Ottawa River Rafting: Full Day on Grade 3-5 Rapids

A full day on the river: rapids in the morning, a riverside meal, more rapids, then a BBQ and video at base camp.

Full-day rafting on the Ottawa River with an experienced guide, covering grade 3 to 5 rapids across two sessions separated by a healthy riverside meal. The day starts at base camp with coffee and equipment, includes a 20-minute bus ride to the river, a safety briefing, two meals, a post-paddle drink, and ends with a BBQ dinner and video screening back at camp. Guides speak English, Spanish or French. Minimum age is 12.

The experience

The Ottawa River holds grade 3 to 5 rapids, and Rafting Momentum structures the day to run more time on the water than most operators. You arrive at base camp where coffee is waiting, then at around 9am a guide walks through the day's plan and hands out your life jacket, helmet and paddle. A school bus takes you 20 minutes to the river, where a safety speech happens before you push off. The first rafting session fills the morning. A healthy lunch of fruits, veggies, cheese and nuts stops you mid-day by the river, then you head back out for the afternoon run.

When you come off the water, a beer or soft drink is waiting. The bus brings you back to base camp, where a classic BBQ dinner (hamburger, hot dog and Caesar salad) is served. A few hours later, a video of the day plays on a big screen so you can watch the rapids you just ran. Guides adjust the pace and intensity to match what each person wants. They're trained to read the group and keep the adrenaline where it lands for you.

The full day runs about eight hours from arrival to the end of the video. You'll need to bring your own tent if you're camping overnight. Wetsuits and water shoes are optional add-ons at checkout. The company allows service animals, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for people with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• Full day of rafting on grade 3 to 5 rapids.
• life jacket, helmet and paddle.
• riverside lunch of fruits, veggies, cheese and nuts.
• classic BBQ dinner with hamburger, hot dog and Caesar salad.
• beer or soft drink at the end of the day.
• video screening of the day at base camp.
• 20-minute bus ride each way to and from the river.
• experienced guide in English, Spanish or French.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 90

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Rafting Momentum

Is this one for you?Groups stay small and the company runs longer on the water than most operators, so if you want to spend the bulk of the day actually paddling rather than shuttling or sitting, this full-day format delivers it. Wetsuits and water shoes are optional at checkout if you want extra protection from the cold or the rocks.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

What are the rapids like on the Ottawa River?

The Ottawa River holds grade 3 to 5 rapids, ranging from moderate to challenging whitewater that keeps the day active and engaging across both morning and afternoon sessions.

How much time do I actually spend in the raft?

You run two rafting sessions (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) with a riverside meal break between them, so the bulk of the eight-hour day is on the water.

What's included in the meals?

A healthy lunch by the river includes fruits, veggies, cheese and nuts. The BBQ dinner at base camp is a classic spread of hamburgers, hot dogs and Caesar salad, plus a beer or soft drink when you finish paddling.

Do I need my own tent or camping gear?

You bring your own tent if you're staying overnight. The company provides all rafting equipment, life jackets, helmets and paddles, plus meals and a post-paddle drink.