The Ottawa River is a vast, 1,271-km Canadian Heritage River offering diverse paddling from flatwater lake-like sections near Temiskaming through to exciting whitewater near Ottawa. The upper section (Mattawa to Driftwood) is relatively uncrowded with gentle current, sandy beaches every 10 km, and historical significance including Oiseau Rock with Indigenous pictographs. This is an advanced trip requiring comfort with big water and multiple dam portages; scenic but logistically challenging with limited documented campsites. Best paddled May-September with flexible trip lengths of 5+ days.
Ottawa River Canoe Route is estimated at Advanced. Whitewater ratings are not exact: grades change with water level and season. Verify current conditions locally before you paddle.
The best time is May-September.
Ottawa River Canoe Route is located in the Eastern Ontario region of Canada.
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Conditions change with water level and season. Grades and positions are for planning, not navigation. Verify locally before you paddle. Terms of use
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