What to Bring Rafting
Recommended Gear for Rafting
Our river shop carries all of the items listed below.
Required Gear:
- • Shoes with a back strap that stay securely on your feet
* You cannot wear flip flops or have bare feet while rafting!
Bring for Rafting:
• Bathing suit / swim shorts
• Sunscreen
• Rashguard / sun protection shirt
• Towel and dry change of clothes
• A small duffel bag or backpack
• Optional: A buff or bandana
Considerations for cold rafting days:
• Wetsuit rental: overalls & jacket
• Wool socks / wool hat
• Light wool /synthetic sweater
• Paddling jacket (light windbreaker)
• Synthetic / wool bottoms
Recommended Overnight Gear
If you are CAMPING:
• Tent & sleeping pads
• Sleeping bag and pillow
• Towels & Toiletries
• Flashlight
If you are staying in a CABIN:
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Pillows & Sheets
• Towels & Toiletries
• Flashlight
If you are staying in a CABANA:
• Towels & Toiletries
• Flashlight
If you are staying in a GLAMPING TENT:
• Towels & Toiletries
• Flashlight
Check-in & Check-out times
Check In
Day Trips:
We ask that you to sign in at the time of your trip.
One Night:
If rafting on a 7:15am or 8:30am trip you are welcome to check in any time after 5:00pm the evening before your trip.
If rafting on a 11:30am or 1:30pm please sign in at the trip time.
Two Night Packages:
You are welcome to check in any time after 5:00pm the evening prior to your first day of activity.
Check Out
All overnight packages that include cabin upgrades or tent rental have a check out time of 11:00 a.m. If you are rafting this day, you will need to check out prior to departing for your rafting trip. We have change rooms and showers available for your use after your rafting trip.
OWL Resort
Our waterfront resort is a beautiful space to spend the evening.
Cafe OWL
Stop by Cafe OWL to treat yourself to a warm beverage, or baked good to enjoy by the water’s edge.
* Taking a drink to-go? Bring your own thermos or mug!
Fire Pit
Enjoy the cozy fire at water’s edge while taking in the sunset.
Sandy Beach
Enjoy our SUPs, kayaks, and canoes to cruise over to our floating dock.
*Unsupervised beach
Frisbee Golf Course
Play our 9-hole Frisbee Golf Course using our disks and score sheets.
Beach Volleyball
Enjoy our waterfront beach volleyball with professional nets.
Other great amenities:
Soccer Field | Horse Shoes | Life-sized Jenga | Sauna | Playground
Travelling to OWL
The OWL Rafting Resort is a 1.5 hour drive from Ottawa, 3.5 hours from Montreal, and 5 hrs from Toronto.
Google Maps Link. Bus from Ottawa to Cobden: Book Bus
Reservation Policy
Within 30 days of the trip date, a cancellation fee of $50 per person per day is applied. Outside of 30 days of the trip date a full refund is given. No transfers or refunds for cancellations within 7 days of the trip date.
All prices, excluding accommodations are per person and subject to a $15/person per day river access fee.
Minimum rafting numbers: OWL Rafting reserves the right to cancel rafting trips that have fewer then 20 rafters enrolled. OWL Rafting will contact rafters with at least 3 days notice if a rafting trip is cancelled due to low enrollment. OWL Rafting will first offer a transfer to another rafting date. In the case that an alternate rafting date is not possible OWL Rafting will cancel the rafting trip with a refund to the original payment method.
Rafting Requirements
- For adventure rafting, sport rafts and sport yaks, guests must be a minimum of 90lb (41kg).
- Soft Adventure rafting guests must be a minimum of 50lb (23kg).
- Proper footwear is required for all rafting trips.
- All guests must sign a waiver.
Reviews
Lots of fun at Owl Rafting Owl far exceeded my expectations. My family bought a two day white water rafting adventure trip. The guides were thorough, fun and ensured everyone was safe. The facility is great - clean bathrooms and common space, lots of fun activities and well kept beach. The staff take pride in their work.
Amazing day! From start to finish the entire day was amazing! Everyone on staff was incredible! The entire day was organized and well planned out. The food was fantastic. All the guides were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful!! So much fun on and in the water!! 
Highest Recommendation for a Great Operation I was really impressed with the whole operation at OWL Rafting. Their dedication to safety and keeping clients informed throughout the day really added to everyone's enjoyment. The crew was enthusiastic and I want to give a special shout out to my guide Pete whose positive attitude and attention to detail was extraordinary. As someone who works in high risk environments, I thought OWL's management of safety throughout the experience was second to none. It was clear that the crew loved their work and was dedicated to protecting and helping others experience this natural wonder in the best way possible. - Jill Heinerth, Explorer in Residence Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Honorary Ottawa Riverkeeper 
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more information? We have put together a list of answers we often need to provide for clients. Give us a call if you still need help!
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