:
Water bottle with 1L of water*
Food for snacks / lunch*
Sunscreen
Face mask
Optional: sunglasses or prescription glasses (If you wear glasses—please bring a strap, or the river may take them!)
Closed-toe shoes that you can get wet (lightweight trail running shoes or running shoes are best)
Long-sleeved quick-dry shirt
Long underwear or tights
Undergarments, sports bra
Surf shorts / bathing shorts (please wear these over the wetsuit to protect the wetsuit when you sit)
If you get cold easily, you can “layer up” some more with thicker layers of merino wool or fleece (no cotton)
Change of clothes and footwear for your way home and a bag for your wet clothes
*Arrive hydrated, caffeinated (if that’s your thing), and well fed with a proper breakfast
Change your date or transfer to a friend for free. Read our cancellation policy
What are people saying about Ottawa Kayarafting?
travelPV
23/09/2021 - TripAdvisor
Our group of women had a fantastic and envigerating day with Boreal River Adventures. Our three guides were very...read moreOur group of women had a fantastic and envigerating day with Boreal River Adventures. Our three guides were very professional,able to teach dangers in the water and what to look for and most important (to me) made me feel completely at ease.
Rapids and kayaking was an enxiety provoking thought prior to taking the course through "Boreal River Adventures". We went yesterday in the pouring rain and although not great for photos, it was wonderful to be in the water falling from above and also being held by the Ottawa River.
A unique and safe activity within the city limits ot Ottawa-Gatineau. I plan on going again but in the spring when the water is at it's greatest.
Thanks for a memorable and exciting time.read less
l_onaf312
07/09/2021 - TripAdvisor
What a great experience for water lovers. The guides were super encouraging and respectful of each participants level of comfort....read moreWhat a great experience for water lovers. The guides were super encouraging and respectful of each participants level of comfort. Don't be afraid of the cold water. The wetsuits really work!read less
shaundrao
06/09/2021 - TripAdvisor
Shooting white water rapids was on my bucket list - done! - fabulous - accommodating- knowledge - very skilled -...read moreShooting white water rapids was on my bucket list - done! - fabulous - accommodating- knowledge - very skilled - attentive- would highly recommend no matter what your skill level is you will gain new knowledge and a fabulous experience. A plus in my books - can hardly wait till the next Boreal Adventure!read less
chelseabrian
26/08/2021 - TripAdvisor
What an amazing experience. This could be called packrafting 101 considering the amount of learning offered prior to and during...read moreWhat an amazing experience. This could be called packrafting 101 considering the amount of learning offered prior to and during the river adventure. The very slick e-learning platform has great and quite detailed learning, videos and printable pdfs on whitewater safety, hydrology (lots of really great stuff), and information on the Ottawa River Keeper.
The actual river adventure was fantastic as the weather was +30 celsius and it was great to be on and in the Ottawa River. Itès very clear that Boreal is all about safety and empowering packrafters and other river enthusiasts with knowledge and tools be safe and have fun on the water.
The rapids were light and fun and the final big rapid was a blast.
I cant recommend this strongly enough an am planning to return again with a group of family and friends.read less
Mychelyn
22/08/2021 - TripAdvisor
Excellent communication in French and English. Easy to find location, great facilities for washroom, shower etc...
Classes are geared for...read moreExcellent communication in French and English. Easy to find location, great facilities for washroom, shower etc...
Classes are geared for beginners and many safety protocol. The experience was absolutely worth it, a bit hard to stop smiling. I was out of my comfort zone but never felt in danger. A first for me after spending most of my life in Ottawa. Should have done that 20 years ago. Exhilarating!!!read less
mcewan007
22/08/2021 - TripAdvisor
An amazing intro to whitewater experience with the perfect balance of learning and fun all while enjoying really unique views...read moreAn amazing intro to whitewater experience with the perfect balance of learning and fun all while enjoying really unique views of the city. The instructors (Ryan and Jake) did a great job of building our confidence up as the day progressed and ensuring we were safe while letting us be in control of our own boats. All the equipment was really high quality and in good condition including kokopelli packrafts. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to try something new, see Ottawa from a different perspective and/or wanting to learn more about being safe around fast water.read less
Michaela_Sa1
15/08/2021 - TripAdvisor
So much fun and also a great activity if you are not very comfortable in water. An amazing team is...read moreSo much fun and also a great activity if you are not very comfortable in water. An amazing team is by your side and safety is the highest priority next to having fun and having a great time. I am very happy that we gave it a try.
If you want to learn more about the region, the Ottawa river and water activities this is what you need!
