wilderness tours foresters falls

Wilderness Tours

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Wilderness Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Wilderness Tours

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Wilderness Tours

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WILDERNESS TOURS (Foresters Falls) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Wilderness Tours

Review Highlights

“ Their resort is *awesome*, with a night club, 3 volleyball nets, bungee jumping , rock climbing, hot tub, camping grounds and cabins. ” in 5 reviews

“ Nothing like the rush of facing a 12 ft wall of white water coming right at your face to get your blood pumping. ” in 4 reviews

“ I prayed that our raft wouldn't turn over or that I wouldn't get tossed out of the raft in the rough water and need to swim to safety somehow. ” in 5 reviews

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503 Rafting Road

Foresters Falls, ON K0J 1V0

Serving Foresters Falls Area

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For almost 40 years, Wilderness Tours has been providing guests with the ultimate Canadian experience. With activities and accommodation to suit every budget, there's something for everyone at Wilderness Tours. Located along the shore of the mighty Ottawa River in Ontario just an hour west of Ottawa, Wilderness Tours is Canada's premier adventure destination. Spend your days whitewater rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping, hiking, and mountain biking. Then relax at our 600+ acre resort, enjoying our full bar and restaurant, sandy beaches, heated sports pool, hot tubs, and cozy accommodations. …

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

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Overall rating

If you're going specifically for the rafting or kayaking the experience is incredible. From check you do an orientation with a big projected screen and the onto the buses, where people get life jackets, paddles and helmets, you're sorted into groups and the instructors are incredibly energetic and helpful. Our instructor was Dennis who kindly rearranged our boat members to make falling out less likely (although we were all hoping for a fallout it never happened, however we all jumped off after the last rapid for fun). He gave very clear instructions and was also willing to be camera man for part of the trip. We stopped for a lunch break with bbq burgers, sausage, soup, cookies and drinks and on to more rapids. People gave back their equipment and the bus took us back to the resort. The only reason I gave 4/5 was because the resort itself was a bit lacking. The volleyball, basketball, giant chess and bungee jumping were all fun, however they advertise hot tubs and there are only 2 four person hot tubs that were full the entire time. We had over 100 people that day rafting and kayaking and since only 8 people can hot tub at once the numbers don't add up, on top of that when people were leaving the hot tubs they called their friends over to take their spots. We couldn't really call them out and staff didn't say anything even though people were waiting with towels. Another feature of the resort we couldn't use was the rock climbing wall. It's there however the lead climbs had no ropes through the carabiners and not a single staff member was attending to them, we waited a bit but no one was there to offer harnesses or equipment or even info on the use of the rock wall. Besides these resort flaws, the main reason people go is for white water rafting and in this aspect it's an amazingly fun time!

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Wow this place is amazing! I recently went on a weekend rafting trip with some friends who have been coming to Wilderness Tours for years but this was my first shot at white water rafting. We arrived at 5pm on Friday and were quickly registered and given our choice camp site right near the main building, bathrooms/showers, campfire, etc... The trip included 3 meals on Saturday and two on Sunday as well as the rafting on Saturday, all the equipment, the camping and the use of the facilities. Since dinner wasn't included on Friday we ordered from the patio while listening to some great jazz music from a local group. My friend and I both ordered the club sandwich, which was served on a delicious focaccia bread. The food for the rest of the weekend was really good as well. Burgers for lunch on Saturday and chicken breast for dinner. Friday night concluded with a great time around the campfire where all the campers came to socialize. On Saturday we were booked on the 2pm "sunset" trip, which meant we were on the water from 3pm till 7:45. This was perfect since it gave us all morning to recover from the night before. The rafting itself was amazing. Nothing like the rush of facing a 12 ft wall of white water coming right at your face to get your blood pumping. Our guide Katie was really great. Very social and great on the river. We did everything from paddling our hearts out in the rapids to cliff jumping to surfing a wave (a.k.a. controlled drowning lol). They had guys in kayaks taking pictures and filming us throughout the day. When we came back, we had the chance to view some of the highlights from the day on the big screen back at camp. One of the coolest part of the weekend was that Bud Camp was hosting their event at WT. We had no idea until we showed up. Everyone was invited to come see the bands performing on Saturday night, which had USS playing the main show. Even though it was pouring rain and we were soaked, USS' crazy antics on stage and a bunch of scantily clad rain soaked Bud girls made up for it. :) Finally, we decided to end the weekend with an early morning bungee jump. If you book ahead of time you save about $13. This was my first jump and I survived to write this review. It was definitely one of the best rush I've ever experienced. I strongly recommend this to EVERYONE who comes to Wilderness Tours. Ask to be dunked in the water at the bottom. You won't regret it. I'm already looking forward to coming back next year!

