Ottawa is a mecca for enjoying nature and outdoor activities. Three rivers, the Ottawa River, Gatineau River, Rideau River and Rideau Canal are great for canoeing, kayaking, sailing and swimming.
Canoes can be rented or purchased at stores such as MEC, Paddle Shack or other local outfitters (2). Or join a local outdoors club (2) and go hiking, skiing or canoeing with them. If you’re a beginner, the Ottawa River Canoe Club offers a one-day course, Recreational Canoeing Basics; Paddlesport will also be offering lessons in 2013, as well as the Ottawa Canoe Camping Club.
You can also walk, hike or bike along any of these rivers: see the Rideau Trail Association, Ottawa Capital Pathway and the village of Wakefield, Quebec, which is on the banks of the Gatineau River about 30 minutes north of Ottawa.
Please leave no trace while walking, canoeing or camping. And if you’d like to help protect these great rivers, check out these local organizations: Ottawa Riverkeeper, Save the Gatineau, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Algonquin to Adirondacks and other local groups.
Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace and togetherness. But all too often, greed, haste and superficiality are the hallmarks of the season.
