By Ben Martin
Ontario is blessed with thousands of lakes, rivers, streams and creeks – if your heart is captured by water sports, the entire Province is basically a Valhalla. From the Northern reaches to the southern-most points, there are ample opportunities for those who want to boat, kayak, canoe, or just lounge on a beach, soak some rays and relax. There is no shortage of exciting and beautiful communities and facilities, including resorts and lodges, across the Province.
With so many places to explore, it can be quite a task to decide which locale to visit for your next adventure. Fortunately, Outdoor Action Ontario is here to help take some of the guess work out of travelling to these amazing and diverse spots around Ontario.
OAO’s most recent travel destination is a true gem, and should be on any Outdoor lover’s “bucket-list”: the Wilderness Tours Raft and Kayak Resort (http://www.wildernesstours.com/) located in Forrester Falls, (Whitewater Region – http://www.whitewaterregion.ca/index2.php) Ontario.
For those who visit, your first impression will be focused on the majestic Ottawa River. Located west of Ottawa, this particular portion of the Ottawa River is untouched by major development and its shores are lined with lush landscape. Wilderness Tours occupies a large stretch along the shores of the River – an area that is world-renowned for its rapids, but also becoming more known for its prolific fishing.
The Ottawa River, viewed from the Wilderness Tours property in the Whitewater region. Photo credit – Ben Martin, OAO.
As part of a small crew that had a kayak angling excursion here in 2015, the author realized documenting the full Wilderness Tours experience would be a worthy project for the summer of 2016. In terms of angling, An abundance of healthy fish species are to be found in this body of water, meaning that anglers should be prepared for banner days on the water. This is all amidst some of the most breath taking scenery there is. Needless to say, this year’s visit did not disappoint.
The main facility at Wilderness Tours: essentially, the heart of their operation. Photo credit – Ben Martin, Outdoor Action Ontario.
The amenities offered at WT are nothing short of incredible, the staff and management are top-notch, and every detail of your trip can be pre-arranged from beginning to end to ensure non-stop adventure. There are a ridiculous amount of activities available for families and friends to enjoy together.
The Majestic Ottawa River, as seen from the main grounds of Wilderness Tours – Photo credit Ben Martin, Outdoor Action Ontario.
The rafting here is indeed world-class and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Kayaking is also a big part of WT and across the entire Whitewater region (whose residents include former World Champion class kayakers.) This stretch of the River is also home to the Ottawa Kayak School, and many pro staff come through WT each summer to teach young and old how to handle various rapids ranging in skill level from beginner to advanced. Beyond traditional white-water kayaking, WT was able to realize an opportunity by expanding their amenities to include full kayak angling packages.
Wilderness Tours and Jackson Kayak have a long-standing partnership, and you never know when you will meet one of JK’s world- champion Athletes on the River. Photo credit – Ben Martin, Outdoor Action Ontario.
This is the beauty of having an adventure at Wilderness Tours – there is something for everyone. As a family, you can sign the kids up for rafting group trips, the parents can lounge on a beach, or bungee jump, or kayak and fish, there is rock-climbing and trails to bike along, beach volleyball and basketball courts, and so many other options to choose from.
Bungee!!! Photo credit – Ben Martin, Outdoor Action Ontario.
Rock-climbing at the base of the Bungee tower. Photo credit – Ben Martin, OAO
A couple enjoys Stand Up Paddle-boarding (SUP) and Kayaking on the Ottawa River. Photo credit – Ben Martin, Outdoor Action Ontario.
A family biking together – one of many activities to enjoy at Wilderness Tours. Photo credit – Ben Martin, OAO.
Rafters departing for an exciting day on the Ottawa River. Photo credit – Ben Martin, OAO.
