Come out and discover great places to paddle in a Kayak or on a Standup Paddle Board
8 Launch Locations
Ottawa has many great paddling locations just minutes away. Scroll down to see where!
See our preset schedule or contact us to book other times. riverviewkayak@gmail.com 613-808-0770
We can also drop off at one location and pick up downstream at another.
About Brantwood Park - Old Ottawa South
143 Clegg Street (nearest civic address to the dock)
20 minute walk from Hurdman Station
This part of the Rideau River runs parralel to the canal. Water is generally calm. Great for new paddlers. Good place to spot birds and turtles. From the Queensway Bridge to the Bank Street Bridge, this paddle measures approximately 3.5 km. It's our shortest paddle and can be completed in approximately 2 hours.
- Located in the heart of the City
- No power boats
- Parking lot and street parking no charge
- 1 portable toilet
- Dock or shore launch (a bit muddy especially in early spring, wear appropriate shoes)
About Kettle & Duck Islands - Ottawa East - Beacon Hill
Massey Lane - Blair Road - 9 km from the Rideau Centre
Kettle Island is one of the larger island on this river. Owned by The Nature Conservancy of Canada. Lower Duck is designated as a Natural Area. Contains inner channels which provides a great refuge area for wildlife and makes a great place to explore.
- Shore launch
- Parking lot - no charge
- No restrooms
- Can be very busy, therefore best to book during weekdays or in the morning on weekends.
About Petrie Island
795 Tweddle Rd (previously Trim Rd) - East of Orleans - 21 km from the Rideau Centre
A popular paddling place, this island incorporates large wetlands and wooded areas that provide habitat for plants, animals and birds especially in the spring and fall migration. Petrie has several inlets and bays to discover.
- Top location for wildlife
- Shore launch
- Several parking lots - $2 for 5 hours (2024)
- Public washrooms and portable toilet
- Large beach & picnic areas
- PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED (Petrie Island Rules)
About Mooney's Bay Beach - South Ottawa
2960 Riverside Drive - 8 km from the Rideau Centre
Mooney's Bay is a public park with a large sandy beach. Paddle south to Black's Rapids while enjoying the wildlife and many beautiful homes. This route measure approximately 6 km each way.
- Beach launch
- Great wildlife and scenery
- Public paid parking
- Public restrooms
- Pinic areas
- Can be very busy, arrive early to find a parking spot
About Eccolands Park
This hidden Park is located just south of Hunt Club Road near the Ottawa International Airport. Paddle south under Vimy Bridge to Jock's Landing. This measures just approximatrly 7 km each way. While on the water you'll get to enjoy turtles, commorants, blue herons and more.
- 334 River Road - down 500 m to the river
- Concrete ramp launch
- Public parking -free of charge
- Public restrooms
- Pinic areas
Not available at this time.
About Shirley's Bay
Located west of Ottawa about 16km from downtown. Includes a significant wetland & nature preserve forming part of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area of Lac Deschenes-Ottawa River IBA.
- Shirley Blvd & Riffle Rd
- Shore/Beach launch
- Free public parking
- Public restrooms
- Pinic areas
Not available at this time.
About Jock River Landing
Located in the south of City just off Prince of Wales Drive. You can paddle north under Vimy bridge towards Eccolands Park. Unfortunatly no access up the Jock River due to rapids.
- 10 Lodge Road
- Shore launch
- Small Parking Lot - no charge
- No public restrooms