Water-Based Activities

Water-Based Activities

Boat Launches & Marinas

The Town of Petawawa operates two municipal boat launches located on each of the Petawawa and Ottawa rivers. 

  • The Petawawa River boat launch is located at Black Bay on Rantz Rd.
  • The Ottawa River launch is located at Petawawa Point Park.

 

Both launches are available for use at no fee. The docks are put in seasonally as water levels permit. The launch facilities accommodate small motorized craft as well as canoes and kayaks. Users must adhere to the restrictions on parking boat trailers and rigs. Failure to do so may result in fines being levied and/or vehicles being towed. There are no overnight services available at these launch points.  Please respect all users of this facility and service.

Jubilee Lodge and Marina

Garrison Petawawa (N 45.55.236 – W 007.16.236) is the only marina located right in Petawawa and is open to the public. They offer the following services:

  • 172 regular slips and open for visitors – seasonal slip rentals
  • 17 houseboats, 14 wet moorings, 17 regular slips
  • fuel and pump out station boat launch
  • eagle marine mechanic at marina
  • Canoe and Kayak Rentals CAC discounts
Nearby Marinas 

Petawawa Point

Petawawa Point Beach

Ottawa River Waterway

Formerly known as the Temiskawa waterway, the Ottawa River waterway has something for everyone. Whatever your travel plans – perhaps just a day of boating, or cruising for a week or two – the Ottawa’s scenic waters are exactly what you’ve been looking for in a uniquely different boating adventure. Anywhere along the way you can nose into shore, pitch a tent and build a fire or dock at a marina and head to a hotel or even spend your nights at anchor.

Join us for a tour of the waterway as it winds its way from Notre-Dame-Du-Nord, at the head of Lake Temiskaming and then down the Ottawa River for almost 500 kilometres, to Arnprior, just outside of Ottawa.

For further information, contact:

Ottawa River Waterway
602, Route 301
Campbell’s Bay, Québec J0X 1K0

Rafting

The Ottawa River in the vicinity of Whitewater Region is home to some of the best whitewater rapids in North America. If you wish to experience a gentle raft trip or the thrill of challenging the rapids some of these local area enterprises can accommodate you. Each offers slightly different amenities and services a review of what you need will help you best decide which company to raft with.

Just across the river, located in Pontiac Quebec, this company offers rafting services in small craft for high adventure experiences. They operate on a number of waterways and international locations. Camping sites are available at their base camp.

Cabins or camping services, lodge for full meal buffet services, retail shop, pontoon boat cruises and rafting services from adventure to family are but a few of the services offered by this company.

Resort accommodations, camping sites, full service restaurant, amenities such as volleyball, basketball, horseback riding, cycling trails, bunging tower and of course a full range of water experiences from adventure to classic rafting.

Fishing

Fishing

Petawawa has two great rivers, the Petawawa and Ottawa Rivers, which hold numerous species of game fish.

Species include walleye (known by locals as pickerel), sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, channel catfish, brown bullhead, long nose gar, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, common carp, red horse sucker, common ling, mooneye, lake sturgeon, and fresh water drum.

Kayak Fishing continues to grow in popularity as we see more and more kayaks out on the lakes and rivers. It allows access to spots you could never reach by boat or getting back in touch with nature in an active way.

f you want to give Kayak Fishing a try, rent a kayak from Petawawa Point Beach. If you are ready to take the next step….make sure to check out the Upper Ottawa Kayak Fishing Derby as a part of the Upper Ottawa River Race and Paddle Festival.

Launch your canoe or kayak from one of many locations in Petawawa, ensuring you don’t go home with the story of the one that got away!

Lemke Lake – Canoe & Kayak only
N 45.50.057     W 077.14.930

Jubilee Lodge & Marina – Boat, Canoe & Kayak
N 45.55.236    W 077.16.236

Petawawa Point – Boat & Canoe or Kayak
N 45.54.583    W 077.15.046

Radtke Rd 
N 45.52.082     W 077.12.147

Petawawa River – Centennial Park
N 45.54.187     W 077.16.696

Petawawa/Ottawa River – Islandview Drive
N 45.54.580     W 077.15.041

Petawawa River – Tall Pines Rd
N 45.54.404    W 077.15.481

Cast a line at Lemke Lake, right off Doran Road and Highway 17. This family-friendly spot is stocked each year with speckled trout by the Ministry of Natural Resources and offers easy access with plenty of parking.

Venture into Algonquin Park, home to over 1,500 lakes and 1,200 km of streams. With 54 fish species, it’s world-renowned for

Brook and Lake Trout, while walleye, musky, pike, and bass promise exciting challenges for anglers of all levels.

Across Petawawa, municipal and provincial lands provide excellent riverbank fishing opportunities. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, carry a valid fishing license, and check Ontario’s fishing regulations for seasons and limits.

Ice fishing opportunities can be found on several parts of the Ottawa River as well as many other lakes and rivers in the area. Check out the Ministry of Natural Resources website for more info.

Verify ice conditions and thickness before proceeding onto any lakes or rivers that may appear to be frozen.

 

Flat Water Paddling Put-ins & Take-Outs

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

Paddling

Other flat water paddling in and around Petawawa include Algonquin Park lakes and rivers, Bonnechere River, and Muskrat River.

Whitewater Paddling Put-Ins & Take-Outs

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.

Canoe - Kayak - Standup Paddleboard

Standup Paddle Board

Discover endless paddling adventures on the Petawawa and Ottawa Rivers! From teaching the kids their first J-stroke, casting a quiet fishing line, or tackling thrilling class II–IV rapids, Petawawa is your ultimate paddling destination. Canoes, kayaks, and SUPs are available to rent at Petawawa Point Park in July and August—perfect for exploring the Ottawa River’s flatwater.

Paddle Smart
Always wear a PFD, carry your safety kit, and never paddle alone or under the influence.