A great view on the parliament and the city skyline included ☀️🤗
A great thanks to the team for this great experience !read less
gabrielled858
11/08/2021 - TripAdvisor
J'habite tout près de la rivière et pourtant, je n'avais jamais pensé me joindre à l'une des activités organisées. Je...read moreJ'habite tout près de la rivière et pourtant, je n'avais jamais pensé me joindre à l'une des activités organisées. Je suis tellement contente d'avoir finalement fait le saut (dans l'eau) avec Boréal! L'expérience était parfaite sur toute la ligne: les guides sont expérimentés, toujours prêts à aider et savent parfaitement comment donner aux participants la confiance nécessaire pour atteindre nos buts. Je n'aurais jamais pensé me sentir à l'aise de prendre d'aussi grosses vagues/rapides en quelques heures, et pourtant, je l'ai fait!
Un grand merci aux instructeurs (Kim, Isaac, Ryan) qui ont rendu cette journée inoubliable!read less
LeGrandOrange
10/08/2021 - TripAdvisor
Progressive training builds up confidence so that you are doing the unthinkable by the end of the half-day session. The...read moreProgressive training builds up confidence so that you are doing the unthinkable by the end of the half-day session. The guides were very accommodating of my arthritic knees, and very attentive to participants’ level of comfort and confidence and stamina, yet also encouraged everyone to challenge themselves (with the comforting reassurance of competent help nearby). The pace and difficulty did not require elite athleticism, strength, or stamina. The only very minor disappointment was the suggestion to bring an action camera, without any easy way to mount on the boat or helmet (though my camera’s chest strap worked nicely). My teenager and I offer our sincere thanks to wonderful guides Kim, Isaac, and Ryan for a fantastic day! We will definitely do it again, and highly recommend it to others.read less
O7098ZFmelaniea
20/07/2021 - TripAdvisor
I've lived in Ottawa for many years, and never knew you could have this much fun on the Ottawa River!...read moreI've lived in Ottawa for many years, and never knew you could have this much fun on the Ottawa River! The 2 instructors Danny and Ryan made everything smooth and easy for us (older adult) total newbies -- clear instruction, safe swimming and tipping drills (water was nice and warm) , and then riding the rapids in the inflated kayarafts. I learned some whitewater basics and had a blast! Clean gear, Covid-safe, lovely washroom and shower facilities at their base area. Highly recommended.read less
619elsv
19/07/2021 - TripAdvisor
My son and I were very blessed with a wonderful Ottawa River experience. Great organization and expert instructors Wella and...read moreMy son and I were very blessed with a wonderful Ottawa River experience. Great organization and expert instructors Wella and Ryan. It's great to be on the local big river and see Ottawa/Gatineau from a unique vantage point. The Kayarafts were very responsive and challenging enough to give my 16yo a wonderful thrill. Our guides were there to keep us safe and provide those important lessons in safety and skill.read less
jennifersG5001DS
26/06/2021 - TripAdvisor
So completely amazing! We decided last minute to to the white water kayaking experience and are so pumped that...read moreSo completely amazing! We decided last minute to to the white water kayaking experience and are so pumped that we did it. The instruction was fantastic and Danny and Isaac made you feel so safe that we did things that we never would otherwise have attempted - and had soooo much fun doing it. I would encourage anyone who is on the fence about going or thinks that they cant do it, or thinks they should put off fun for another day to just sign up and do this. Its right in town, super accessible, great people great equipment and will be an experience that you will be able to smile at for a long time!read less
Alex1233214
22/06/2021 - TripAdvisor
Super, super fun! Highly recommend!! We went out on the water, learned swimming technique and went through rapids! Super awesome day!
jamessF4955VP
22/06/2021 - TripAdvisor
Boreal's Kayarafting course was the perfect introduction to reading and then riding
on intro-level (Class 1) whitewater, and all within sight...read moreBoreal's Kayarafting course was the perfect introduction to reading and then riding
on intro-level (Class 1) whitewater, and all within sight of Parliament Hill in the distance.
Amazing staff made this activity informative, safe, and so much fun. The inflatable boats that Boreal uses are easy to paddle, very manoeuvrable, and super stable.
This is a must-do, half-day adventure for almost anyone (teenagers, adults, couples, families).
A great vantage point from which locals and visitors can view Ottawa .
Loved it, loved it, loved it.
Go, go, go; you will not regret itread less
FirstTimeKayarafter
02/11/2020 - TripAdvisor
Had a great experience with Boreal River Adventures! We went kayarafting on the Ottawa River with a group of youth...read moreHad a great experience with Boreal River Adventures! We went kayarafting on the Ottawa River with a group of youth ages 15-18. The instructors were excellent. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend Boreal River Adventures!read less