25 Places For Adventures on Water in and Around Ottawa

No city does summer quite like Ottawa. Whether you want to visit world-class museums, enjoy natural vibes in a trendy garden, hike to scenic lookouts, laze around the beach, or want an adrenaline rush on whitewater, Canada’s capital region has it all.

Check out 25 of the best options for an adventure at Ottawa’s many water-oriented activities – there is simply nothing more refreshing on a warm summer’s day.

**All locations mentioned are located within 90 minutes of Downtown Ottawa. You can easily stay in Ottawa and plan day trips around some activities. **

Explore Rideau Canal

What’s better than seeing the city you love by water? Especially on Canada’s engineering marvel – the Rideau Canal. Whether you want to explore on your own or go on guided cruises, there are plenty of options.

Hop aboard the glorious Rideau Canal boat and enjoy a 1.5-hour tour of the sights and sounds, including the Ottawa Locks, National Arts Centre, Lansdowne Park and more.

You may like Road Trip From Ottawa to Kingston: Drive the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

Ottawa City Rafting & Tubing

 

Are you looking for a heart-pumping outdoor activity this summer?! Look no further than Ottawa City Rafting, an exciting 3-hour white-water rafting trip on the Ottawa River. Or, perhaps you’re more interested in the urban tubing adventure, a super fun 2-hour float along the river with a guide. Both are a brilliant way to spend the day!

Address: 102 Greenview Ave, Ottawa

Cost: Prices vary

Ottawa Valley Air Paddle

Ottawa Valley Air Paddle offers various watercraft for rent, including kayaks, inflatables and more.

They also host guided light-up (Light at Night) kayaking tours in downtown Ottawa! Paddle 5.5 km along the Rideau Canal in LED-lit folding kayaks, enjoying sunset views, historic landmarks, and glowing reflections on the water. Ideal for all skill levels, this 2.5-hour experience blends beauty, history, and community—perfect for a unique adventure or romantic date night.

Address: Rideau Canal, 524 O’Connor St, Ottawa

Cost: $99 – $198

Relax at Ottawa Beaches

Relax by the water’s edge, enjoy the wonderful nature, have a dip in the water, enjoy a drink from the café and play a game of beach volleyball with some friends.

City of Ottawa Beaches

• Petrie Island Beach, 727 Trim Road.
• Britannia Beach, 2805 Carling Avenue.
• Mooney’s Bay Beach, 2926 Riverside Drive.
• Westboro Beach, 745 Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway.

Gatineau Park Beaches

• Meech Lake (O’Brien and Blanchet beaches)
• Philippe Lake (Parent, Breton and Smith beaches)
• La Pêche Lake
• Leamy Lake

Swim in Lakes

Would you rather swim in the fresh, cooling waters of the Capital region’s lakes? Then, go swimming at Meech Lake, in Gatineau Park, and at Leamy Lake, in the Hull sector of Gatineau. Remember, there are no lifeguards at these places.

Pirate Life

Ahoy! Check out Ottawa’s creative offering as you imagine, play and create with your family while aboard a real pirate ship on the sea! Dress like a pirate, face paint, fire up the cannon, and much more, and you enjoy the pirate’s life. Pirate Life is available for birthday parties and special events, too.

Cost: Prices from $45

Address: 588 Hog’s Back Rd, Ottawa

Ottawa SUP

Commonly referred to as “SUP,” stand-up paddleboarding is a relaxing activity that burns calories. It’s great for all family members and friends, including the furry kind and all levels. Ottawa SUP offers lessons and yoga classes by SUP too!

Cost: Prices start from $25

Address: Mooney’s Bay, Brantwood Park – Old Ottawa South, Chapman Mills Conservation Area – Barrhaven, Britannia Beach, Petrie Island – Orleans, Linda Thom Park – Old Ottawa South

Wilderness Tours

Providing a connection to nature since 1976, Wilderness Tours truly has something for everyone. When hitting the water, you can stand up paddleboard, white water raft, sea kayak, and canoe. Have a lesson or not, and you can opt to spend the night at the resort in an RV, camping, or cabin. Connect with nature! Prices vary.

