Ontario's Water Trail. Paddle, Raft, Cruise
Looking for some great way to get out on the water this summer? Le Boat, Madawaska Kanu Centre and OWL Rafting have partnered to bring together three fantastic waterways in Ontario’s Highlands and offer you three unique outdoor adventures this summer. Ontario's Highlands has equal water to land, with the Madawaska River and UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal both flowing into Canada’s heritage river, the Ottawa River. Together, these three waterways combine to create Ontario’s Water Trail.
PADDLE-RAFT-CRUISE!
PADDLE: Visit Madawaska Kanu Centre to learn to paddle down a river in your own kayak or canoe.
RAFT: Experience the untouched wilderness of the Ottawa River with OWL Rafting, where every trip is a unique combination of rafting & signature BBQ cruise.
CRUISE: Discover the UNESCO Rideau Canal and cruise from the luxury of your our private Le Boat houseboat – no boat license or previous experience required!
Learn from the river in a weekend or weeklong whitewater course. All the comforts of a European style vacation resort with delicious and nutritious meals.
Experience a Canadian river trip – a natural roller coaster, warm waves and paddling as a team! Choose from low, medium and high intensity raft trips. Beachfront resort with camping, cabins and home cooked meals.
The Water Trail brings you to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal in your own private luxury houseboat. Traveling along this attractive waterway you’ll be able to explore and unwind.
PADDLE, RAFT, CRUISE
Mix and match your itinerary using the packages below.
Book one to save on the others.
Madawaska Kanu Centre - Madawaska River
The MKC Experience – Immerse yourself in the whitewater world and take your paddling skills to the next level. Choose a program that runs every weekend and week of the summer.
2021 Season: April 29th – September 19th
WEEKEND COURSE, Saturday – Sunday
- Choose your craft, be it Canoe or Kayak for this fast-paced introduction to the exciting world of whitewater paddling in our stunning wilderness location. See more details and dates here.
5-DAY COURSE, Monday – Friday
- Our most popular course, a week on the water allows you the time to learn and master your new skills. We divide paddlers into small groups based on skill level the first day of the course to ensure the learning progression will suit your needs. Combine this with MKC’s hospitality and you have an active vacation like none other. See more details and dates here.
Visit www.mkc.ca or call 1-888-652-5268
Owl Rafting - Ottawa River
Unique in the world of whitewater rafting the OWL experience on the Ottawa River combines a full-day descent of the famous Rocher Fendu rapids, with a return cruise aboard our Pontoon Boat to the OWL Resort enjoying a freshly grilled BBQ meal. Just ninety minutes upstream of our Nation’s Capital, Ottawa.
2021 Season: May 22nd – September 19th
Which trip is right for me?
The Ottawa River has many different channels and routes to explore, allowing us to vary the intensity of your adventure – choose from the following:
SOFT ADVENTURE RAFTING – Low Intensity
- Minimum of 50lbs
- Experience the great Canadian river trip – a natural roller-coaster, big friendly waves, warm water and paddling as a team, getting wet, laughing and making new friends in the middle of ‘no-where’! A great introduction, for first-timers and multi-generational families! See trips and package options here.
ADVENTURE RAFTING – Medium Intensty
- Minimum of 90lbs
- The perfect recipe for Adventure…Descend the MAIN Channel of the Ottawa River in a BIG Boat, paddling in unison as your experienced and passionate guide steers with oars from the stern through the multitude of rapids! Body surf, cliff jump and relax as you float the calm sections, and stop for a mid-trip snack. At rapids end, every river trip is met by our signature Pontoon Boat where you climb aboard for a freshly grilled meal absorbing the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield as you return to the lakeside resort See trips and package options here.
SPORT RAFTING – High Intensity
- Minimum of 90lbs
- For adventure seekers that are comfortable being tossed overboard and swimming in whitewater. See trips and package options here.
Visit www.owlrafting.com or call us at 1-800-461-7238
Le Boat Luxury Houseboat Rentals - Rideau Canal
Come cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal and captain your own luxury Horizon cruiser.
Eat, sleep, play and live onboard as your cruise this historical waterway. Get of the beaten path to explore nature and discover the unique small towns and villages along the canal. Our boats sleep from 2-12 people so it’s the perfect holiday option for couples, families or group of friends.
3 NIGHT 4 DAY CRUISE
Your cruises starts & ends in the town of Smiths Fall. Day one begins with a private orientation with a safety briefing and private lesson on who to captain your own luxury houseboat and plan your cruise on the Rideau Canal. Overnight in Smiths Falls, go shopping in town and stock up on your supplies, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or a BBQ at sunset from the top deck of boat.
Sit back, relax and spend the next few days on board and see what boating life is all about! Travel south on the Rideau Canal and cruise on winding rivers and pristine waterways until you reach Rideau Lake. Choose to stop or overnight at Rideau Ferry before heading to Beverages lock station up the Tay Canal and towards the historical town of Perth. Take in the great outdoors, bike the trails, hike the paths, go for a swim, fish or go shopping in Perth before you cruise back to the Le Boat base and return your boat.
7+ night cruises also available. Book Now or call 1-800-734-5491
This project is proudly funded through the support of the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture industries.