With a never-ending supply of paddling adventures and experiences, Petawawa should be your new paddling destination! We are ideally located on both the Petawawa and the Ottawa Rivers. Whether you are in search of a great place to teach the kids how to complete a J stroke, a quiet place to throw a fishing line in the water, or somewhere to get your adrenaline running as you make your way down class II, III, and IV rapids, we've got the water for you. Get your paddle in your hands and get ready for a “choose your own adventure” experience. If you love paddling you’re going to love Petawawa and its endless opportunities!
If you want to explore the Ottawa River flatwater, canoes, kayaks and SUPs are available for rent in July and August at Petawawa Point Park by the hour or for the day. There are many great places to explore!
Petawawa is home to the Petawawa Canoe and Kayak Club which meets for social evening paddles and informal get-togethers. The Petawawa River Rats are a whitewater kayak club that meets weekly and gives new paddlers the chance to try out kayaking or work on their paddling skills. The club has boats and safety gear you can use if you want to see what the hype is all about!
Meet friendly paddlers and like-minded outdoor enthusiasts during the Upper Ottawa River Race and Paddle Festival. Take part in races, kayak fishing derby, and a heritage paddle, or just come to watch. It is a full weekend of activities for beginner and experienced paddlers alike.
Hell or High Water is a down-river race on the Petawawa River that takes place in the month of May each year. Put your skills and courage to the test as you can race down the river in kayaks, canoes, or rafts. Watch or take part in dragon boat racing as well. Get a team together and get your game face on for one of many chances to compete!
SAFETY FIRST! Always wear a PFD and have your safety kit with you, which should include a bailer, whistle, floating rope (15m), and a waterproof flashlight. Go paddling with a friend or tell someone where you’re going and never go out paddling when under the influence!
Take your boat off your roof racks and get into the great wide-open water. Discover miles of open water on the Ottawa River or find the many paths through the islands and explore the remains of shipwrecks and many picture-perfect moments.
Petawawa Point Beach
N 45.54.583 W 077.15.046
Rantz Road – Black Bay
N 45.52.432 W 077.21.611
Other flat water paddling in and around Petawawa include Algonquin Park lakes and rivers, Bonnechere River, and Muskrat River.
The Petawawa River flows in from Algonquin Provincial Park and then runs through the centre of town. The choice is yours whether you want to run the river or grab your boat for a little park and play! Springtime offers class II to class IV rapids and all put-ins are only a short walk from parking and easy to set up for shuttles.
Rantz Road – Petawawa River
N 45.53.219 W 077.18.558
Wilson Ave. – Petawawa River
N 45.53.943 W 077.17.372
Centennial Park – Petawawa River
Park and Play – Catwalk Rapids
N 45.54.187 W 077.16.696
Tall Pine Road – Petawawa River
Park and Play – Golf Course Rapids & Take-out
N 45.54.404 W 077.15.481
Other whitewater paddling in the Petawawa area includes Madawaska, Dumoine, Upper Petawawa, and Ottawa Rivers.
Use our Recreation Map to locate all of the put-in and take-out options in the area.
Looking for guided paddle opportunities there is a local resource that offers this opportunity in Petawawa and the Greater Petawawa area. Connect with Court Outdoors.