Cost: Varies

Address: 1260 Grants Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls

Eco-Odyssee

One of Eco-Odysses‘ most famous adventures is their “water maze!” Enjoy an immersive water adventure, approximately 2 hours, where you traverse the maze via paddleboat, canoe or paddleboard by day or sunset. Learn about the habitat and home of the beavers as you seek to identify the different intricacies of the marsh and its exciting surroundings.

Cost: Prices start from $40.

Address: 52, Chemin Les Sources, La Pêche (Wakefield), QC

Ottawa Water Ski Club

The longest-standing water ski club in Ottawa offers water skiing activities at two parks. The Eccolands site offers you a chance to ski on the river and/or a slalom course, while the Carp site has a tournament-ready course protected from the wind. They welcome both first-timers of any age or well-practiced veterans.

Address: 3119 Carp Rd and 334 River Rd, Ottawa

Cost: $50

OWL Rafting

Experience the great Canadian river trip – this is a travel path forged by First Nations, traversed by fur traders since the 1600s and fostered by foresters at the turn of the last century. An introduction to whitewater is a full-day natural roller coaster where you’ll paddle as a team – your experienced guide steers from the stern – all you have to do is listen for directions, join in and have fun.

Cost: $122  & up

Address: 40 OWL Lane, Forrester Falls

Ottawa River guiding Fishing

Guiding folks since 2010, Ottawa River Guided Fishing is excited to take you to the peaceful waters of Ottawa River for some fishing. Your guide will be an expert in the area, with a particular passion for fishing the area and ensuring you have the best time possible. Trips range from half-day to full weekend adventures.

Cost: Prices range.

For fishing on your own from shore:

• West Carleton—Morris Island Conservation Area, Fitzroy Harbour, Fitzroy Provincial Park, MacLaren’s Landing, Buckham’s Bay Port of Call marina
• Nepean North—Shirley’s Bay, Crystal Beach, Dick Bell Park, Champlain Bridge
• Ottawa East—Rockcliffe Yacht Club, Blair Road
• Orléans East—Petrie Island
• Vanier Parkway—New Edinburgh Park, Riverain Park
• Downtown—Dow’s Lake, Brewer Park, Billings Bridge Plaza area, Windsor Park, Brantwood Park, OC Transpo Bridge (between Lees and Hurdman Stations)
• Hunt Club Bridge South to Manotick—Eccolands Park, Black Rapids locks, Chapman Mills Conservation Area, Riverside Park
• Manotick Area—Walter Upton-Collins Park, Rideau Township marina
• Kars and Osgoode Area—Long Island marina, Kars recreation area, Kars public wharf, W.A. Taylor Conservation Area
• Dilworth Road, off Highway #416—Baxter Conservation Area, Reeve Craig boat launch
• Kemptville and Kemptville Creek—Rideau River Provincial Park, Muldoon Launch, Pirate Cove Marina, Curry Park

Rideau Falls

While you can’t exactly go in, Rideau Falls under the category of simply being as mesmerizing as it is! It is certainly a “must-see “and a notable landmark of the province. It is a great place to walk and visit.

Waterfalls in and around Ottawa

Cost: Free.

Address: 50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Millennium Water Park

All it takes is one visit to Millennium Water Park to see why it’s a favoured destination for Ottawa children. With a pirate-themed splash pad including a tipping bucket, dragon spray, fountains, sprays and tons of amazing play structures, including a castle, it’s the perfect summer destination right in the city.

Address: 358-500 Millennium Blvd, Orléans

O’Kenny River Tubing

Located on the scenic banks of the Muskrat River, O’Kenny River Tubing offers an exciting and safe tubing adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. As part of the O’Kenny Craft Spirits family, this tubing experience combines the thrill of rapids with the tranquillity of a lazy river. The Muskrat River offers the ideal blend of calm stretches and exciting rapids, making it perfect for tubing. Inexperienced kayakers may find it challenging to navigate the shallow spots with rocks, but these same rocks create a fun and safe tubing experience.

