If you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, look no further than Wilderness Tours, Canada’s legendary whitewater destination located just a short drive away. As North America’s original adventure resort, they specialize in world-class rafting trips on the Ottawa River, ranging from high-intensity "Big Water" rapids for thrill-seekers to gentle, scenic floats perfect for families. Beyond the river, your day pass grants you access to a massive 650-acre resort featuring a private beach, inflatable waterpark, mountain bike trails, and live entertainment. Whether you're booking a High Adventure rafting trip or just spending a lazy afternoon tubing down the river, it is the definitive outdoor experience in the Ottawa Valley.

Be sure to book your adventure in advance.

Wilderness Tours Contact Information

• Address: 1260 Grants Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, ON K0J 1V0
• Toll-Free Phone: 1-888-723-8669 (RAFT.NOW)
• Local Phone: 1-613-703-6110
• Email: raft@wildernesstours.com

The Bonnechere Caves are a natural underground limestone cave system located in Eganville, Ontario. Known as "Ontario's Natural Underground Wonder," the caves feature 500-million-year-old fossils from a prehistoric tropical sea and are a popular destination for guided geological tours. 

• Fourth Chute Falls: Located adjacent to the caves, these scenic waterfalls on the Bonnechere River are a major highlight.
• On-site Facilities: Includes a gift shop, snack bar, and picnic area with tables.
• Special Events: The site occasionally hosts unique events such as "Underground Dining" and fossil hunts; check the official Bonnechere Caves website for 2026 event schedules.

Westmeath Provincial Park is a non-operating "Natural Environment" park located on the Ottawa River near Pembroke, Ontario. It is primarily a day-use destination with no visitor facilities, staff, or overnight camping. Access is restricted to walking or cycling from a gated entrance at the end of a gravel road. Key Features & Activities

• Secluded Sand Beach: The park features nearly 2 kilometres of undeveloped sandy beach along the Ottawa River, known for its shallow, clear waters.

• Natural Dunes & Wetlands: It protects a significant active sand dune system and the Bellows Bay wetland complex, which provides habitat for nesting waterfowl and the threatened spiny soft-shell turtle.

• Hiking & Wildlife: The main Bush Road Loop is an approximately 7.6 km flat trail that leads from the entrance through woodlands and marshes to the beach.

Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch is a prominent award-winning agri-tourism destination and the largest high-bush blueberry operation in Eastern Ontario. Core Offerings

• Pick-Your-Own Blueberries: The farm features 17 acres of high-bush blueberries. The U-Pick season typically runs from mid-July to early September.

• Country Market & Bake Shop: A 3,400 sq. ft. store offering homemade fudge, blueberry baked goods (pies, butter tarts), gift baskets, and unique home décor.

• Family Play Park: Includes activities such as a 6-acre corn maze, pirate ship maze, tunnel slides, pedal carts, and a farm animal area with llamas and goats.

• Seasonal Attractions: The farm transitions to Pumpkin Season in September and Christmas Tree Season in late November/December.

If you're looking for a mix of history and adrenaline, head over to Parc des Chutes Coulonge, located just outside Fort-Coulonge. You can explore the scenic hiking trails and learn about the area's logging heritage, or get your heart racing on their giant canyon ziplines and Via Ferrata climbing routes. With a splash pad for the kids and stunning views of the 100-foot-deep canyon, it’s the perfect day trip for everyone in the group.

The drive from from Westmeath to Parc des Chutes Coulonge is approximately 72 km and takes about 1 hour.

Visit their website for more detailed information: https://chutescoulonge.ca/

Pembroke is a city of approximately 14,000 people located in the Ottawa Valley along the Ottawa River, acting as the commercial hub for the region. Known as "Hockey Town Canada," it features a scenic waterfront, a historic downtown, numerous murals, and easy access to outdoor recreation. The city is located about 150 km northwest of Ottawa. https://www.pembroke.ca/recreation-and-culture/visit-pembroke/things-to-do/ .

Pembroke is known as the "Heart of the Ottawa Valley", it’s the perfect spot and a short drive from the cottage for guests to restock on supplies or enjoy a day away from the water.

• The "Big Box" Hub: For a one-stop shop, the Pembroke Walmart Supercentre and Canadian Tire are clustered together on the east end, making it easy to grab groceries, fishing gear, or camping supplies.
• Emergency Services: It’s good for guests to know the Pembroke Regional Hospital is the primary 24/7 emergency facility in the area.
• The Pembroke Mall: A convenient spot for pharmacy needs at Shoppers Drug Mart or a quick bit of retail therapy if it’s a rainy day at the cottage.

Fresh Berry Picking

• Variety of Berries: Guests can pick their own blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries depending on the season.
• The Experience: The farm is known for being well-decorated and charming, providing a genuine "slow down" farm atmosphere.
• Pricing & Payment: Recently, Pick-Your-Own Blueberries were priced at $5.00 per litre, while pre-picked baskets were available for $10.00. They typically accept cash or e-transfer.
• Honesty Policy: The owners often operate on a "trust system"—if they aren't around, guests are sometimes invited to pick and pay via e-transfer later.

Seasonal Highlights

• Summer (July–August): This is the peak time for berry picking. Blueberries and raspberries are the main draw during these months.
• Fall (October): The farm transforms for "Pumpkinfest," where guests can pick pumpkins and shop for fall treats like butter tarts and gourds.

If you’re looking to add a little adrenaline to the cottage weekend, OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River is a local classic. It's a third-generation family-run resort located about 90 minutes west of Ottawa that specializes in whitewater adventures. Here is what they can expect from a day on the river:

• Customized Intensity: They offer three levels based on how much "splash" you want. Low Intensity is a gentle "soft adventure" for families with kids (min. 50lbs); Medium Intensity is the standard active paddle; and High Intensity is for thrill-seekers comfortable with the high probability of swimming in the rapids.
• The "Big Boat" Finish: A unique part of the OWL experience is that you don't just paddle back to the resort. After the last rapid, you transfer to a large signature pontoon boat for a grilled BBQ buffet cruise back to the base.
• Resort Perks: Your rafting pass usually includes access to their waterfront resort facilities. Between or after trips, guests can use the sandy beach, swimming docks, beach volleyball courts, disc golf course, and even a life-sized maze.