Intrepid duo takes on ‘bikepacking

FROM PRISTINE waterways and breathtaking wilderness to small town charm and authentic hospitality, the Ottawa Valley is a place steeped in culture where you can immerse yourself in a unique blend of heritage and outdoor recreation. And what’s even better? It’s all within a 30 minute drive from the Nation’s Capital.

Cradled between the Ottawa River and Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario’s Highlands, the Ottawa Valley is the ideal place to disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle of life and slow the pace. It is a place where traffic jams cease to exist, cell service is sometimes nonexistent and happy hour is convened on a dock.

The summer season never seems to be long enough and we are all too guilty of trying to cram as many activities as possible into a 3-day weekend. But imagine if we approached summer without a schedule and just wandered? The Ottawa Valley is the perfect place to do just that.

Renowned as the Whitewater Capital of Canada and home to more than 900 lakes and dozens of rivers, consider ditching the car for a canoe, kayak, SUP board or raft. Let your

paddle guide you through interconnected waterways where towering white pines dot the shorelines and sandy beaches beckon.

Feel the power and rush of the whitewater as you manoeuvre through the rapids of the mighty Ottawa, Madawaska or Petawawa rivers, retracing the footsteps of the First Nation’s people and early European explorers as they would have hundreds of years ago. Seasoned outfitters, such as OWL Rafting,

X Rafting and Madawaska Kanu Centre, offer whitewater rafting and paddling experiences never to be forgotten. If doing the J-stroke is not your thing then let Ottawa River Adventures take care of the work with a guided zodiac excursion.

Follow your feet as you take the trail less travelled. Extensive trail networks leading to scenic lookouts provide nature lovers with an opportunity to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. Meander through untouched old growth forests, such as the Shaw Woods and Gillies Grove, to observe an array of plant and wildlife. Hike to the top of Manitou Mountain in Calabogie or the Barron Canyon in Algonquin Provincial Park where awe-inspiring vistas will leave you breathless.

Learn about the story of our earth through a variety of recreational geology activities. Explore the Bonnechere Caves, Ontario’s most extensive underground cavern; see ancient remains of creatures dating back more than 500 million years ago along the Geology Fossil Trail or take part in a fossil hunt. Dig for buried treasure at Aqua Rose Gems and Minerals.

Discover small towns and rural hospitality where smiling faces and waves of hello from complete strangers will greet you at every street corner. Connect with the locals to find out what makes a community tick and get tips and suggestions for area hot spots. While they may not give away the location of that secret fishing hole, locals will be quick to tell you where you can find the best meal, most comfortable bed and favorite hang out.

Every community has a story to tell. Explore Wilno – Canada’s First Polish Settlement; Renfrew – the birthplace of the NHA/NHL; Eganville – the Ordovician Fossil Capital of Canada; Barry’s Bay – home of the Avro Arrow; Killaloe – birthplace of the Beavertail; or Pembroke – host of Canada’s largest fiddling and step-dancing competitions.

Let the farmers’ markets be your grocery store. Fresh seasonal produce abounds during the summer months and there is nothing better than knowing the food you are about to eat came from down the road. Taste of the Valley is your one stop shop for organic and natural produce, meat, jams and baking mixes, as well as arts and crafts.

So come wander the Ottawa Valley this summer. You’ll be surprised at what you find.

Check out all your options at this website: www.OttawaValley.travel