Ottawa Kayaking Adventures: Everything You Need to Know

There’s no need to travel far for an afternoon of excitement—Ottawa’s most refreshing attraction is at the shores of the Ottawa River near the historic NCC River House, the launching point for countless adventures. When you paddle with Escape Tours and Rentals, you’ll encounter urban excitement with natural beauty and historic landmarks. 

Beginners feel confident on the gentle waters, while experienced paddlers appreciate the variety of sights. The scenic views, refreshing air, and joyful kayaking experience create the perfect escape from everyday life.

Your day of nature and sightseeing on the water allows you to see the NCC Riverhouse, Marina, Rideau Falls and Green Island, Rockliffe Park, the Prime Minister’s Estate, several charming beaches along the way, the merging point of the Gatineau and Ottawa Rivers (visible from a distance), and if you go further the National Art Gallery, Canal Locks, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Parliament Hill, Museum of History.

Speaking of beaches, you’ll find plenty of perfect spots for impromptu picnics during your Ottawa River Kayaking adventure! Roughly 30-45 minutes paddle from our location close to the NCC Riverhouse is Kettle Island—a 3.7-kilometer natural island between Ottawa and Gatineau. This tranquil location, owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and designated as a Quebec nature reserve since 2013, offers lovely forested areas for picnicking. Surprisingly, few Ottawa residents have explored this island despite its prime location.

Spring (May long weekend opening – June)

• Water Levels: High due to snowmelt and spring runoff
• Temperature: Typically cold
• Safety: Waters tend to move faster with some stronger currents

Summer (July – September)

• Water Levels: Moderate to low, depending on dam releases, creating generally calmer conditions
• Temperature: Still refreshing but warmer than spring, making for comfortable paddling and splashing
• Safety: Best time for recreational Ottawa River Kayaking; just keep an eye out for boat traffic and occasional strong currents near the rapids

The Best Time of Day to Kayak

For a calmer kayaking experience on the Ottawa River, join us for a morning or early afternoon paddle. By mid-afternoon (approx 2 pm-5 pm), there are larger boats and jetskis on the river that create big waves, making a kayak journey more challenging. 

Weather Conditions 

We recommend reviewing the wind conditions such as using the Windy App. Wind speeds can can create choppy conditions on the Ottawa River even on a sunny day. Kayaking is not recommended when the wind is 19km/hour (12mph or 10 knots) or higher. You will enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience below this wind speed.

Lifejackets and Safety Gear

Every Ottawa kayak rental includes:

• High-quality paddle
• Transport Canada-approved life jacket (PFD)
• Safety kit
• Detailed orientation

Kayaks – Single

Our fleet has high-quality boat rentals to make your day on the water perfect. 

1. Sunrise Kayaks Wahoo Sit-on-Top
2. Sunrise Kayaks Amizan 10
3. Several « Clear Water Design » kayaks

Features: Adjustable footstops, comfortable padded seat, and one storage compartment

Kayaks – Double

Looking for a kayak rental for two people? No problem. We carry a Perception Rambler 13.5 Tandem Sit-on-Top Kayak – ideal for a comfortable ride for friends, couples and family members. 

Features: Spacious, broad cockpit, adjustable footstops, two comfortable padded seats, and one storage compartment

When riding your kayak, you can wear your shoes or store them in the on-board storage compartment. Alternatively, free lockers are available at the nearby NCC Riverhouse to store your items while you enjoy your Ottawa Kayak adventure.

Customers love our waterproof dry bags and cell phone case rentals if you wish to take your valuables on board.

Kayaking the stretch of the Ottawa River between the NCC Riverhouse and downtown Ottawa provides countless Instagram-worthy moments! For the most spectacular shots, position yourself in front of the cascading Rideau Falls, where the rushing water creates a dramatic backdrop. The Parliament Building, an hour away, offers another breathtaking photo opportunity that captures the essence of this historical city. The striking architecture of the Museum of History aso provides a unique perspective that can only be captured from the water. These vantage points showcase the blend of natural beauty and historical significance that makes Ottawa River Kayaking so unique.

Ottawa Kayaking with Escape Tours & Rentals is a very safe activity. Before your journey, each kayak is thoroughly inspected for damage and equipped with a safety equipment bag. Everyone leaves shore with supplied life jackets and floating paddles, ensuring peace of mind throughout your adventure.

