Be Adventurous in Ottawa!
As Canada’s Capital, Ottawa is home to several national museums as well as broad, priceless collections of cultural marvels. Here, you’ll find everything from priceless artifacts telling the story of Canada’s beginnings to world-class art.
But if adventure’s what you’re after, this cosmopolitan city has that too. Discover five experiences in Ottawa that are sure to get your adrenaline going!
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“The Rock” at Great Canadian Bungee:
Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Ottawa, Great Canadian Bungee is home to a 61-metre or 200-foot jump site known as “The Rock.” This jumping site is the only place in North America where you can experience a 200-foot drop into a spring-fed lagoon. And the 160-foot rebound from your jump is also higher than the entire bungee height of any other site in the United States and Canada. Strap in and enjoy this scenic freefall into a turquoise, spring-fed lagoon! Also, this experience was recently featured as one of the Top activities to do in Canada in an article by Canadian Affair.
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Parachute GO Skydive (GO Skydive):
Located just across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Que., this local company has been specializing in skydiving since 2006. GO Skydive offers “First Jump” tandem and experienced jumper programs. If you’ve never jumped before, follow a 15-minute training session and then experience a 200-kilometre per hour (124-mile per hour) freefall! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jumper, once the parachute opens, you can take in beautiful, scenic views of the Ottawa-Gatineau region and the Ottawa River as you float down.
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Ottawa Biplane Adventures:
Not into freefalling? No problem! Why not fly instead? Operating out of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa Biplane Adventures offers exciting flights over Ottawa in a vintage, WWII-era WACO UPF-7 biplane! Put on some vintage goggles – this is a great selfie opportunity – and feel the wind blow through your hair; the WACO is an open-cockpit aircraft.
Soar through the air and take in beautiful views of the Ottawa River, downtown Ottawa as well as the iconic Parliament Hill. The biplane can take two passengers per flight. This is an Ottawa experience you won’t soon forget!
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Whitewater Rafting:
Did you know that the Ottawa Region is home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the entire world? It’s true!
West of Ottawa’s downtown core, you’ll find the area of Beachburg, Ont., which is home to several rafting companies that offer a variety of full-day and multi-day experiences ranging from mild to high adrenaline, expert level adventure.
And as there are a few companies in the same area, your rafting experience is completely customizable. Opt for a company that offers a sunset boat cruise or another one that offers hot tubs after a long day of bouncing down the river. The Ottawa region’s whitewater season goes from May to September.
Did you know that rafting in the Ottawa River region is a Canadian Signature Experience? It’s true! Determined by Destination Canada, OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River is a ‘Canadian Signature Experience,’ meaning that it responds to a traveller’s desire to venture beyond the beaten tourist path.
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Camp Fortune’s Explorer Park:
A short 15-minute drive north of Ottawa’s downtown core, you’ll find Camp Fortune’s Explorer Park!
Grab your equipment and head out on a zip lining adventure that makes its way through the treetops of the scenic, luscious and expansive Gatineau Park. This two to three-hour adventure combines rope bridges, zip lines and other obstacles that challenge visitors and lead to a fun half day experience.
In addition to the aerial adventure, the Explorer Park also offers a Free Fall Air Bag Jump. Leap into the air and land in a soft, 10-foot thick air bag. Jump from a height of 28, 34 or 40 feet; the choice is yours!
These are only a few suggestions to get your adrenaline-filled getaway to Ottawa started. For more ideas on what to see and do, browse Ottawa Tourism’s website.