This place is phenomenal. I will be heading back this summer for my third time. Normally do the two day rafting tour. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for those not faint of heart. The weekend outing costs less than 300 dollars... includes camping, ALL FOOD, two days of white water rafting on the mighty Ottawa river. The place has a great restaurant... dock and waterfront for swimming, BUNGEE jumping! Dance club for partying, basketball, mountain bike rentals, volleyball, kayaking. Check out the website. I have gone just me and a buddy, and I have also brought a crew of 16 people. Fantastic time!!

Staff was friendly, food was awesome. I just felt like the resort activities (basketball, hockey, volleyball) on the grounds were outdated or need a bit of tlc. The dock near by the Pavillion had some kayaks and life vest to use at your own risk. There wasn't any decent life jackets that weren't super old or moldy, so I didnt get use their kayaks. There was however a beach a ways away which you could take a shuttle bus, I just didn't have enough time to check it out. As for the rafting, we had a guide introduce us to the sport and then branched us off into groups with our boat guide for the day. I feel like our guide could have been more friendly or enthusiastic with us. The other boats had a guides with humor and professionalism. The overall rafting experience was great, I just wish our guide was actually there as opposed to in his own world ( I believe he was tired from partying the night before). At night there was always a campfire going with a couple of chairs with live music. I thought that was a nice touch to end the night.

Aug 25 "flip trip" sport raft with Vincent. Vinny, we had a blast! We flipped on the very first rapid because we are a group of dysfunctional man-childs but that was easily the most memorable and exciting part of the entire day. We all had a great time and haven't shut up about it since. Thanks for being a great sport and rolling with our nonsense all day. Love it that you kept calling our bud Dragon. Hilarious. Highly recommend Wilderness Tours. Vinny was great. ALL of the staff was great. Its worth going. Do it. *don't bother with the Mac and Cheese option at dinner though. It was a huge fail.

I'm often up to try most anything, but I must admit a part of me was a little bit terrified when my old boss announced we were heading to Wilderness Tours to do some white water rafting as a team building exercise. First of all, it was the end of September, and I thought I'd freeze (in addition to being thrown out of my raft). I also expected a fairly low-key establishment. I was super surprised. When we got there we were treated to an amazing lunch before we got into our wet suits. This place is used as a training centre for Algonquin College students in the Outdoor Adventure program, so there's a ton of room in the changerooms and they're really well maintained. We got our wetsuits on (GROSS ), and we ended up being super warm (even floating in the river I was nice and toasty!) and processed to divide into two groups - one who wanted hardcore rafting, and the other who wanted a little less intimidating experience. I decided for my first time I would take it on the easy side. Our guides were AMAZING - sweet hilarious and kind of ridiculously good looking. While our guide knew we didn't want to flip over or do anything too hardcore he still challenged us to work as a team, and we stopped at a few places to jump off cliffs and check out the natural beauty of the river. We stopped to check out the outdoor classrooms that Algonquin uses as well, and they're gorgeous. We did some hiking near the river and it was all just so beautiful. We floated around in the river for awhile as well. I would seriously recommend this as a great tea building exercise, but it would be even more fun with a group of friends or family. If you're nervous about rafting don't be. I felt totally safe (and entertained!) the entire time, and had a few adrenaline rushes as well!

