Owl Rafting News

At the OWL Rafting wilderness resort, ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable travel’ aren’t just buzzwords – it’s our way of life. From our daily operations to our amenities to our self-propelled whitewater rafting tours, we’re committed to keeping our wilderness resort and the stunning Ottawa River clean, green, and thriving.  As we gear up for our opening […]

Family-owned and operated since 1981, OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River is one of the oldest and best-known Canadian whitewater rafting companies. Friendly and experienced guides, delicious food, a peaceful waterfront location, and a terrific variety of 1 and 2-day rafting packages make this whitewater resort a top choice for families. Trips are rated low, […]

1) What is whitewater rafting? 2) What are the different classes of rapids? 3) What do I need to wear for whitewater rafting? 4) Do I need any experience to go whitewater rafting? 5) Are there age restrictions for whitewater rafting? 6) Do I need to know how to swim to go whitewater rafting? 7) […]

At the OWL Rafting riverside resort, we specialize in creating unforgettable memories in the great Canadian outdoors! Our favourite thing to do is, of course, whitewater rafting on the historical Ottawa River with our guests. Just a short 90 minutes west of Ottawa, the views on the Rocher Fendu section of the river are truly […]

Buckle up and get ready for an extraordinary week-long summer road trip through 7 enchanting Ottawa Valley towns! This region is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and hidden gems and is located just west of our Nation’s Capital, Ottawa. This makes it the perfect destination for adventure seekers and road trip enthusiasts. Join us […]

Canada is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its vast wilderness, stunning landscapes, and untamed natural flowing rivers – it’s no wonder it’s home to some of Canada’s top whitewater rafting rivers. Accessing whitewater typically requires skill and training, whereas rafting opens the river experience to all individuals regardless of age or skill as it […]

Welcome to the OWL Rafting Resort, where you’ll find yourself nestled in the heart of the Canadian wilderness, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and some of the best whitewater in the country. Our priority is to provide you with an authentic Canadian experience that allows you to immerse yourself in nature and create lasting memories. To […]

A Message From the Owners – Dirk & Claudia Van Wijk  We are thrilled to announce the formation of our newly developed executive team, consisting of our daughter Katrina, alongside Natalie, and Kirstin (KT). They will be taking the helm of day-to-day business operations during the season and spearheading planning, development, and sales activities in […]

In the midst of Earth Month, there are many important conversations we must have about sustainability and the preservation of our planet and its resources. Today, we’ve decided to jump in on this conversation, but from an everyday, at-home perspective with a whitewater twist (of course). Let’s talk about 10 sustainable activities you can try […]

As November begins to freeze the rivers and lakes, December brings a surprising warmth. We’re instantly hugged by colorful Christmas lights, nostalgic music, and a contagious holiday spirit. The beautiful city of Ottawa and its surrounding areas transform into a vibrant winter wonderland. It’s the perfect setting for Ottawa citizens to dawn their finest winter […]

PSA: It’s time for a family getaway!  Everyday life and routines can feel mundane and, in some ways, predictable. Whether to avoid burnout or to recover from it, an intermission from life’s regular scheduled programming is necessary for the health of your body and mind. Perhaps it’s time for you to grab your family and […]

Looking to keep your kids busy while you travel to your next adventure destination? Check out our OWL Rafting family fun word find puzzle below. You can print off as many copies as you need (and we’ve provided the solution sheet)! Download & Print: Family Fun Word Finder Happy travelling!

The History of The Ottawa River  The Ottawa River is the traditional territory of the Algonquin peoples. The large waterway was originally known as the ‘Grande Rivière des Algonquins’ or ‘Grande Rivière du Nord’ amongst the French, ‘Kichi Sibi’ amongst the Algonquin Peoples (translates to the ‘Great River’ or ‘La Grande Rivière’) and still holds […]

Multi-Year Family Rafting Trips Joanne Wilson has been coming whitewater rafting with OWL Rafting for 3 years! She goes on to tell us why she falls more and more in love with our rafting trips and how great it is to spend time on the Ottawa River with her family. “Hello! We came across OWL […]

Why the Ottawa River is Perfect for Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing The Ottawa River is Canada’s 8th largest river, comprising of diverse ecosystems, lush forests, and beautiful rock formations. It currently provides a habitat to approximately “85 fish species, 300 bird species, approximately 53 mammal species and 33 amphibian and reptile species.” (Canadian Wildlife Federation […]

OWL’s Pledge Just over an hour’s drive from the city of Ottawa’s downtown core, lies the OWL Rafting resort. In contrast to the bustling city streets and tightly developed shoreline of Canada’s capital, OWL Rafting remains a scenic and peaceful setting that embodies much of the beauty found throughout the Ottawa River watershed. Chickadees perch […]

Returning to work at OWL The main reason staff return to OWL Rafting year after year, is the sense of community. Life is broken up into two realms: work and personal, OWL flips this convention on its head and blends the two. Connor Lalande, 3rd season with OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River     […]

With the glorious days of summer fast approaching, Ontario’s pristine waterways are waiting to be explored. And if you’re looking to offer your clients ways to enjoy time on the water, , there are several options in Ontario’s Highlands within driving distance of Toronto / Ottawa / Montreal.  Le Boat has partnered with Madawaska Kanu […]

A trailblazer for rafting on the Ottawa River Claudia Van Wijk, owner and operator of OWL Rafting relives her memory of the first descent of the Ottawa River; “Seemed the thing to do… checking out new whitewater spots in our backyard is something I was used to doing with my father. I loved the surprise. […]

40 Years – It’s Our Anniversary! OWL is celebrating its 40th full year on the Ottawa River! To commemorate this wonderful occasion, we want to bring back some of the people and stories that helped shape our beloved riverside home.           Our Story 40 Years on the Ottawa River We are […]

Liquid Lunch Podcast with Stefi Van Wijk The director of our sister company Madawaska Kanu Centre, Stefi Van Wijk speaks on growing up in a paddling family, her journey to becoming MKC director and the dynamics of running a paddling school. An important message to take away from this: Paddling is for everyone. It transcends […]

Induction ceremony at PaddleExpo in Nuremburg, Germany July 26, 2019 – The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHoF) has announced its inductees for the Class of 2019. The selected honorees join an esteemed group of the world’s most accomplished whitewater pioneers, explorers, champions, and advocates. “We are extremely excited to honor this year’s inductees with […]