By: Charles Wygal

Time of Year : Late July
Level : -1.5 Feet

For paddlers making their first trip from the United States to the Ottawa River, the logistics are much simpler than most people expect. Before you leave, make sure your essential paddle gear is ready—including a properly fitted kayak spray skirt, reliable throw bag, PFD, helmet, and other whitewater safety equipment. Having dependable gear allows you to spend more time enjoying the river and less time worrying about your setup. As long as you cross the border without restricted items like alcohol, cannabis, or fresh food, the process is typically quick and straightforward.

I crossed the Ogdensburg Bridge in late July. Cell service became limited after crossing into Canada, so I followed my planned route until I reached larger towns where I could check for river updates. Once you arrive, you’ll quickly discover why the Ottawa is one of North America’s premier whitewater kayaking destinations. The paddling community is incredibly welcoming, and many locals will tell you the day doesn’t officially begin without a stop at Tim Hortons before heading to the river.

My first session was at Pushbutton Wave in my Dagger Jitsu, and it delivered everything I hoped for—an excellent warm-up, endless smiles, and some fantastic playboating. To reach the wave, look for the narrow pull-off just west of Whitewater Brewery. It’s easy to miss if you’re driving too fast.

Pushbutton is a gathering place for paddlers of every experience level. Beginners find friendly groups eager to help build confidence, while experienced kayakers generously share tips on loops, blunts, spins, and other freestyle techniques. Whether you’re dialing in your boat control, testing a new kayak spray skirt, or carrying a throw bag as part of your whitewater safety kit, the Ottawa’s inclusive atmosphere makes it an ideal destination. Compared to many other paddling hotspots, the community is refreshingly supportive, encouraging, and focused on helping everyone improve their skills on the water.

After spending the morning surfing Pushbutton Wave, it was time to head into Beachburg for the local festival, parade, and—of course—a plate of authentic poutine. There may not be a better way to refuel after a morning of whitewater kayaking. Before getting back on the river, our crew did a quick gear check, making sure our kayak spray skirts, helmets, PFDs, and throw bags were secure and ready for the next adventure.

The afternoon run was in my Dagger Supernova, and the shuttle couldn’t have been easier. We parked at the clearly marked takeout maintained by Wilderness Tours, then drove to the put-in at OWL Rafting, which is also well marked and simple to find. With boats unloaded and paddle gear dialed in, we launched onto one of North America’s most iconic whitewater rivers.

Much of the Ottawa feels almost lake-like between rapids, offering incredible scenery and plenty of opportunities to appreciate the surrounding wilderness. Paddlers, rafters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts all share the water, creating an energetic yet relaxed atmosphere. Then the river changes character, and the whitewater comes alive.

McCoy’s Rapids provide an unforgettable start to the run. Miss your line, and you’ll likely entertain the spectators gathered along shore as you battle through two enormous holes. Nail the move, however, and you’ll be rewarded with Babyface, a smooth, glassy wave that is perfect for surfing, carving, blunts, spins, and freestyle progression. It’s the ideal place to appreciate the confidence that comes from a secure-fitting spray skirt designed to stay locked in while you’re pushing your limits.

From there, we continued to the legendary Garburator. The fast-moving entry, powerful current, and natural amphitheater make it one of the most exciting features on the river, with plenty of spectators lining the eddies to watch paddlers take on the wave. After another quick session back at Pushbutton, we explored the lower section of the river. As first-time visitors, we shifted from dedicated playboating to more river running, enjoying fun squirt lines, splat moves, and everything the Ottawa had to offer.

One of the most remarkable parts of the trip was realizing just how massive the river becomes during spring runoff. Even at summer water levels, the high-water marks are impossible to miss. By the time we reached Coliseum, the elevated viewing platform overlooking Gladiator Wave made it easy to imagine the incredible power of peak flows. After a few more squirt seams, splats, and playful eddies, we reached the takeout with huge smiles and an even greater appreciation for this legendary stretch of whitewater.

Whether you’re chasing freestyle features or simply enjoying a day on the river, having dependable paddle gear, a reliable throw bag, and a high-performance kayak spray skirt helps you paddle with confidence and focus on what matters most—the next great rapid.

Camping at Wilderness Tours riverside campsites you’re awarded with carrying your boat right to your
campsite, if you’re just using day access then you’ll need to walk up the road to your shuttle vehicle.
After drying off and changing clothes it was time to hit the Whitewater Brewery for some swag and
beers before completing the shuttle (the brewery is halfway along the shuttle drive, a great location if
you’re running a shuttle, but a poor location for those stuck in wet clothes at the takeout). Shuttle here is
quick, hard to mess up, and about as good as it gets. Finishing the day off I checked out Wilderness
Tours facilities. With huge event space, yard games, tasty food, an outdoor decked bar, and live music,

this place is rocking. With riverside camping being my option, check-in at Wilderness Tours for the site
was easy to manage. After getting back to the site I used my Salamander throw rope to put

Finishing up the trip I woke up from the site and made my way back to Pushbutton for a morning session
before heading back to Rochester NY. All smooth driving, crossing into the States was painless other
than a short line of cars that didn’t get through the border fast. All smooth sailing and beautiful sunny
skies, a sight I love but with his dry it’s been, led me once again to pray for rain here in the NE. After
reaching the end of the drive looking back on the morning, it was a glorious decision and worth delaying
an early return for the afternoon. Can’t wait to get back on some local whitewater but for now, it’s travel
to the water.

The Ottawa Valley is high on my list of places to return, and I highly recommend any kayaker, especially
those who love surfing and playboating, to make their way up! As always, any time you’re on the river
utilize your safe judgment. Bring a throw bag, Salamander makes plenty of great options, keep a
whistle on you, assess features before you drop into them, and scout features if you don’t feel confident
with beta. With that said though, go out, have fun, spread the joy, and shred it up!