Self Drive Tour

Waterways and wilderness

11 Days 10 Nights

From £2399.00 per person

Canada

Comfort

Waterways and Wilderness: A Journey Through Canada’s Canoe Culture

Follow the currents of adventure on this self-drive journey from Toronto to Ottawa, tracing the roots of Canada’s iconic paddling heritage. Over 11 days, you’ll explore vibrant cities, serene lakes, and powerful rivers, all while immersing yourself in hands-on canoe, kayak and rafting experiences. Learn new skills, meet passionate local guides, and stay in unique waterside accommodations—from lakeside resorts to wilderness lodges. Whether you’re gliding through the Toronto Islands, mastering whitewater techniques, or rafting the Ottawa River, this itinerary offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure.

Waterways and Wilderness Self Drive
Departure

Toronto

Departure Date

Various (May - August)

Price From

£2399 per person

Price Includes

  • 10 Nights' Accommodation

  • Compact Rental Car

  • Local accommodation taxes

  • Full Day Small Group Niagara Falls Excursion

  • Madawaska Kanu Zero to Hero Course: Two nights wilderness lodge accommodation (Cabana) and gourmet meal plan (2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 1 Dinner). Two days river instruction with passionate, experienced guides. All necessary paddling equipment and transfer shuttle to and from river locations

  • OWL Rafting - Resort and Rafting Package including: 2 nights' accommodation (Cabana), 4 meals, rafting gear, all waterfront equipment, experienced guide service.

Price Excludes

  • Flights (please let us know if you would like flights including at the time of enquiry)

  • Meals (unless shown in inclusions)

  • Car One Way Drop Off Fee CA$339 payable locally

  • Anything not shown as included

Tour Gallery
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http://Madawaska%20Kanu%20Centre
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http://OWL%20Rafting
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Itinerary
  • Day 1: Toronto

    Welcome to Toronto! After arriving at Pearson International Airport, make your way to your downtown hotel and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, stretch your legs with a walk along the Harbourfront or explore vibrant neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, Queen West, or the Entertainment District.
    If you're up for it, take in the views from the CN Tower, explore the exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum, or relax in a waterfront park.
    Dining Tip: For a casual first-night dinner, try St. Lawrence Market or head to the Distillery District for great food in a historic setting.
    Overnight: Toronto

  • Day 2: Island Adventure and Leisure in Toronto

    Today is perfect for a relaxing yet adventurous paddle. Rent a canoe or kayak from the Harbourfront and explore the Toronto Islands, a chain of peaceful islands with car-free trails, charming homes, hidden lagoons, and great skyline views.
    Pack a picnic or stop for lunch at a café on Ward’s Island. Spend time swimming at Hanlan’s Point Beach, exploring Centre Island, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.
    In the afternoon, return to the city and explore at your own pace — whether it's browsing the boutiques of Queen Street West, relaxing at Sugar Beach, or visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario.

    Optional: Join a sunset paddle or dine at a waterfront restaurant.

    Overnight: Toronto

  • Day 3: Full-Day Excursion to Niagara Falls

    Today, enjoy an included full-day guided excursion to Niagara Falls with See Sight Tours. Departing from Toronto, this immersive tour takes you to one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
    Highlights include:
    Journey behind the falls for a unique perspective
    A thrilling Voyage to the Falls boat tour
    Stops at Table Rock, Niagara Whirlpool, and more
    Time to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming 19th-century village
    The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it a seamless and unforgettable day out.
    Return to Toronto in the early evening.

    Overnight: Toronto

  • Day 4: Toronto to Elmhirst's Resort

    After breakfast, pick up your rental car and begin your self-drive journey northeast to Peterborough, a vibrant city on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
    Your main stop today is the outstanding Canadian Canoe Museum, home to the world's largest collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft. Learn about the Indigenous roots of canoeing and Canada’s rich paddling heritage.
    Later, visit the impressive Peterborough Lift Lock, one of the highest hydraulic lift locks in the world, and enjoy a stroll or bike ride along the scenic canal.
    Optional: Dinner at a local riverside restaurant or pub.

