OWL Rafting Launches New Day Trip Shuttle
It’s happening! OWL Rafting is making it easier than ever to experience a full day of whitewater adventure on the Ottawa River — no car required.
This July and August, OWL Rafting is launching a new shuttle service from downtown Ottawa to OWL Rafting for day excursions. Running every Sunday and Wednesday, the shuttle will pick guests up at The Lord Elgin Hotel in downtown Ottawa and bring them directly to OWL Rafting for a full day of whitewater rafting, resort time, and our signature pontoon meal cruise.
Whether you are visiting Ottawa, staying downtown, travelling without a vehicle, or simply want to leave the driving to us, this new shuttle makes it simple to escape the city and spend the day on one of Canada’s most iconic whitewater rivers.
Why Rafting the Ottawa River Is a Must-Do When Visiting Ottawa
When people think of Ottawa, they often think of Parliament Hill, museums, festivals, and beautiful city views — but just beyond the city is one of Canada’s most exciting outdoor adventures.
The Ottawa River is famous for its big, warm-water rapids, dramatic Canadian Shield scenery, and incredible whitewater. It is a river that feels wild and powerful, yet welcoming and fun. For visitors looking to experience more than the city, a day of rafting offers a completely different side of the Ottawa region — fresh air, big waves, laughter, and the kind of shared adventure that becomes a highlight of any trip.
Rafting the Ottawa River is more than checking an activity off your list. It is a chance to feel the energy of the river, spend the day surrounded by nature, and experience an iconic Canadian adventure just a short drive from downtown Ottawa.
Why Rafting with OWL Is Such a Special Treat
At OWL Rafting, the experience doesn’t end when you leave the rapids.
After your guided rafting trip, guests join OWL’s signature pontoon meal cruise — a relaxing and memorable way to travel back to the resort. Your raft is secured alongside the pontoon boat, lunch is served on board, and you get to cruise through the beautiful scenery of the Ottawa River after an exciting day in the waves.
It is one of the things that makes an OWL Rafting day so special: the combination of adventure and relaxation. You get the thrill of whitewater rafting, followed by a freshly prepared lunch on the river, then time back at OWL’s waterfront resort to enjoy the beach, relax by the water, watch your trip video, or simply soak up the atmosphere.
It is a full-day experience that feels like a true escape — all while beginning and ending in downtown Ottawa.
A Full Day of Ottawa River Adventure
Your day begins bright and early with pick-up at The Lord Elgin Hotel. From there, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the drive to OWL Rafting in Foresters Falls.
Once you arrive at OWL, our team will welcome you to the resort and guide you through check-in, trip preparation, and your safety briefing. Then it’s time to head to the river.
Guests can choose their rafting intensity, making this experience a great option for a range of adventure levels. Choose a lower-intensity rafting experience for a fun, family-friendly introduction to whitewater, or select a medium-intensity trip if you are looking for bigger waves, more splash, and a higher-energy day on the river.
After rafting, the adventure continues aboard OWL’s signature pontoon meal cruise. Enjoy lunch while cruising through the beautiful Ottawa River scenery — the perfect way to relax after your time in the rapids.
Back at the resort, there will be time to watch your trip video, enjoy the waterfront, and soak up the OWL atmosphere before boarding the shuttle back to Ottawa.
Shuttle Day Schedule
6:45 AM – Meet at The Lord Elgin Hotel
7:00 AM – Shuttle departs Ottawa
8:15 AM – Arrive at OWL Rafting
8:30 AM – Welcome and trip briefing
9:30 AM – Depart for the river
2:30 PM – Lunch aboard OWL’s signature pontoon meal cruise
3:30–4:30 PM – Return to OWL for video viewing and time at the resort
5:00 PM – Shuttle departs OWL
6:30–7:00 PM – Approximate arrival back in Ottawa at The Lord Elgin Hotel
What to Bring
Please bring shoes that are secure on your feet and that you are comfortable getting wet. An old pair of running shoes or sandals with secure straps are great choices. Please avoid flip flops or Crocs.
To stay warm and comfortable on the water, we recommend avoiding cotton. Synthetic layers or ski-style layers are a great choice. If you tend to run cold, wetsuits are available to borrow.
You should also bring a towel and a dry change of clothes for after your rafting trip.
Leave the Driving to Us
This new shuttle is designed to make a day of rafting on the Ottawa River simple, accessible, and fun. Meet us downtown in the morning, spend the day rafting and relaxing at OWL, and return to Ottawa in the evening after a full day of fresh air, big waves, riverside lunch, and resort time.
The OWL Rafting shuttle will run every Sunday and Wednesday in July and August.
Book your seat, choose your intensity, and get ready for one epic day on the Ottawa River.
