If you’re eager to immerse yourself in some quintessentially Canadian experiences, look no further than Whitewater Region in the County of Renfrew, in the Upper Ottawa Valley. It’s a four-season playground that offers an especially extensive array of options during warm weather, making it perfect for an unforgettable weekend getaway. As Ontario’s largest county, Renfrew County has so much to offer including legendary small-town charm and hospitality.
Whitewater Region beckons
Planning the ideal escape is easy, thanks to the variety of options in Whitewater Region. As the name implies, this picturesque area along the Ottawa River is renowned for its world-class whitewater rapids, making it a prime destination for kayaking, canoeing and rafting enthusiasts, as well as those who enjoy fishing. Encompassing quaint communities such as Cobden, Beachburg, Foresters Falls and Westmeath, this portion of the Ottawa Valley also delivers stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, cultural and culinary possibilities, plus a range of accommodations. Whether your taste in activities leans towards the adventuresome or the relaxing, you’re sure to fill your itinerary with ease. Rafting on the Ottawa River, for example, can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, ranging from lazy river tubing to gentle family floats to high adventure trips including multi-day excursions.
An array of accommodations
Stay and play options abound at Wilderness Tours and OWL Rafting, both of which have camping, glamping and cabin accommodations. In addition to its waterpark, Splash Valley Waterpark and Resort also offers camping and cabin rentals. Other popular destinations include private and provincial campgrounds as well as the Whitewater Inn, an elegant bed and breakfast with an onsite thermal cycle featuring a sauna and cold plunge circuit.
For more land-based activities, trail and road cycling, mountain biking and hiking are all popular pastimes in Whitewater Region, as is exploring the network of ATV trails. Attending seasonal fairs and festivals, visiting local farmers’ markets, and enjoying some retail therapy in Cobden and Beachburg are a must-do for any visitor.
Refreshing options
If delicious meals and tasty beverages are on your bucket list, be sure to check out The River Barn Pub with its spacious patio or farm-to-table events at the Whitewater Inn. Cobden’s famed Sconed Bakeshop and Sour Jo’s Sourdough Bakery are must-visit spots, dishing up an ever-changing array of sweet and savoury options sure to tempt every palate. For more great local flavours, pop into the award-winning Whitewater Brewery to sample its original and seasonal brews or the WhiteWater O’Brien Winery tasting patio.
And if that isn’t a complete enough itinerary for you, Whitewater Region also offers golfing, museums, historic sites and more. Whether looking for adrenaline thrills, to slow the pace or a little in between, let your sense of adventure guide you to the Ottawa Valley.
