Kayaking Ottawa Grandmaître Reserve Turtle Sightings

The inlets here are where the wildlife actually lives, not just passes through.

Kayak the Grandmaître Ecological Reserve near Ottawa, paddling protected inlets where turtles, herons, beavers and river otters congregate. A bilingual guide (French and English) navigates you into the nooks and crannies where these creatures hang out, and explains the ecology and history of Petrie Island. The calm, sheltered water makes paddling easier and safer for all fitness levels, including children from age 3.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour at Grandmaître Reserve

• Meet guide at Petrie Island
• Paddle through ecological reserve inlets
• Observe turtles and wildlife
• Learn about Petrie Island history
• Enjoy beach areas and picnic spots

The experience

The Grandmaître Ecological Reserve sits on Petrie Island, a cluster of islands where the inlets stay calm and protected from the river's fast currents and high winds. That shelter is what draws the wildlife here: turtles, herons, great egrets, beavers, muskrats and river otters use these waterways as their habitat. Your guide paddles you into those same inlets, pointing out where the animals are and explaining what you're seeing. Because the water is sheltered, paddling is easier than it would be on open river, which makes this work for children and anyone new to kayaking.

You get a kayak, paddle, personal flotation device and drybag. The guide handles navigation and wildlife spotting. The guide speaks both French and English, so you hear the commentary in whichever language works for you, and on some departures, both languages are used. Petrie Island also has two beach areas and walking trails if you want to stretch out between paddles or explore on foot. Plan for roughly two hours on the water.

Paddlers do get wet, so bring spare shorts and water shoes if you have them. Children under 3 are not permitted. You'll sign a liability waiver before launching. Parking at the reserve costs $2 for five hours. Public transit options are available nearby if you prefer not to drive.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, personal flotation device and drybag.
• bilingual guide (French and English) leading you through the inlets and explaining the wildlife and history of Petrie Island.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesdayDeparts at 14:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (13 to 85 years) · Youth (6 to 12 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Riverview Mobile Kayak Rental

Is this one for you?The bilingual guide means you hear the commentary in French, English, or both depending on the group. Pick the departure that matches your language comfort. Children from age 3 can paddle here because the sheltered inlets stay calm, making this work for families and first-time paddlers.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years); Child (3 to 5 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I actually see on this kayak paddle?

Turtles are the main draw (the inlets are where they congregate) along with herons, great egrets, beavers, muskrats and river otters. Your guide knows where to look and will point them out as you paddle through the protected waterways.

Is this kayaking trip suitable for someone who has never paddled before?

Yes. The sheltered inlets of Grandmaître Ecological Reserve have calm water and slow currents, which makes paddling easier than open river. The activity suits all fitness levels, and children from age 3 can join.

How long does the kayaking take?

Plan for roughly two hours on the water, including time for the guide to navigate the inlets and point out wildlife and historical details about Petrie Island.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Bring spare shorts and water shoes if you have them, since paddlers do get wet. The kayak, paddle, personal flotation device and drybag are all provided. You'll sign a liability waiver before launching.