The Ottawa Valley

Welcome to the The Ottawa Valley

The Ottawa Valley has been referred to as the 'mecca' of whitewater!

Located between the Ontario and Quebec borders to the east of Canada's Capital (Ottawa, Ontario), this gem's major attraction is the Ottawa River Rocher Fendu section. This section of river includes two channels which has quality big water runs and play at almost any level. People come from all over the world to paddle this river. What people don't acknowledge however, is that this river must come from somewhere. There are multiple fun runs, lots of play, and some harder creek runs all within a couple of hours of the Rocher Fendu section which flow right into the Ottawa!

From ice thaw in March all the way into December, there is always whitewater to paddle in this region.

Some Rivers to check out:

Ottawa River, Madawaska River, Petawawa River, Schyan River, Bonnechere River, Opeongo River, Dumoine River, Gatineau River, Barron River, Mattawa River, Coulonge River, Noire River

>> CLICK HERE and email us your news and events!

Regional Rivers

The Ottawa River

This classic river has two main channels, the Middle and the Main. With dams regulating flow, this river is ALWAYS running, always with a lot of water and chalk full of wonderful play features and class II-III rapids with the occasional IV runs if you want them.


The best place to learn
The Ottawa River and surrounding rivers boast some of the best learning grounds on the Globe. Class II/III whitewater, tons of water and amazing schools/clubs in this region help you get quickly into boating!


Canadian Paddling Schools
  • Liquid Skills Kayak School
  • Madawaska Kanu Centre
  • Ottawa Kayak School
  • Ottawa River Runners
  • Ottawa Valley Canoe & Kayak
  • Paddler Co-op
  • TRAILHEAD

    • Canadian Paddling Clubs
  • Coureurs de Bois
  • Ottawa River Runners

    • Canadian Retail Stores
  • Bushtukah
  • TRAILHEAD

    • Regional Paddling News

    Ottawa River Levels

    Unveiling the mystery behind the flows of the Ottawa River
    By: Jen Kellerman


    >> Full article

    Ottawa, Madawaska levels at high, again

    This past couple of weeks has seen amazingly high levels on the Ottawa and Madawaska.


    >> Full article

    Kipawa River Benefit Concert

    by Rob Koloshuk

    One of many efforts to help save the Kipawa River


    >> Full article

    Average Joe paddlers will also experience Buseater during Worlds

    Worlds Organizer Matt McGuire gives the lowdown on training time slots for pros and Buseater surfing times for non-pros


    >> Full article

    National Paddling News

      World Surf Championships, Portugal

      Aug 03 09 - Follow the link on over to great coverage of the worlds.


      Win a Jackson Kayak and get a great education at the same time!

      Jun 22 09 - High School Kayakers You can Apply To win a free Jackson Kayak sponsored by New River Academy.


      Getting to know Trevor Clark

      Jun 12 09 - Over the course of my life as a kayaker there have been a few notable photographers that have provided the imagery for our sport. Jock Bradley and Paul Villecourt are the two that stand out in my mind. Last year at the Reno River Festival I was introduced to Trevor Clark. He was kind enough to shoot one of our World Kayak hometown throwdowns. Needles to say I was impressed with the images he captured. Over the course of last season the quality of the images that Trevor continued to generate did not disappoint. Not only is Trevor an extremely accomplished photographer but he is an extremely good boater as well.


      JR. Team Trials update!

      Jun 02 09 - David Hughes of the New River Academy sends in this report of the weekends events!


      Win a trip and help out AW!

      Jun 02 09 - The folks at Small world Adventures are looking to help out American Whitewater while they guide you down the wonderful rivers of Ecuador


    View all National news