The Outaouais region is home to many scenic destinations to explore. While attractions in Ottawa tend to be more well-known, your next great adventure may lie outside of the city. Aventure Outaouais is here to provide a high quality, worry-free adventure for you. With any of their tours, you’ll be treated to unique local attractions and landmarks found all around the Outaouais region. Here’s everything you need to know about Aventure Outaouais Day Trip Kayak Tour.
Kayak Tour Near Ottawa With Aventure Outaouais
This guided kayaking tour features a 5 km kayak down the Picanoc River in the Gatineau Valley, a delicious lunch atop an observation tower and two stops for delicious desserts. It quickly became my favourite Aventure Outaouais tour.
As always, we received excellent information packets before the tour, so we knew exactly what to expect. We were picked up downtown and headed out to the Gatineau Valley. On the drive, the guide shared the history of the region we were visiting, an overview of our day and some fun facts. Our guide for the day was Brandon, the owner of Aventure Outaouais. He is a great guide with infectious energy and enthusiasm, extensive knowledge of the area and a good sense of humour. He’s also very encouraging and takes every step to make guests feel comfortable and confident while participating in the tour.
Our starting point. Photo by Torie Wotton.
What to Bring on the Kayak and Summit Tour
As a type A individual, I often feel the need to be prepared for every potential outcome, especially for outdoor activities. Since I knew we were going to spend most of the day away from the van, I really wanted to make sure I had everything I needed. I shouldn’t have worried. Brandon has really thought of everything and can provide almost anything you might need.
There are a few things I would recommend bringing to maximize your experience:
- Bathing suit
- Towel and change of clothes
- Water shoes or sandals that you don’t mind getting wet
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Aventure Outaouais provides:
- Unlimited snacks in the van and bring in the kayaks
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof phone holders
- Large dry bags
- Water bottle refills
While sunscreen is provided, I recommend bringing your own so that you can reapply easily at any time and avoid sunburns. I also brought my own waterproof pouch from Amazon, which I loved. I’m not a huge fan of the phone holders that hang around your neck, and this was the perfect size to hold my phone, a mini bottle of sunscreen, sunglasses and a few small snacks. The pouch took an accidental dip in the river, and everything came out completely dry, so I was very satisfied with my purchase!
Floating down the river. Photo by Alexi Levert-Beaulieu.
Relaxing on the River
After pick up, Brandon drove us out to Graceville where we had the opportunity to change into our bathing suits, use the washroom, refill our water bottles and organize our dry bags. We then took a short drive to the section of the Picanoc River where we would be launching. We waited for a few minutes while the kayak gear and equipment was unloaded and then headed down to the river.
After dropping us off, Brandon quickly ran the van to the endpoint so that it’s ready once we finish. This allows you to leave things like your towel and change of clothes in the van so that you have less to carry.
While a little bit of kayaking experience may be helpful, this tour offers a beginner-friendly kayaking adventure. Brandon provided safety tips and carefully talked each of us through the initial launch, and everyone completed it successfully. Once you get going, the current does most of the work, pushing you gently down the river.
Me & my mom kayaking. Photo by Alexi Levert-Beaulieu.
We did have a few people tip on our tour, but there really is nothing to worry about if it does happen to you. The river is pretty shallow, and there are good spots to get back into your kayak on the side. Brandon was also super helpful and made sure to assist kindly and quickly.
Perhaps my favourite part was floating down the river, soaking up the sun, eating my snacks and visiting with the other kayakers. I’d never done river kayaking before, so I really enjoyed being pushed along by the current.
A second favourite part was the beach stops. On our tour, we made two stops at beaches along the way, and I really enjoyed swimming in the river. It was fun to cool down a little and experience the push of the current firsthand.
Taking a break. Photo by Torie Wotton.
Lunch with a View
Once we finished kayaking, we headed back to Gracefield to change and get organized for the next portion of our tour. Our lunch ended up taking place around two o’clock, so make sure to take advantage of the provided snacks and eat breakfast before you leave.
We were treated to a box lunch from La Femme à Marier et Cie Traiteur, featuring a delicious croissant sandwich and a fresh summer salad. Everything was delicious, and you can visit this restaurant in Alymer.
Usually, lunch would be eaten at the top of the Mont Morissette observation tower, with beautiful views from an altitude of 1,200 feet. Unfortunately, the observation tower was closed due to the forest fire risk level. Thanks to Brandon’s extensive knowledge of the region, we were still able to have lunch at a different location with a wonderful view.
Enjoy a Sweet Treat
Once we finished eating and taking in the view, we hopped back in the van and headed toward Wakefield. We stopped at La Cigale for some delicious ice cream and then headed to La Confiserie Wakefield for a tasting of their chocolates and fudge. Everything here was so good! You’ll want to make sure you have your wallet with you so you can bring home extra treats for later.
This tour is a great way to get outside and relax without the stress of having to plan the day yourself. You’ll get to explore the Gatineau Valley and maybe see some places you wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. I hope you add this tour to your Ottawa summer bucket list!
Aventure Outaouais tours book up quickly! Get your tickets in advance here.
Check out my reviews on more Aventure Outaouais tours here, including wine tours, food tours and more.
Torie is a policy analyst who loves to write and travel. Recently graduated from the University of Ottawa, Torie is excited to invest some of her new free time into both of these hobbies by writing for Little Miss Ottawa!
Torie has loved adventures and trying new things for a long time. Family trips both close to home and abroad fostered this mentality and set the stage for future adventures both big and small. Moving to Ottawa from Manitoba gave Torie the opportunity to explore a new area in depth and emphasized the fact that every day can be an adventure if you bring the right mind set.
When she’s not out on an adventure, Torie can be found at the rink practicing with her synchronized skating team or coaching skating.
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