Welcome to The Ottawa Valley

The Ottawa Valley - Whitewater Capital of Canada
More rivers, warmer water, longer paddling season

In addition to be being “Ontario’s Adventure Playground,” the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) has officially branded the Ottawa Valley as the Whitewater Capital of Canada. This niche marketing initiative by the OVTA will celebrate this region’s unique whitewater features and increase the awareness of it on a national and international level.

The Ottawa Valley is considered a world-class whitewater paddling destination that attracts thousands of rafters, kayakers and canoe trippers each year. Philippe Doux, Editor in chief of the international whitewater magazine - Kayak Session states, “There are many world class areas for kayaking in the world but there are few that see paddlers of all level come back to it each year. There is a reason. Mix Canadian hospitality, amazing features with warm water and you simply have North America’s best whitewater paddling playground, the Ottawa Valley."

“Other travel destinations may boast having a few whitewater rivers but this region is blessed to have over 10 whitewater rivers offering paddling opportunities from April to November and for all skill levels”, stated Mitchell Wilkie, Manager of the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association. Well known rivers include the Ottawa, Madawaska, Petawawa, Bonnechere, Opeongo, Dumoine, Barron, Mattawa, Coulonge, Noire, Papineau Creek, York and Grant’s Creek. The Ottawa Valley is also home to the best paddling schools in Canada for beginners to experienced paddlers to hone their skills.

High profile whitewater competitions are held here each year. In August 2006, The Canadian Whitewater Slalom and Wildwater Championships will be held on the Madawaska River.

In 2007, for the second time, the Ottawa Valley will be hosting the Whitewater World Freestyle Championships.

The Ottawa Valley is easily accessible by car and within a day’s drive from the major urban centers of Southern Ontario, Ottawa/Gatineau and the North Eastern US. There are several paddling specific and hospitality businesses established to cater to the growing paddling market visiting the Ottawa Valley region.

Flatwater paddling and wilderness canoe tripping is also very popular in this region. The OVTA is currently working on developing a map of flatwater paddling routes that will be promoted to the public.

Whitewater or flatwater, the Ottawa Valley is a paddler’s paradise.

For more information on this exciting four-season vacation destination, check out the rest of this OVTA website or receive a complimentary copy of the travel guide and map.

Melissa Johnston, Tourism Marketing Coordinator,
Ottawa Valley Tourist Association
800-757-6580

Bruce McIntrye, Media Relations,
County of Renfrew
613-735-7288