    Overnight: Elmhirst's Resort (2-night stay)

  • Day 5: Relaxation and Activities at Elmhirst's Resort

    Spend a full day enjoying the amenities and natural setting of Elmhirst's Resort, located on the shores of Rice Lake just outside Peterborough. This family-run lakeside retreat offers a range of outdoor activities, from canoeing and paddleboarding to hiking and horseback riding.
    Relax at the spa, savour locally-sourced farm-to-table meals, or take a floatplane tour for a unique view of the Kawarthas.
    Optional: Visit a nearby winery or artisan market in Keene or Hastings.

    Overnight: Elmhirst's Resort

  • Day 6: Emlhirst's Resort to Madawaska Kanu Centre

    Arrival Day for Madawaska Kanu Centre (Sun, Tue, or Fri)

    Today you’ll travel north through the rolling hills of the Madawaska Highlands to the Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC), located near Barry’s Bay. Check in for your 3-day Zero to Hero whitewater paddling course.
    This immersive program is designed for beginners who want to gain confidence on the river. Expert instructors guide you through progressive whitewater canoe or kayak skills in a supportive and fun environment.
    Check into your Cabana accommodation at the MKC and meet fellow adventurers over a hearty welcome dinner.

    Overnight: Madawaska Kanu Centre (Cabana accommodation)

  • Day 7: Whitewater Skills at Madawaska Kanu Centre

    Spend your second day building on the skills introduced on day one. You’ll work with experienced instructors to refine your paddling techniques and gain confidence in navigating rapids.
    Between sessions, enjoy the peaceful natural setting of the MKC campus, share stories with fellow paddlers, and relax in your cosy Cabana.
    Overnight: Madawaska Kanu Centre (Cabana accommodation)

  • Day 8: Madawaska Kanu Centre to OWL Rafting

    Say farewell to MKC and drive east through the Ottawa Valley to the banks of the mighty Ottawa River, home to OWL Rafting. Check in for your 3-day soft-adventure rafting experience, ideal for those seeking gentle thrills with a scenic twist.
    Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of OWL’s wilderness resort, set right on a sandy beach.
    Depending on arrival time, take a stroll along the river, enjoy a swim, or simply kick back with a lakeside view before dinner with fellow guests.

    Overnight: OWL Rafting Resort (Cabana accommodation)

  • Day 9: Soft-Adventure at OWL Rafting

    Today is all about enjoying OWL’s signature soft-adventure rafting experience on the scenic Ottawa River. These guided excursions offer fun and splashy rapids suitable for all ages and experience levels, paired with breathtaking wilderness scenery.
    After your morning on the river, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch and relax at the resort. Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing on the beach, or joining an optional activity like stand-up paddleboarding or a short nature hike.
    Evening suggestion: Share stories around the campfire with fellow adventurers.
    Overnight: OWL Rafting Resort

  • Day 10: OWL Rafting - Ottawa

    Enjoy a leisurely morning at OWL Rafting. Whether it's a final dip in the river, a peaceful paddle, or simply relaxing with a coffee by the water, take time to soak up the serene setting.
    In the afternoon, drive east to Ottawa, Canada’s vibrant capital city. Check in at the historic Lord Elgin Hotel, ideally located within walking distance of Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.
    Spend the evening exploring the lively ByWard Market area or enjoy dinner at one of the city’s excellent bistros.

    Overnight: Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa

  • Day 11: Depart

    Enjoy a final morning exploring Ottawa at your own pace. Stroll through Major’s Hill Park, visit the Canadian Museum of History, or take a final walk along the Rideau Canal.
    When ready, drive to Ottawa International Airport to return your rental car and begin your onward journey.
    End of tour.

Hotels
  • Toronto

    Chelsea Hotel:

    Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Chelsea Hotel is Canada’s largest hotel and a welcoming base for exploring the city. Just steps from bustling Yonge Street, major attractions like the Eaton Centre, Royal Ontario Museum, and vibrant theatre district are all within easy reach. The hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms, a family-friendly atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities—including a dedicated Family Fun Zone, an adult-only pool and fitness centre, and a rooftop deck with sweeping skyline views. Whether you're travelling with kids, as a couple, or solo, the Chelsea blends convenience and comfort in the centre of it all.

