Why should I choose to go rafting with River Run?
River Run is the smartest way to raft the Ottawa River. Our exclusive riverside location means less time on buses, more time in the rapids, and the same incredible whitewater experience, all at our best-value price.
FAQs:
Because of our exclusive location at the very end of the rapids, our full river experience takes less than 5 hours, which others call a half day. We raft all the rapids without the long bus ride and long boat tow.
While it seems like an out-of-place question, it’s not. You’re in nature, and usually nature calls.
Only River Run answers with well-placed bathroom breaks on both channels. Others point to a nearby tree. Really?
The Ottawa River divides Ontario from Quebec, and while both sides are beautiful, land travel on the Quebec side is very difficult. Being first on the river, Wilderness Tours acquired most of the land on both sides of the river, now protecting over 4,000 acres. The Ontario side of the river has easy logistics with a paved road along the river. The Quebec side has a long, unserviced bush road with steep hills and water crossings – a real bus adventure if you weren’t here to raft.
Both Ottawa River Whitewater Rafting, trading as River Run, and Wilderness Tours share the same ownership. Wilderness Tours grew out of raft-supported whitewater canoe trips in the 1960’s and
made the first kayak descent of the now world-famous Ottawa River in 1973, followed by the first raft descent in ’74 and opening for business in 1975. Clients of Wilderness Tours started Ottawa River Whitewater Rafting in 1981, which also trades under the name River Run. Because of the historical nature, the Ottawa River Whitewater Rafting/River Run brand still exists today. It was always “All thrills, no frills and that spirit still thrives and lives on.”
To answer this question, we like to just deal with the facts. More rafters choose the co-brands of Wilderness Tours/River Run than everyone else combined, boasting 3 million happy rafters.
Both brands are “Signature Experiences,” and Wilderness Tours is the only whitewater adventure company to be inducted into both the Canadian and Ontario Tourism Halls of Fame.
The better question is: Who has the Best Value? Of course, it’s River Run with its most perfect location and a storied history of more thrills without the frills. You might raft for a few dollars less elsewhere if you don’t value your time and enjoy the bumpy back bush roads in a yellow school bus.
We start with McCoy Chute, the best rapids on the river in the summer. Our Ontario competitor skips the best rapid to sell a longer “half day trip” than our “all the rapids trip” in less time.
Our Quebec competitor buses you 40 km to launch below McCoy Chute only to paddle back upriver and then portage up the rapids only to then run it.
Reservations:
With a large, beautiful resort, we offer both a family zone and an adult zone. You can stay in quieter areas. Please mention this at the time of booking.
We do require advanced booking to ensure you get a spot. We can try to fit you in last minute, but please call before coming. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-800-267-8504.
Yes, a 50% deposit is due at the time of booking, but it is refundable until 30 days before the trip date. Reservations made within 30 days require full payment at the time of reservation.
Yes, each person must complete their own waiver using their own email address. Anyone under the age of 18 should be included on their parent or guardian’s waiver. It is very easy to complete the waivers online. We will send you a link via email that you can share with everyone in your group.
No, you don’t need to give us their information. Just give them the reservation number and your customer number from the confirmation email. When they complete their waiver, their name will be added to the list.
If someone has already made a payment on the reservation with their own credit card, their name will appear; otherwise, only your name is on the list.