Wilderness Tours has been pioneering whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River since 1975. It was over 3 decades ago when we took our first client down the Ottawa. Over 1 million whitewater enthusiasts have chosen WT over the last 30 years as their whitewater destination. Simply put the Ottawa River is Canada’s rafting capital.



Sharing the magic found in whitewater has been our passion. Not only on our home river, The Ottawa, but also those special places in the world. Join us on the Ottawa River or anywhere in the world with our adventure travel program.



Canada’s National Capital Region is only a 1 hr drive from our resort on the Ottawa River. Canada’s Capital being so close all the amenities and rich cultural heritage are at your finger tips.

It was the reading the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings almost 40 years ago instilled a sense of adventure into WT founder Joe Kowalski. Once smitten himself, Joe wanted to share the magic found in adventure, first with fellow students and then through Wilderness Tours. Sharing the magic has been WT’s mission for over 30 years. Pictured here is WT’s first guide staff (from left to right) Sean Mannion, Joe, Jimmy Casilio, Rob Rosenberger, Ken Czambel and Paul Fogal.