  • Elmhirst's Resort

    Elmhirst's Resort:

    Emhirsts ResortSet on the scenic shores of Rice Lake in Ontario’s Kawarthas region, Elmhirst’s Resort is a family-owned retreat that blends rustic charm with warm hospitality. This lakeside haven offers cosy waterfront cottages, farm-to-table dining from its own gardens and farm, and a wide range of seasonal outdoor adventures—from paddling and fishing to horseback riding and snowshoeing. With a strong commitment to sustainability and local heritage, Elmhirst’s invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the best of Ontario’s countryside—all just a couple of hours from Toronto.

  • Madawaska Kanu Centre

    Madawaska Kanu Centre:

    Madawaska Dining

    Nestled in the Ottawa Valley, the Madawaska Kanu Centre is North America’s first whitewater paddling school and a true haven for adventure lovers. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced paddler, MKC offers expert instruction in both kayaking and canoeing on the pristine Madawaska River. Courses are hands-on, fun, and immersive, combining skill-building with river safety in a supportive, community-driven environment. Guests stay in rustic lodge-style accommodation or riverside cabanas, with hearty home-cooked meals included. It’s not just about learning to paddle—it’s about living the river life.

    Accommodation in a Cabana

    Madawaska Cabana

    Off-the-grid Cabanas tucked
    in the woods, based on double
    occupancy with either a Queen
    Bed, or 2 Twin Beds. Washroom
    facilities are a short walk
    away.

  • OWL Rafting

    OWL Rafting:

    Perched on the banks of the legendary Ottawa River, OWL Rafting delivers high-energy whitewater adventures with a twist of comfort. Known for its friendly guides and world-class rapids, OWL offers a variety of rafting experiences—from adrenaline-pumping big water runs to gentler family floats. After the thrill, guests are treated to a hearty BBQ meal served aboard a pontoon boat, cruising back to base in style. With on-site camping, cabins, and beachfront lounging, OWL blends excitement and relaxation in equal measure—making it the perfect spot for a splash-filled escape into nature.

  • Ottawa

    Lord Elgin Hotel:

    A landmark in the heart of Canada’s capital, the Lord Elgin Hotel combines historic charm with modern comfort. Just steps from Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the National Arts Centre, this elegant hotel is perfectly placed for exploring Ottawa’s top sights. Inside, you'll find stylish rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities including a fitness centre and lap pool. With its grand architecture and long-standing reputation for hospitality, the Lord Elgin offers a refined yet relaxed base for discovering the culture, history, and natural beauty of Ottawa.

Enquiry Form

HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Stay Lakeside at Elmhirst’s Resort
    Unwind in a cosy waterfront cottage, savour farm-to-table meals, and enjoy optional paddling, fishing, or horseback riding on Rice Lake.

    Whitewater Training at Madawaska Kanu Centre
    Learn to navigate rapids with expert instructors at North America’s first whitewater paddling school—ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

    Ride the Rapids with OWL Rafting
    Experience the thrill of rafting the Ottawa River, followed by a floating BBQ feast aboard a pontoon boat.

    Discover Vibrant Cities
    Explore Toronto and Ottawa, blending urban energy with nearby nature escapes, from museums and markets to canal paths and bike trails.

    Hands-On Paddling Experiences
    Master essential canoeing and kayaking skills through guided sessions on rivers and lakes central to Canada’s paddling heritage.

    Stay in Unique Waterside Lodges
    Overnight in a mix of rustic-chic lodges, eco-friendly resorts, and charming hotels right on the water’s edge.

    Explore Canada’s Canoe Culture
    Connect with local guides and heritage interpreters to gain a deeper appreciation for Canada’s rich paddling traditions.

  2. Visit the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario, which offers a fascinating look at Canada’s paddling heritage, with hands-on exhibits and the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft.

This itinerary is fully flexible and can be customised to suit your travel plans. While it’s built around a specific departure date, we can adjust the route, activities, and pacing to match your schedule. The paddling season typically runs from late spring to early autumn, giving you plenty of time to dive into the adventure. Whether you’d like to add extra nights, include more time on the water, or mix in other outdoor experiences, we’ll tailor your whitewater journey to be just the way you want it.

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