Ottawa for adrenaline junkies

With its easy access to outdoor spaces within the city and surrounding countryside, the Ottawa area is the perfect place for high octane adventure.

There are numerous exhilarating experiences to be had on land, air and water.

Check out the top recommendations for the ultimate adventurous activity in and around Canada’s capital:

Interzip Rogers: A new activity that opened in summer 2021 sends you ziplining between Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec. Interzip Rogers, the world’s first interprovincial zipline, travels 1,400 feet (425 metres) across and 120 feet (37 metres) high above the Ottawa River. Along the way, you get stunning views of both cities. On some evenings, you can even zipline after dark Find out more.

Whitewater rafting: Did you know that the Ottawa region has some of the best whitewater adventures in the entire world from May to September? West of Ottawa’s downtown core in the Beachburg, where you’ll find several rafting companies that offer a variety of full-day and multi-day experiences. These range from mild to high adrenaline, expert level adventure (including level V rapids). Some operators also offer sunset boat cruises, hot tubs, beach volleyball and even bungee jumping. Ottawa City Rafting, OWL Rafting or Wilderness Tours.

Whitewater kayaking: The Ottawa region’s turbulent rivers are also perfect for whitewater kayaking. Wilderness Tours in Beachburg, Ontario runs the Ottawa Kayak School – one of the largest of its kind in the world. If you prefer an urban experience, join the Downtown Ottawa Instruction program run by OWL Rafting’s Madawaska Kanu Centre. Lessons take place at a location known as The Pumphouse on the Ottawa River near the Canadian War Museum.

Go vertical at Camp Fortune: Just a 15-minute drive north of Ottawa’s downtown is a wilderness playground: Camp Fortune. The nearly three-hour Explorer Park activity features ziplines, ladders, zigzag bridges and crawling challenges through the treetops of Gatineau Park. There are new Peak to Peak Ziplines, a 15 free fall jump, and a mountain pipe coaster that speeds down the hill. With a network of cross-country and downhill trails, Camp Fortune is one of the region’s great places to go mountain biking, hiking and running.

Great Canadian Bungee: Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Ottawa, Great Canadian Bungee is home to a 61-metre or 200-feet jump site known as The Rock. The 160-feet rebound itself is higher than the entire bungee height of any other site in Canada! Strap in and enjoy this scenic freefall.

Parachute GO Skydive: Located just across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, 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 freefall. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jumper, once the parachute opens, you can take in scenic views of the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

Ottawa Aviation Adventures: Why not fly instead? Operating out of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa Aviation Adventures (formerly Ottawa Biplane Adventures) offers flights in an authentic WWII-era WACO UPF-7 biplane circa 1939. Put on some vintage goggles and enjoy stunning aerial views of the Ottawa River and downtown Ottawa. The biplane seats two passengers per flight.