FORESTERS FALLS RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
A Full Day on the Ottawa: Raft, Body‑Surf and End with a Pontoon BBQ at Foresters Falls
A full‑day (about 7.5–8 hours) OWL Rafting trip down the Ottawa River with rapids, body‑surfing and possible cliff jumps, followed by a pontoon‑boat BBQ and resort activities — this guide lays out the logistics, kit and suitability.
A Full Day on the Ottawa: Raft, Body‑Surf and End with a Pontoon BBQ at Foresters Falls.
Paddle into the Ottawa River’s shifting current for a full‑day rafting run from the OWL Resort at Foresters Falls. Expect sustained river time with guided paddling through rapids, opportunities to body‑surf and float, and the possibility of cliff jumping; when the water calms you’ll transfer to a pontoon boat for a grilled buffet and a relaxed cruise back to the resort along a historic First Nations route, then finish the day with on‑site activities and a video recap of your run.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Continuous paddling, rapids and river play
Guides control the raft while your crew paddles through a sequence of rapids; the day includes body surfing, floating and the occasional cliff jump when conditions allow — a medium‑intensity river run designed as a full‑day adventure.
Pontoon‑boat BBQ and a historic cruise back
After the river run you board OWL’s signature pontoon boat for a freshly grilled buffet, dry clothes, and a scenic cruise back to the resort that follows a historic First Nations route and showcases the Canadian Shield.
Beach games, water toys and post‑trip comforts
At the OWL Resort relax or play — frisbee golf, beach volleyball, a large floating swim dock with slide, SUPs, kayaks and canoes, a life‑size maze and a hot sauna; ice cream, snacks and cold drinks are available for sale on site.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
From the first paddle strokes to the pontoon’s slow cruise back, the day alternates focused team paddling through challenging stretches with open‑water play — floating, body surfing and the occasional cliff jump — then a move to dry clothes, food and low‑key resort activities to decompress and relive the run with a video presentation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should choose another option.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Typical schedule begins with arrival and check‑in at the OWL Resort (see the resort address) before an 8:30 AM briefing and raft departure; a typical departure from the resort is mid‑ to late‑afternoon.
This is a full‑day outing; the published duration is about 7.5 hours (the program is also described as an 8‑hour rafting adventure).
Bring shoes you can swim in (watershoes, sport sandals, or running shoes — Crocs and flip‑flops are not permitted), clothes that can get wet (non‑cotton recommended), towels and a sweater for the pontoon, and a bag for wet items; wetsuits can be rented or you may bring your own. If you wear glasses consider a retainer (available for sale on site).
A grilled buffet is served on the pontoon boat; at the resort ice cream, snacks, cold drinks and ice are available for sale, and facilities include beach games, a floating swim dock with slide, SUPs, kayaks, canoes and a hot sauna.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum weight to join the Adventure Rafting Day Trip?
This product is suitable for anyone over 90 lbs (41 kg). Guests who do not meet that minimum are recommended to join OWL’s Low Intensity Rafting instead.
What if my child is under the OWL minimum?
OWL’s Low Intensity Rafting accepts guests 50 lbs (23 kg) and up; for guests under 50 lbs the operator recommends the sister company Madawaska Rafting in Barry’s Bay, which takes rafters age 2 and up.
When and where do I check in?
Arrive at the OWL Resort to check in at the listed meeting location; check‑in begins at 8:15 AM followed by the rafting briefing at 8:30 AM.
Can I rent a wetsuit and what should I wear?
Wetsuits are available to rent or you may bring your own; wear non‑cotton clothing or wool, and bring shoes that can get wet (watershoes, sport sandals or running shoes).
What happens after the rafting section ends?
You meet the pontoon boat for a BBQ meal and a cruise back to the OWL Resort, where guides present a video recap and you can use on‑site activities such as frisbee golf and the swim dock.
How long is the outing?
The outing is a full‑day program; the published duration is 7.5 hours and the trip is also described as an 8‑hour rafting adventure.