With every rental, whether you’re new to kayaking or a seasoned professional, we start by learning your experience level before making recommendations. Our team will guide you through:

• The proper way to wear your life jacket/PFD
• How to sit correctly in the kayak
• The most effective paddle strokes for best results
• How to use the safety kit in case you need it. 
• How to maneuver through the larger waves. For instance, we advise not to approach them sideways but to face them head-on—it’ll feel like a little rollercoaster without the risk of tipping.

In case of any issues, lifeguards are typically nearby to assist, but the whistle will alert everyone in the vicinity to help you, as required by marine law. After the safety briefing, we take a group picture and suggest the best route based on your preferences before helping you enter your kayak from our dock.

Ottawa Kayaking has never been easier! As a former park ranger (Hi! I’m Grant- the manager),  I’ve guided countless adventures and streamlined the rental process quickly to get you on your way. You can reserve online or walk into our rental shop where our friendly staff is always happy to assist you.

On the day of your booking, just bring:

• A valid ID
• A valid, functioning credit card is required
• Proper clothes and footwear that you don’t mind getting wet

We offer:

• Single Kayak Rentals: One-hour base rental with options for discounted additional hours
• Double Tandem Rentals: One-hour base rental with discounted additional hours

Ottawa River Kayaking is one of the most affordable and exciting ways to experience the outdoors in the capital, and you only pay after you’ve had fun!

For an unforgettable experience, join us for the only sunset kayak tour on the Ottawa River! Our 2.5-3-hour Ottawa Kayak Tours explore the beautiful river and some of Ottawa’s most picturesque, Instagram-worthy spots in the calm atmosphere of the evening. Designed for small groups of 4-8 participants, these tours include all necessary equipment and are perfect for beginners, intermediate, or skilled kayakers.

We provide instructions before departing so you feel comfortable with this fully guided adventure. Starting at our location close to the NCC River House, we’ll tour around the Ottawa River, pass the magnificent Rideau Falls, and paddle towards secluded beaches and other scenic spots along the way. This option is ideal for families, friends, meetup groups, and small corporate teams looking to experience Ottawa Kayaking together. Tours depart around 6:00 pm or an hour before the sunset and continue until sunset, with exact times varying by month.

We understand that Ottawa weather can be unpredictable, and plans sometimes change. For your Ottawa River Kayaking adventure, here’s our flexible cancellation policy:

• Full refund (minus a 5% processing fee) for cancellations made at least 24 hours before your scheduled time
• No refunds available for cancellations or rescheduling requests within 24 hours of your scheduled time
• I If the weather condition is unsafe or unfavourable we contact you in advance to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, you will receive a full refund (minus a 5% processing fee).

Your safety is our top priority, and we continuously monitor weather conditions to ensure your Ottawa Kayaking experience is enjoyable. We’ll only allow paddling when conditions permit safe exploration of the river.

Finding your starting point for Ottawa River Kayaking couldn’t be easier! Our rental location is conveniently situated just 350 meters from the historic NCC Riverhouse, right on the shores of the Ottawa River near major Ottawa attractions. This prime location gives you immediate access to gorgeous views of the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The Riverhouse area provides ample parking and washroom facilities, and is easily accessible by public transportation, bicycle, or on foot via the Ottawa River Pathway. Parking level 3 (P3) tends to be often full. We highly recommend parking at P4, which is closer to our location.

There’s something truly magical about experiencing our nation’s capital from the water. Ottawa River Kayaking offers a unique perspective that combines adventure, history, and natural beauty in one experience. Whether you’re a local looking for a new way to appreciate your city or a visitor wanting to create lasting memories, Kayaking Ottawa provides the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.

At Escape Tours & Rentals, we’re passionate about sharing the joy of Ottawa Kayaking with everyone who visits our shores. Our professional team, quality equipment, and stunning location make us the premier choice for your paddling adventure. So what are you waiting for? The Ottawa River is calling, and your kayak is ready! Book your rental or sunset tour today and discover why Ottawa River Kayaking is the capital’s favorite outdoor activity.

Ready to paddle? Book your Ottawa Kayaking adventure today!