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 day over the upcoming May Long Weekend, we invite you to join us in our eco-conscious efforts. Discover simple yet impactful ways to make your journey to OWL Rafting sustainable and hassle-free. Let’s keep Canada’s landscapes rich, flowing, and thriving for future generations!
Tip 1: Pack Light
Travelling light isn’t just a convenience; it’s an eco-friendly practice perfectly compatible with great outdoor adventures. Resist the urge to overpack, and take a minimalist approach this way – you’ll be aiding the environment and lessening your load. Here are some packing tips for the Ottawa River:
- 1. Use a carry-on sized bag instead of a large suitcase
2. Stick to versatile, multi-purpose clothing items you can mix and match
3. For warm weather, opt for quick-dry, lightweight fabrics ideal for outdoor activities
4. For chilly days, layer up with sneakers or sandals, wool socks, a cozy wool or fleece sweater, and a nylon windbreaker.
5. Pack the essentials like sunscreen, hat, water bottle, bathing suit, sandals with secure backstraps (or sneakers), etc.
6. Rent gear like wetsuits on-site
Check out our ‘Plan Your Visit’ checklist for your next whitewater rafting vacation!
Tip 2: Sustainable Travel Accommodations
Whether you opt for our cozy glamping tents, rustic cabanas, or good ol’ camping under the stars, each option comes with unique perks and prime locations across our resort. But here’s the real perk: by choosing our riverside onsite accommodations instead of a traditional hotel, you’re not just fully immersing yourself in the outdoor experience (starry night skies, crackling campfires, camaraderie, wildlife sightings) but also reducing your carbon footprint. Our wilderness resort incorporates sustainable processes through food waste reduction, single-use plastic elimination, water use reduction (ex. composting toilets), annual river clean-ups, staff and guest education and more! For more information about our eco-friendly initiatives, read our ‘About Us’ page.
Tip 3: Ditch Disposables
Hydration is essential during whitewater rafting and resort activities. Therefore, reusable water bottles with potable water stations are a must at OWL Rafting. Eliminating the need for disposable plastic bottles is a simple yet impactful way to reduce our environmental footprint. At our resort, the taps provide drinkable water, making it easy to refill your reusable bottle and stay refreshed throughout your stay. Additionally, we’ve gone one step further to ensure we don’t sell any drinks with plastic packaging in our stores. By choosing a reusable or biodegradable drink option, you’ll make a positive choice for the environment while ensuring you have fuel readily available during your outdoor adventures.
Note: If you’re taking your beverage on the go, we encourage you to bring a reusable travel mug. But if you forget, don’t worry! We offer a fantastic selection of locally designed Ottawa River cups, pottery mugs, and thermal tumblers for purchase. Not only will you support local artisans, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce single-use waste.
Tip 4: Carpool with Your Crew
Transportation might be the greatest contributor to your ecological footprint. That’s why, on your way to your adventure with us this season, we encourage you to buddy up and carpool/rideshare with your loved ones. Rental cars have become a popular travel method for those trying to escape the city (especially Toronto or Ottawa)! Additionally, bus options are newly available through Ontario Northlands. We recommend checking out their bus schedules for your next trip to the Ottawa River!
Tip 5: Reduce Food Waste
Whether you’ve just cruised on our pontoon boat and enjoyed a sunset BBQ meal, or started your day at our resort with a hearty breakfast, we encourage you to be mindful of your leftovers. Instead of tossing away those scraps, you’ll have the opportunity to scrape the leftovers into a food waste bin – which will then be fed to our onsite pigs (they love melon rinds) or piled into our compost bins to fuel future garden growth. We love a good full-circle moment! That is, of course, if you have any food waste! All our meals are buffet-style, meaning you can take the perfect amount for yourself. If you find all that rafting made you extra hungry, you can always head back up for more!
Tip 6: Observe Without Disturbing
We prioritize the preservation of our local wildlife and their natural habitats. During your stay, you’ll encounter wildlife creatures thriving in their natural environments – on land and under the water. We encourage all our guests to observe and appreciate these critters from a respectful distance, allowing them to roam freely and sustain their generations without disturbance. This is their home too. By embracing a sustainable travel mindset and respecting the boundaries, we can ensure that the delicate ecosystems surrounding our resort remain intact for generations to come.
Final Note
In conclusion, sustainable travel is not just about lessening your footprint while on the road; it’s a holistic approach that begins at home and extends throughout your journey. We encourage all of our guests to embrace a mindset of environmental stewardship that goes beyond the walls of our riverside resort and permeates every aspect of your sustainable travel experience. Protecting the great outdoors is a team effort! We appreciate everyone who actively applies our sentiments and we’re SO excited to see you all on the river (SOON)!
