The Global Paddling Community

Playspot: Canada, Ontario, Ottawa Valley, Ottawa River, Horseshoe Hole.

What's it like

Large horse-shoe shaped hole, which can be big mean and nasty at times but nice and sticky for linked multiple ends at others.

It has a nice surfing wave directly downstream of it (called Babyface) which is great for flat spinning until you're dizzy! At lower water levels this waves starts breaking and can even become quite sticky.

There are also 2 great playspots down river called Garburator (see CA, ON) and Ender Hole. Garburator is a super fast surf wave and Ender Hole is a small sweet spot that makes anyone look good.

How to get there

Go the Owl Rafting/MKC put in, that's where everyone goes: take highway 17 from Ottawa and turn off on Storyland Road (approximately 1.5 hours). Follow this road until you come to a large white sign for Rafting companies (Wilderness Tours, Owl, River Run), then turn right. Follow this small road all the way to the top of the river, which will be indicated by small yellow, diamond shaped signs that will begin at the number five. When you reach number one (20 mins from turn off by rafting sign), you have reached your final destination! There will be a large parking lot there where you can put in (the Owl/MKC lot). There are even toilets.

More info

There is a gauge just downriver of the rapid. This gauge can be checked before your excursion by contacting one of the rafting companies such as Owl or Wilderness Tours (+1 613 6462291). Best levels are around 0 to -2.5.

Locals

Plenty of Rafters and tons of fellow paddlers (especially on weekends) and the line-ups still aren't all that bad.

Events

Ottawa rodeo held every summer around Labour Day. Was also the site of the 1997 world championships!

Info sources

[mail address protected from spambots with javascript]