Address:  O’Kenny River Tubing, 2 International Drive, Pembroke

Cost: $29+tax

Aqua Limo & Aqua Taxi

If you are looking for the cheapest option for crossing the Ottawa River on water, take Aqua Taxi.

You’ll see some of our capital’s most famous landmarks – all from the vantage point of the river!

Cost: $8 for a taxi. Hop-On Hop-Off: $20

Address: 555 Wellington St, Ottawa

Boreal River Adventures

Boreal River Adventures is set up to take you on an unforgettable, water-based experience. Pick a customizable adventure perfect for you and your thrill-seeking level that will also teach you, keep you safe and keep you laughing and wanting more and more.

Cost: Prices range.

Address: 78 George St, Suite 204, Ottawa,

Calypso Water Park

Ready for some family-friendly fun? An easy 20 minutes from Ottawa, Calypso Waterpark is truly the best place to build exciting new memories with the ones you love as Canada’s largest waterpark. There are 35 plus slides, 100 water games, two theme rivers and a massive wave pool! There are activities for every age and interest. Spend the whole day with VIP cabanas and restaurants to enjoy.

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Prices start at $54.99

Address: 2015 Calypso Street, Limoges

Tiki Tours

Ahola! Gear up for a totally tropical trip with Tiki Tours. Tiki Tours is a new water-based adventure in Ottawa, ready to whisk you away for a relaxing tour along the Ottawa River in a Hawaiian-style tiki hut, aptly named Lilo and Moana. Each trip is 1.5 with a provided captain and bartender for a memorable trip! With space for 12 people, grab friends, a work adventure or a romantic date – they can even do weddings.

Cost: Prices start from $55

Address: Ottawa River Pathway, Ottawa

Urban Ocean

Voted top pick for Ottawa’s outdoor/adventure activity, Urban Ocean welcomes anyone interested in trying, learning or continuing with stand-up paddleboarding. Urban Oceans offers rentals, lessons, sessions, yoga, and much more.

Cost: Prices range.

Address: 411 Dovercourt Ave, Ottawa

Calabogie Peak Resort

Pleasing the people of Ottawa since 1969, Calabogie Peaks Resort is a premier destination to enjoy the lovely Calabogie Lake. Here you can boat, paddle, swim, play beach volleyball or simply soak up the sun on the wonderfully sandy beach. With a few on-site restaurants, you can round off a great summer day with some great food. Prices vary.

Address: 30 Barrett Chute Road, Calabogie

Mont Cascades

Just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa, you will reach Mont Cascades, a terrific, expansive waterpark! The park features 16 waterparks (for adults, children and both), waterfalls, a swimming pool, picnic benches and a fully serviced restaurant—a fun spot for people of all ages looking for a rocking day out.

Cost: Prices start from $27.50

Address: 448 Chemin du Mont-des-Cascades

 

Outdoor Pools

Splash around at Ottawa’s outdoor pools. There are lots of sessions available for public swims for your fitness or recreation visit!

Cost: Reservation required; prices vary.

Address: Various.

Paddle at Dow’s Marina

Are you a DIYer who would instead explore the Ottawa River on your own but doesn’t have the necessary water toys? Then you can rent them at Dow’s Marina. Summer rentals include canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and paddleboats. They are available between May and early October.

Paddleboats: $25  for the first hour, $12 for every additional hour; kayaks and canoes vary.

Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa

Jetski Ottawa

Whisk away on your speedy chariot! Hit the water with a jet ski from “The Region’s Most Reliable Jetski Rentals,” Jetski Ottawa. Renter must be 18+ with a valid driver’s licence – that’s it! Details

Cost: Prices start at $109.99/hr, plus tax & up

Address: 1009 Trim Road, Ottawa

Ottawa Private Yacht Rentals

Ottawa Private Yacht Rentals has you covered for a kind experience enjoying the waters of Ottawa for those seeking first-class accommodations. Available in the summer, opt for a day rental, have an extended vacation, swim in the pristine waters, and cook what you catch! Find complete solitude and enjoy the stunning surroundings on a beautiful private yacht. Go with a group or with your special someone.