There are numerous reasons for Wilderness Tours success over the years beyond some of the best rafting and kayaking possible. For starters, you can cover your lodgings in a variety of ways: WT offers cabins, cottages and camping all on-site. Even for those that choose to camp, there are full washroom facilities with hot water, toilets, showers and everything you would expect from a well-managed camp site. The Author stayed in a cabin, and although modest in its appointments, the sleep was excellent, and the cabin served as a great “home-base” for the weekend’s expedition. The rates for these amenities all offer excellent value for your hard-earned dollars. Perhaps the most important note for some visitors – there is Wi-Fi available.
This no-frills but extremely comfy cabin provided everything the Author needed during his stay, and was very economical in price as well. Photo credit – Ben Martin, Outdoor Action Ontario.
From incredible steak dinners to hearty breakfasts, even wine and cheese pairings, the food service at Wilderness Tours “Rafters” restaurant is enough of a reason to visit on its own. Photo credit – Ben Martin, Outdoor Action Ontario.
They do not miss a single detail at Wilderness Tours – they feed you a good meal, giving you the energy needed to get through your day of activities, and by night you will be able to enjoy a fire on their patio, watching the stars to live music, DJ’s and numerous other forms of entertainment that take place throughout the summer. It is a very lively destination and not to be missed if you are in the Ottawa Valley during the summer. Down the road from WT is the Whitewater Brewery, a fun destination to visit for great beer and more food.
The massive patio at Wilderness Tours main facility (with the restaurant “Rafters”) has so much to offer– including fireplaces, incredible vistas of the Ottawa River, live music and great food & drinks. Did you spot the bungee jumper in the photo below? Photo credit – Ben Martin, Outdoor Action Ontario.
All of these highlights are enough of a reason on their own – but for Kayak Anglers, Wilderness Tours is a destination you have to mark on your list of places to visit. Not only are you able to get out on one of the best stretches of the entire Ottawa River, but due to the sandwiching of numerous fishing spots between sets of rapids, you will be able to fish spots that just do not receive any angling pressure.
An example of a minor set of rapids that you can traverse to reach untouched waters where the fishing is some of the best you can possibly experience. Only experienced kayakers should consider crossing rapids – do not attempt otherwise. Photo credit – Ben Martin, OAO.
The fish are eager to bite, unlike fish that are on heavily pressured lakes that see tournaments every weekend, as well as jet skis and other boat traffic. For the non-experienced ‘Yakker who isn’t experienced with traversing rapids, you can launch in calmer areas and although not quite as spectacular as the afore-mentioned spots, you will still find yourself having a stellar day on the water.
The author using top-water lures to search for lunker Smallmouth Bass along the Ottawa River in between Rapids. Photo Credit – Ben Martin, OAO.
This is the beauty of fishing at Wilderness Tours – there is something to suit the comfort levels of different Kayak anglers. If you aren’t comfortable crossing rapids, you can have just as good a time going along quieter stretches of the river due to the various launch points that are easily accessible.
Anglers seeking success on the River can employ numerous fishing techniques: drop-shotting, jigging, top-water and other applications will all yield tremendous results on the water.
The Author taking a lazy paddle up a quiet stretch of the Ottawa River
. Photo credit – Ben Martin, OAO.
As you can tell, the adventures that OAO enjoyed during our expedition along the Ottawa River while staying at Wilderness Tours were fantastic. The facility offers top-rated amenities and activities, the staff are there to service your every need, and there is a communal and friendly vibe from the staff and visitors alike as everyone enjoyed their time during our recent visit.
You can unwind after a long day on the water with friends and family with great food and drink, music and other entertainment, or you can retire to your lodgings to recuperate for the next day’s adventures.
The weekend at Wilderness Tours Raft and Kayak Resort was truly a memorable weekend. The author couldn’t help but notice the vibrant community that visitors, staff and local residents are all a part of. It was a pleasure to be able to spend some time enjoying all their facility truly has to offer. If you have a chance to visit this summer, Outdoor Action Ontario would recommend spending some time at Wilderness Tours in Ontario, Canada. It’s a staycation in Ontario that you, your family and friends won’t forget.
http://www.wildernesstours.com/
