Standup Paddleboard (SUP) Rentals in Ottawa: Enjoy the Capital from a New Perspective

There’s something magical about seeing Canada’s capital from the water. Paddleboarding in Ottawa offers a unique perspective on our beautiful city that you simply can’t get any other way. Everyone should experience the thrill of gliding across the Ottawa River, feeling the sunshine on your face while the city’s natural and urban sights create a stunning backdrop. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced paddler, at Escape Tours & Rentals, our standup paddleboard rentals make it easy to get out on the water for an hour or two of sunshine, fresh air, and adventure right in the heart of the city. This guide provides everything you need to know about paddleboarding in Ottawa!

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Stand-up paddleboarding in Ottawa isn’t just about fun—it’s a full-body workout disguised as fun! When renting equipment from our paddleboard shop, you sign up for a low-impact exercise with impressive health benefits. Balancing on your board engages your core muscles constantly, strengthening your abs back, and improving your posture. The paddling motion works your arms, shoulders, and upper back while the stabilizing stance tones your legs. Unlike other ways of getting exercise, renting a standup paddleboard also gives you the benefits of soaking in vitamin D and Ottawa’s riverfront views. It’s the perfect blend of fitness and fun!

The stretch of the Ottawa River between the NCC Riverhouse and downtown Ottawa offers different paddleboarding experiences depending on when you visit. Understanding these seasonal variations helps ensure you have the best possible adventure on our Ottawa stand-up paddle boards.

Spring (May Long Weekend – June)

• Water Levels: High due to snowmelt and spring runoff
• Temperature: Typically cold
• Safety Considerations: Waters tend to move faster with some stronger currents
• Best For: More experienced paddleboarders looking for a bit more challenge

Summer (July – September)

• Water Levels: Moderate to low, creating generally calmer conditions
• Temperature: Still refreshingly cold but warmer than spring, perfect for comfortable paddling and the occasional refreshing splash
• Safety Considerations: This is the ideal time for recreational paddleboarding, though you should watch for boat traffic and strong currents. Our team will share all this information with you. 
• Best For: Paddlers of all experience levels, including beginners and families

Weather Conditions 

Regardless of season, we highly recommend you review the wind conditions using a reliable forecast such as the free Windy App. Wind speeds can change conditions on large bodies of water like the Ottawa River creating choppy water even on a lovely sunny day. Paddleboarding 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.

Best Time of Day for Paddleboarding

For a calmer paddleboard 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 paddleboarding significantly more challenging and ideal for experienced SUP boarders only.

When you choose us for paddleboard rentals in Ottawa, you get premium equipment designed for comfort, stability, and safety. Our paddle board shop maintains everything in excellent condition so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water.

Every standup paddleboard rental includes:

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

We proudly feature Kahuna Bomber Paddleboards (10’7″ and 10’8″ models). These Canadian-made beauties are manufactured in Whistler, British Columbia, and offer the perfect combination of performance features:

• Lightweight yet durable hard-body construction
• Long, wide design for excellent stability while remaining maneuverable
• Adjustable paddles suitable for paddlers of all heights
• Versatile all-around design that performs well in various conditions, from calm waters to light chop
• Convenient center handle plus front and aft handles for easy transport
• Practical bungee tie-down straps on both front and back for securing your things. 

Taking your belongings with you? You’ll need to keep them dry— We offer waterproof dry bags and cell phone cases for rent. Free lockers are also available at the nearby NCC Riverhouse to store your items while you enjoy your paddleboarding adventure in Ottawa.

Safety is our top priority at Escape Tours and Rentals. Before you head out on your stand-up paddle board in Ottawa, our knowledgeable staff provides a comprehensive safety briefing:

1. We begin by assessing your experience level to tailor our recommendations
2. We demonstrate the proper way to wear and secure your Transport Canada-approved life jacket
3. Once everyone is properly equipped, we will show you:
   • How to position yourself on the paddleboard for optimal balance
   • Proper paddling techniques for efficient movement
   • How to navigate through small waves
   • How to use your safety kit in case you need assistance 
   • The best routes to follow based on your comfort level

Before you set off, we’ll capture a group photo to commemorate the start of your adventure—just one of the many ways we try to make your paddleboarding experience in Ottawa memorable!

Exploring Ottawa by paddleboard doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Our straightforward rental options make it easy to get out on the water:

1. Walk in on weekends or reserve at least one day in advance on weekdays
2. Show a piece of government-issued ID and credit card to pay the deposit
3. Pick up your paddleboard from our location close to the NCC River House on the Ottawa River, and enjoy your ride!
4. Pay the final bill when you return

For your safety, all of our equipment is clean and dried (as best we can during the busy weekends) between each rental. Your rental includes a full one for an hour, and you can enjoy an additional one for a discounted price. These two options give you plenty of time to enjoy paddling around the marina and Riverhouse area, as well as the natural beauty of the riverbanks.

Our standup paddleboard rentals in Ottawa are perfect for solo adventurers, couples looking for a unique date experience, or groups of friends or family wanting to create lasting memories together. Reserve your paddleboard rental today.

We understand that the weather in Ottawa can be unpredictable, and plans sometimes change. Here’s what you need to know about our cancellation policy:

• For all bookings, you’ll receive a full refund (minus a 5% processing fee) if you cancel with at least 24 hours’ notice.
• No refunds are available for cancellations or rescheduling requests within 24 hours of your scheduled paddleboarding time.
• If the weather conditions are not safe, we happily reschedule your booking, or you’ll receive a full refund (minus a 5% processing fee).

Your safety is our primary concern; sometimes, Mother Nature has other plans. Rest assured that our team monitors weather conditions closely and only allows paddleboarding when it’s safe.

Getting to us is easy! Our paddleboard rental location is just 350 meters from the historic NCC Riverhouse, situated right on the shores of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa. This prime location gives you immediate access to some of the best paddleboarding waters in the city, with gorgeous views of the Ottawa-Gatineau region. (You can also rent kayaks and bikes here.)

The Riverhouse area offers ample parking and washroom facilities and is easily accessible by public transportation, bicycle, or foot via the Ottawa River Pathway. P3 tends to be often full. We highly recommend parking at P4, which is closer to our location.

Paddleboarding in Ottawa offers a perfect blend of urban adventure and natural beauty. See Ottawa from a different perspective! Our paddleboard rentals provide an accessible, affordable way to create unforgettable memories on the water.

Our friendly staff, quality equipment, and prime location make us the go-to paddle board shop in the capital region. So what are you waiting for? The Ottawa River is calling, and good times await! Book your rental today and discover why paddleboarding in Ottawa is becoming one of the city’s most enjoyable summer activities. Book a Ottawa standup paddleboard rental today!