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Visit Boreal River Rescue

Ottawa River Experiential Education Trip

1h30min from Ottawa—3 to 5 days

On the Ottawa River Experiential Education Rafting Trip, students will bond as a team and grow as individuals.

Participants will:

  • gain river safety knowledge and whitewater paddling skills
  • learn wilderness expedition skills
  • explore the history, ecology, and culture of the Ottawa River Valley

This world-renowned stretch of river not only hosts exceptional rapids, but

One of Canada’s great waterways, the Ottawa has world-class, fun whitewater — perfect for learning. Within a relatively short drive of Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal, your group will be immersed in incredible nature.

River rafting program for youth groups and students

This 3 to 5-day wilderness voyage by raft for groups of 12 – 25 people. Along with fun and adventure, the program includes instruction in wilderness skills, whitewater safety, and paddling.

On day-1, after instructions and packing up, we load everything into the boats and float downstream to our campsite. The group paddles in professionally guided rafts and the equipment gets rowed by a guide in a ‘gear raft’. You’ll experience the magic of a river journey, camping by the riverside.

Activities & options

  • Whitewater rafting
  • Wilderness camping
  • Survival and nature skills
  • Inflatable kayaking & stand-up paddle boarding
  • Whitewater rescue and safety skills

Meeting location

L’îl-du-Grand-Calumet, Québec

  • 1h30min from Ottawa
  • 3h30min north west of Montreal
  • 4h30min north east of the Greater Toronto Area

Pricing

Your pricing depends on your group size, trip length (3, 4, or 5 days), and what you’d like included.

Please contact us to discuss your needs and we’ll provide a written quote and detailed proposal.

Why a trip on the Ottawa River?

Your students will connect with the river, forest, and region by getting to know its:

History and culture: This section was an early transportation route for First Nations, then an important fur trade passage, and a log drive river until the 80s! The river flows through the heart of Kitigan Zibi, an Algonquin community.

Ecology: The eco-system here is a bridge between the boreal zone of northern Québec and the mixed forests that surround Ottawa.

These certification and skill workshops can be included within the program:

  • Whitewater Safety (WWS) — Level I or Whitewater Rescue (WWR) Levels I & II
  • Wilderness Travel Skills — Level I
  • All river gear including whitewater rafts and paddles
  • All camping gear including kitchen, tarps, group shelters, and 3-season expedition tents
  • Equiopment for each participant: helmet, PFD, wetsuit, splash jacket, large dry bag to store camping gear, small dry bag for easy access during the day
  • All group safety equipment including first aid kits and satellite phone (for emergency use)

Great food is a highlight of Boreal River programs. Meals are prepared with high-quality ingredients. Food is always plentiful, wholesome, and delicious! We can accommodate individual diets and allergies, just let us know. Your students take part in food preparation to gain experience with cooking and eating well in the wilderness.

  • Transportation between your location and the meeting location
  • Personal clothing and camping equipment (full list provided with Trip Information Package): sleeping bag, camping mattress, headlamp, water bottle, clothing and footwear, etc.

Learn more about Experiential Learning Expeditions with Boreal River

Cancellation, Insurance & Payment Policy | 2025 Boreal River Expeditions