Water, Earth, Air: Incredible outdoor summer activities in Ottawa

Stand up paddle board (SUP)

Embark on an unforgettable experience perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Stand up paddle boarding in the Ottawa area is an incredible way to experience the beauty of Canada’s capital region while enjoying a fun physical activity. With the Ottawa River flowing through the heart of the city and many scenic lakes and smaller rivers nearby, there are plenty of areas to choose from. 

Where to rent: Urban Ocean SUP near the Westboro Village, Ottawa SUP at various locations along the Rideau River and Ottawa River, Dow’s Lake Marina at the Dow’s Lake pavilion.

Canoeing

With an extensive network of rivers, including the Ottawa River, canoeing is a great way to explore Ottawa’s natural wonders. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers, Ottawa provides a range of routes and options to suit all skill levels. Discover hidden coves, venture into secluded backwaters and witness stunning wildlife along the way. Canoeing in Ottawa not only offers a peaceful escape from bustling city life but also an opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories.

Where to rent: Dow’s Lake Marina at the Dow’s Lake pavilion, Ottawa Valley Canoe & Kayak located in the Ottawa Valley.

White water rafting

If you’re a thrill seeker looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, then you need to try white water rafting! The Ottawa River, known for its world-class rapids, provides the perfect playground for white water rafting adventures. 

With experienced guides leading the way, you'll tackle challenging and exciting sections in the white water region, which will test your skills and leave you with incredible memories. The combination of heart-pounding excitement, stunning natural surroundings and working with your rafting crew makes white water rafting in Ottawa a go-to experience.

Rafting tours: Ottawa City Rafting near Britannia Beach, OWL Rafting 90 minutes northwest of Ottawa, Rafting Momentum in Foresters Falls an hour outside of Ottawa, Wilderness Tours in Foresters Falls an hour outside of Ottawa.

Earth

Ground yourself with some of Ottawa’s earth-focused activities! With plenty of trails and places to explore, you can make these adventures as intense or leisurely as you like. Get outside, get active and have a great time while you’re doing it.

Hiking trails

Hiking is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and explore Ottawa’s picturesque landscapes. With numerous trails and parks to choose from, you can immerse yourself in a variety of hiking experiences. The capital region boasts an extensive network of trails that wind through lush forests, along sparkling lakes and up to breathtaking viewpoints. 

If you’re seeking solitude, adventure or simply a chance to reconnect with nature, hiking in the Ottawa area provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to unwind and explore the capital region’s natural beauty at your own pace.

Where to hike: Gatineau Park — just outside of Ottawa — has over 180 kilometres of hiking trails, National Capital Greenbelt, for something closer to the heart of Ottawa check out the Dominion Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens.

Spelunking (cave exploring)

Spelunking — also known as cave exploring — allows you to explore the mysterious underground world. The Ottawa region is home to several caves, each with its own unique geological formations and hidden wonders. 

Exploring these subterranean realms gives you access to breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites and stunning rock formations that have formed over thousands of years. Whether you embark on a spelunking adventure with friends or take a guided tour, the caves surrounding the Ottawa area provide an opportunity to venture beyond the surface.

Where to spelunk: Arbraska Lafleché is 30-minutes from Ottawa, the Lusk Caves are located in Gatineau Park, Bonnechere Caves is located in Eganville an hour and a half from downtown Ottawa.

Cycling

With over 800 kilometres of cycling paths in the Ottawa area, there’s a diverse range of cycling routes perfect for an active, outdoor adventure. If you're an urban cyclist, you can pedal through the city streets, enjoying designated bike lanes and pathways that connect major attractions, parks and cultural sites. 

For a more leisurely experience, the Rideau Canal pathway provides a tranquil route, allowing cyclists to follow the UNESCO World Heritage site and admire its beauty. Nature enthusiasts can pedal beyond the city limits and discover the expansive network of trails in Gatineau Park, offering stunning views, challenging climbs and thrilling descents.

Where to rent bikes: Escape Bicycle Tours located conveniently on Sparks Street, Le Harfang Fat Bike et Raquettes in Gatineau for fat bikes during winter, RentABike located in downtown Ottawa.

Air

Step outside of your comfort zone and fuel your inner adrenaline junkie with these sky-high adventures! Perfect for those looking for a truly unforgettable experience, you can soar through the sky and see Ottawa like you’ve never seen it before.

Zipline

Get a stunning view of Canada's capital region as you zip over lush forests, scenic valleys and picturesque waterways. When you harness up and step off the platform, an adrenaline rush will take over as you glide through the air, feeling the wind in your hair while taking in breathtaking views below. 

Ziplining in Ottawa allows you to see the beauty of the surrounding landscapes while experiencing the sheer joy of flight. Whether you're a first-time zip-liner or a seasoned zip-liner, the Ottawa area’s ziplining experiences are sure to leave you with special memories and a sense of pure exhilaration.

Where to zipline: Find the Ottawa region’s longest ziplines at Camp Fortune and zip from one province to another at Interzip

Airplanes

See Canada's capital like you’ve never seen it before! Taking to the skies, you'll get a bird's-eye view of the city's architectural wonders, including the Parliament Buildings and the historic Rideau Canal. 

The Ottawa River stretches out beneath, snaking its way through the landscape, while green parks and vibrant neighbourhoods come alive from above. Beyond the city limits, the expansive Gatineau Park becomes a wonder, with dense forests, shimmering lakes and rolling hills spreading out as far as the eye can see. Whether you opt for a scenic biplane tour or an adrenaline-fueled skydiving adventure, the experience of seeing the Ottawa area from the sky is nothing short of breathtaking.

Where to skydive: Check out Parachute Go Skydive or Parachute Ottawa.

Where to have a biplane experience: Ottawa Aviation Adventures offers four incredible biplane tours two amazing family tours.

Hot air balloon

Did you know you can experience the magic of a hot air balloon ride in the Ottawa area? As you ascend into the sky, the world below transforms into a blur of colours and landscapes. The Ottawa River glimmers in the sunlight, while the region's iconic landmarks and picturesque countryside unfurl beneath you. 

A hot air balloon ride in the Ottawa area is an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of the region.

When and where to hot air balloon: Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival taking place August 29-September 2, 2024, Ottawa Hot Air located in the ByWard Market neighbourhood, Sundance Balloons located at Carleton University.