Last Updated: February 2, 2026
Ottawa Paddle Fest (often listed as Ottawa River Paddlefest) is a weekend celebration of paddling on the Ottawa River hosted at OWL Rafting in Foresters Falls, with on-water clinics, community gatherings, and a gear-and-vendor atmosphere that welcomes everyone from curious beginners to seasoned whitewater paddlers.
If you have been looking for a paddling festival that feels local, hands-on, and river-focused, this is the one. It is not just a set of scheduled clinics; it is a full weekend built around time on the water, relaxed camp energy, and the shared love of the Ottawa River.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa Paddle Fest is a community-first paddling weekend hosted at OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River. Expect clinics, demos, and social events. Dates and schedules are released annually.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Location | OWL Rafting, Foresters Falls (Ottawa River) |
| Typical Timing | Late June weekend (check the official schedule) |
| Cost | Often by donation (varies by year) |
| On-Water Focus | Clinics, shuttles, rolling sessions, and river time |
What Is Ottawa Paddle Fest?
Ottawa Paddle Fest is a paddling-centered weekend that blends instruction, community meetups, and casual river time on the Ottawa River. It is best known for its rolling clinics, shuttles to popular river sections, and a festive evening program that brings paddlers together after a day on the water.
Recent editions of the event have included instructional clinics, a recreational boat rally, and a vendor marketplace. There is also an evening film screening and live music, which gives the weekend a festival feel rather than a single-day clinic. Check the official listing for the current year schedule.
Paddling on the Ottawa River, a core part of the Paddlefest weekend.
Where It Happens (And Why It Matters)
The event is hosted at OWL Rafting in Foresters Falls in the Ottawa Valley (Renfrew County), right on the Ottawa River. This basecamp-style location matters because it gives paddlers immediate access to river sections, instructors, and the kind of community energy you only get when everyone is in the same place for a full weekend.
If you are coming from Ottawa, plan on driving. This is not a downtown event, and that is the point: you are there for the river, the community, and a full-day paddling mindset rather than a quick city stop.
What the Weekend Usually Looks Like
Schedules change each year, but the structure has been consistent in recent editions:
- Daytime clinics and instruction blocks
- Shuttles to and from river sections
- Rolling clinics at the OWL beach
- A casual vendor marketplace in the late afternoon or evening
- One or more evening social events (film screening, live music, story panel)
If you want specific times for this year, check the official event schedule. If you want the general flow, plan for full-day paddling and evening community events.
Who Should Go (And Who It Is Best For)
New paddlers: If you have ever wanted to try the Ottawa River in a supportive environment, this is one of the easiest on-ramps. Clinics are designed for skill-building without pressure.
Intermediate paddlers: The Ottawa River is a classic training ground for river skills, and the clinics make it easy to work on technique, rolling, and confidence in moving water.
Advanced paddlers: This is less about elite competition and more about community, but advanced paddlers still attend for the river time, social atmosphere, and reconnecting with the Ottawa paddling scene.
Families and spectators: The resort-style base means non-paddlers can still enjoy the setting, and the evening programs create a fun, low-pressure environment.
What to Bring
Pack as if you are spending the day on the river and the evening outdoors:
- PFD and helmet if you are paddling
- Dry bag with extra layers
- Sun protection and water
- Sandals or river shoes
- A change of clothes for post-paddle social time
If you do not own gear, check whether the current-year schedule includes demos or rental options.
Pair It With a Longer Ottawa Trip
Many paddlers turn Paddle Fest into a longer Ottawa-region visit. If you are building a full itinerary, these guides are good companions:
- Rideau Canal guide
- Gatineau Park guide
- ByWard Market guide
- Westboro Beach guide
- Ottawa events calendar
- Best hiking trails in Ottawa
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ottawa Paddle Fest good for beginners?
Yes. The event is designed to be welcoming and includes clinics and community support that make it approachable even if you are new to river paddling.
Q: Do I need my own kayak?
Not always. Some years include demo boats or rental options. Check the official schedule and partner listings before you go.
Q: Is the event only for kayakers?
No. It is a paddling festival, so you will see kayaks, canoes, and SUP paddlers depending on the year.
Q: Is Ottawa Paddle Fest the same as Ottawa River Paddlefest?
Yes. You will often see it listed as Ottawa River Paddlefest, especially on paddling organization calendars, but it refers to the same Ottawa River weekend event hosted at OWL Rafting.
Q: Where is Ottawa Paddle Fest held?
The event is hosted at OWL Rafting in Foresters Falls on the Ottawa River.
Q: How much does it cost?
Many recent editions have been by donation, but the cost can vary year to year. Always check the official listing for current details.
Final Take
Ottawa Paddle Fest is the Ottawa River paddling weekend that feels like it was built by paddlers for paddlers. It blends clinics, community, and easy access to the river in a way that is hard to replicate elsewhere. If you want to spend a full weekend on the water and meet the people who make Ottawa paddling what it is, this is the event to watch each year.
Sources: Ottawa River Paddlefest (Paddle Canada), Ottawa River Paddlefest (OWL Rafting), OWL Rafting (Ottawa Tourism)