I just got back from my 10th trip to Wilderness Tours. I sure love this place! I've wagered with the white water in May when its colder, cheaper and the wetsuits are free but I've often gone in July. I do recommend you go when its a little warmer; the resort is bustling with party people in late summer also. This year we were so lucky to have Katie Kowalski, the founder of the resort's daughter, as our guide for the sunset cruise trip this year! And for the most dangerous rapid, her brother Joel jumped in our raft... so we were guided by the offspring of Joe Kowalski, the man who independently invented white water rafting on the Ottawa River... and he did that in a canoe! And even better... we happened to arrive on the weekend in which Budweiser was hosting their Bud Camp contest winners! We were invited to join Bud Camp on Saturday night for their fireworks, concert (the crazy and unique USS) and free poutine! Oh, and of course... the bud girls. Yes, we will never forget those bud girls. In just one weekend at this brilliant resort, you can get a guided 5-hour tour down the huge rapids of the Ottawa River, during which you can go cliff jumping and swimming... or start a splashing war with other boats! Usually included is a bbq lunch at an island along the river if you're rafting over lunch hour. Back at the resort, you can go bungee jumping or cycling for a fee, or included with your package are any of the following: rock climbing, kayak and pedal boats, a ferry to a beach, pool, hot tub, slide and dock at the lake front, patio bar, live acoustic blues music on the patio, camp fires, giant chess, dj or bands at night, beach volleyball, hockey and basketball, darts or billiards. There is something for everyone! The food provided is pretty decent... not gourmet but good food and good portions. There is always fruit and cereal for breakfast for those who want to be healthy... though the eggs, bacon and potatoes fill the hole after a night of stumbling around the camp grounds quite well. The weekend lunch meals feature a salad bar and are accompanied by beef or chicken burgers with all the fixings. For Saturday night dinner you get tender chicken breast with bbq sauce and baked potato. There is also always a dessert... and their home-made cookies are fresh and delicious! I highly recommend this place!

How about a real review? I went with a group of 8 and we had a great time at WT. I totally expected a shack by the side of the road, but it was quite an operation. Check-in was a bit frustrating and hectic, even though there were only 2 groups of us. I felt like at no point were we given enough info. Our cabins were the basic ones, comfortable, dry and clean. We got settled in and went to eat, and were happy with the food, but really disappointed with the service. One of our orders wasn't placed, one person has food allergies, and the food they requested not to have was on the plate, way too long to refill beverages etc. I think the server was maybe new to the job. No big deal, we're on vacation. Friday night's party was pretty great - I definitely didn't expect a nightclub (full of people in hoodies and sandals haha!) Rafting Saturday was a great time, our group was scheduled at 730am, which ended up being not so bad since we were back with enough time to enjoy the afternoon. The guide Quinney was super fun and made sure we had a great time! We were back at around 145pm and by the time they showed our video and we walked over, lunch was being shut down, so we just had burgers and sausages, no salads etc. It would have been useful to know this as we were pretty hungry and probably would have skipped the lameass video. Saturday's party was kinda weak, not because there was no one there, but the DJ just... was not that great. But it was a video dance and pirate night so we had a decent time. Sunday we bungee jumped, swam, biked and lounged around. It was a nice relaxing day, and we did get enough to eat for lunch! Overall, I'd say that we had an awesome time, we just would have liked to have known what was going on a little more. We'll be back for sure!

Wilderness Tours is a white water rafting / kayaking / adventure tour company based in the outskirts of Ottawa and area. Their resort is *awesome*, with a night club, 3 volleyball nets, bungee jumping, rock climbing, hot tub, camping grounds and cabins. It's family friendly, however, it seems more to target a young adult age group (perhaps more so during the weekends I've went). My first time here was back in 2009 and I've returned again in 2011. FIRST TIME (2009) Aug - we were a group of 4 and were added to a group seniors (which truly - sucked). Other rafts of young groups were having way more of a good time than we were, I was truly jealous (haha, and so were my friends). Still, we had a good time. None of us in our raft fell into the rapids. The tour guide was an expert and she absolutely knew what she was doing. We felt very safe - which is important when you're doing it for the first time! It was raining that weekend, so I was *so* glad we rented a cabin. We were comfy all weekend! SECOND TIME (2011) Aug - I brought a team of 12, mix of girls and guys from 24-29 so that we could have our own raft. It was so much fun! Can't complain - our tour guide was so energetic and funny. He kept the conversations and punch lines goin. Food was decent - typical caf / BBQ food (pastas/burgers/pizza/salad bar/etc). The weather was fab (sunny, warm, no rain). Cabins were all gone, so we camped instead. We drank. We partied. We danced. We jumped into the lake, cliff jumped, played volleyball for hours with other strangers, played basketball etc. Water was warm too. Ah, such a great weekend. Def recommend!! I'd come in August, only cuz I know the water is warm by then. Next time around I'm going to rent a 6 person raft for more daaangerouss ;) haha. A few of my friends are coming back in May this year to kayak the rapids instead.

