Imagine this: You’re cruising down the majestic Ottawa River in a big blue inflatable raft, paddle in hand, the warm sun glinting off the water. You’re surrounded by your family — your partner, your young kids and their teenaged cousins — all geared up in bright yellow helmets and lifejackets, soaking in the late summer sunshine.
The air is fresh. The water is warm. The views are breathtaking.
Then comes the thrill.
Your guide gives the signal, your crew paddles in sync, and suddenly you’re plunging into a rolling rapid — a wave crashes over the front of the raft, and laughter erupts as everyone gets drenched.
It’s the kind of moment your family will talk about for years.
And that’s just the beginning.
During your four-hour voyage, you’ll run a slew of spectacular rapids, have the chance to jump in for a swim and also enjoy mellower moments to marvel at the towering evergreens, idyllic islands and ancient rock formations.
Sounds delightful, eh?
Wilderness Tours has been serving up this type of family adventure for decades.
“It’s truly a great Canadian experience and you don’t have to be a swimmer to enjoy it. The only prerequisite is that you can fit into a lifejacket,” said Matt McGuire, marketing and sales director.
Joe Kowalski founded Wilderness Tours in 1975 and pioneered family whitewater tours on the Ottawa River, now a top-rated North American rafting destination.
Read more about Joe's history and vision of the river here.
The Main Channel is intense with fast-flowing water and epic rapids bearing names like Butcher Knife and The White Faced Monster.
When his children were old enough, Joe wanted them to experience the exhilaration of paddling the Ottawa River, so he set out to find a calm route, with no risk of being tossed out, for them to enjoy.
He found the ideal route along the Middle Channel and took his kids out. Later, he began taking other family members for trips down the same route.
The Middle Channel while tamer, is still thrilling — perfect for families.
Everyone loved it.
Eventually, Joe’s sister encouraged him to add this gentle excursion to Wilderness Tours roster so other families could enjoy the experience and, in the late 90s, he did.
Today, the 10-km Middle Channel trip offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, featuring eight thrilling rapids with calm sections in between plus areas where you can float, swim, and just enjoy the views.
You’ll also be treated to a picnic lunch alongside some spectacular waterfalls. Wilderness Tours’ expert guides makes sure everyone feels comfortable and safe.
“The Ottawa River features pool and drop rapids, so it’s a very safe whitewater experience,” Matt said. “It’s not like The River Wild, where somebody falls out and you see them 10-km down stream.”
Children as young as five (and at least 50 lbs) can join the fun and Wilderness Tours provides complimentary wetsuits for kids under 12 to keep them comfortably warm — because, let’s face it, they’ll want to be in the water as much as possible.
Another unique aspect of the Wilderness Tours experience is the kids get to paddle, so they feel like they are part of the adventure.
Of course, the Middle Channel trip isn’t just for families — it’s popular with adult groups, non-swimmers and those looking for a gentler kind of thrill.
“You will stay in the boat, “ Matt said. “You will only go in the water when we want you to — like when you’re swimming a rapid. It’s a controlled, safe, and super fun ride.”
"Wilderness Tours has been recognized as the first adventure resort in North America."
What really sets Wilderness Tours apart? It’s not just the great rafting excursion, it’s the full resort experience that comes with it.
After your river run, you and your crew will paddle back to the resort, where the fun continues with seemingly endless options.
For land lovers, there’s a mountain bike park, beach volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, bocce ball and lawn games as well as hiking trails, with beautiful views of the river, in nearby Ottawa River Provincial Park.
Those wanting to spend more time on the river have loads of options including an inflatable waterpark, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and river tubing.
Those looking to unwind can enjoy a relaxing sauna before heading to the full-service restaurant and bar, which features nightly live entertainment.
Whether you're planning a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, Wilderness Tours resort has accommodations to suit your crew — from cozy “glamping” tents to a house that sleeps up to 12 people and everything in between.
“We’re kind of the Club Med of the white-water world,” Matt said. “Wilderness Tours has been recognized as the first adventure resort in North America.”
Wilderness Tours Resort is located at 1260 Grants Settlement Road, Foresters Falls, ON.
Great Escapes Magazine is a publication of Resorts of Ontario, a not-for-profit organization that advocates for resorts, lodges and inns of Ontario's tourism industry.
Find out more about becoming a Resort Member.
For partnership opportunities, please email us!
Gifting made easy!
Resorts of Ontario gift certificates open the door to amazing experiences at nearly 100 resorts, boutique hotels, waterfront lodges and cottages across Ontario.