A great time to be had by all from the Region of York. I went for 2 days in the summer of 1991 and loved every minute of it. I would recommend it to anyone.

Went by coach to Ottawa to camp for 2 days in the hot sunshine after rafting and kayaking. I went in the summer of 1991.

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" If you have a goPro they rent helmets with the attachments for them already on the helmet. It helps get an additional viewpoint as well as what they offer for purchase "

" Food at the main resort is a question mark. I noted chicken, salad & dinner rolls as only menu. Challenging for vegetarians. No fish either. "

" Quiet camping area was really nice. Especially if you have a group big enough to occupy it all "

" Upgrade to the delux or the lakeside cabisn or even the beach house "

" If you are rafting, get yourself completely ready before breakfast as you won't have much time after if in the first group. "

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Wilderness Tours Rafting Resort - Reviews & Photos

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Destination weddings.

With 2 great wedding venues, 4 ceremony options, lots of accommodation options, river and land adventures, great food, nightly entertainment and wonderful staff, Wilderness Tours promises the wedding of a lifetime.

• Why Wilderness Tours
• Rafter's Pavilion

With 2 great wedding venues, 4 ceremony options, lots of accommodation options, river and land adventures, great food, nightly entertainment and wonderful staff, Wilderness Tours promises the wedding of a lifetime. We also make it easy for you by creating a special page on our website visible only to you and your guests for easy reserving for accommodation, meals and adventures.

While Wilderness Tours is better known as Canada’s top whitewater adventure resort company, we are also in high demand for Outdoor Destination Weddings. There are several reasons:  

• We own some of the most spectacular waterfront in eastern Canada creating beautiful outdoor weddings.  
• We specialize in destination weddings because of our resort facilities and our ability to accommodate up to 200 guests in cabins, glamping tents, serviced RV sites and waterfront camping. Serving healthy, hearty food and nightly entertainment also helps.
• Weddings are fun here at Wilderness Tours and there is lots to do for all your guests. We offer rafting from mild to wild, mountain biking, cycling, hiking, Lazy River Tubing and more.
• Your guests can enjoy the celebration without driving as we provide complimentary shuttles.  
• Weddings at Wilderness Tours are more affordable than most other venues .

We offer two great wedding venues for your consideration, the River Barn and Rafters Pavilion.

Need some more information? Check out our FAQ’s section or send us an e-mail at [email protected]  

RIVER BARN The River Barn began life decades ago as a dairy barn just a few minutes walk to the world famous Ottawa River rapids. It seats up to 90 in the cow barn and the adjacent milking room is now a pub. The barnyard is a beautiful rustic patio overlooking a lush meadow. What used to be “Cow Heaven” is a perfect venue for your wedding along with the “Overlook”. The entire property is yours on wedding day. The River Barn is just a 5-minute drive from the main resort with complimentary shuttles provided. The resort offers everything your guests could want.

RAFTERS PAVILION

The focal point of the main resort is Rafters, a large open-air Pavilion with views of the river. Rafters is available for small, non-private weddings up to 40 persons June through Labour Day. Large weddings up to 160 are available in May and September. Ceremony options at Rafters are the beach, Chapel and Paradise Island. The attached application for a Rafters Wedding would be amended for large spring or fall weddings. Information is available on our website and we are always available for site visits, which we do recommend.

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Where All-Inclusive Meets Adventure

The Ottawa River’s multiple, parallel, whitewater-filled channels separate and rejoin as they descend nearly 10km through the National Whitewater Park to our beachfront resort. Join us this season and experience how magical it feels to Paddle Home .

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• 1260 Grants Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, Ontario, Canada
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