Light at Night 2025: A Look Back at a new Ottawa Paddling Tradition!

As the glow of our last kayak faded into the night this season, we took a moment to reflect on what an incredible summer 2025 has been for Light at Night. This year pushed us in new ways, with paddles through rain, extreme heat, and even smoky wildfire days. It was a real mix of weather, and we’re so grateful to our guests for braving it all with us.

We ran 29 Light at Night tours this year, the most we’ve ever done — and every single one sold out. A huge thank you goes out to Ottawa Tourism for sharing our event and helping spread the word early in the season. Out of all those nights on the canal, we only had to cancel two tours due to high winds and lightning. Safety is always our number one concern, and while we hate to cancel, we need our guests to feel safe and comfortable on the water.

This season wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible team of guides — Marc, Chloee, Ethan, Matt, Sandy, and Scott — who kept every paddle safe, fun, and full of energy.

And we’ll let you in on a little secret: we even had an influencer join us this year! Stay tuned for her big reveal video coming out in spring 2026!

What to Expect on a Light at Night Tour

For anyone curious about what the experience is like, here’s a peek into the journey. We begin at Patterson Creek, a charming and quiet launch point that sets the stage for the evening. From there, we paddle north along the Rideau Canal, winding our way toward the heart of downtown Ottawa.

The route blends natural beauty with city vibrancy. As our guides share stories and commentary, guests discover unique aspects of Ottawa’s history while gliding past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Highlights include the National Arts Centre, the Senate of Canada, the National War Memorial, Parliament Hill, and the top of the Rideau Canal locks 1–8.

By the time the sun sets, the glowing kayaks and illuminated skyline combine to create a magical atmosphere that is both peaceful and unforgettable.

We asked Marc, our lead tour guide, what his favourite memories and moments of the season were. If you paddled with us this summer, chances are you met him out on the water. With his endless energy, humour, and deep love for the Rideau Canal, Marc was at the heart of every tour — in fact, he was on every single one this year except for one! Read on to find out which moments stood out most to him and to us.

Firsts That Made the Season Unforgettable

This year was filled with “firsts” that made the tradition even more special:

• Our first bachelorette party on the water. A group of friends celebrating love under the Ottawa skyline created a memory we’ll never forget.
  
  

• Two fish jumped right into our guests’ kayaks. In all our years running this event, it was the first time we’ve ever seen it happen, and it happened twice!

• Rescuing a tired pigeon. As Marc put it, “We gave it a little break before it went on its way again.”

• A beaver swimming downtown. A rare sight that showed "just how healthy the Rideau Canal has become." - Marc.

• A couple got engaged along the shore. A glowing night paddle provided the perfect backdrop for one of life’s biggest moments.

• A flock of geese flew so low you could almost reach up and tickle their tummies. Marc laughed, “It was wild how close they came overhead!”

• Adorable baby ducklings joined us along the route. They quickly became some of the most photographed “participants” of the season.

• A music video was filmed in our glowing kayaks. We can’t wait to share the finished piece when it’s released!

• A man decided to go skinny dipping. Not on our itinerary, but it made for a memorable story!

Moments That Remind Us Why Safety Matters

Not every first was one we celebrated. We had one guest end up in the water this season. Thankfully, they were safe and smiling, but it was a good reminder of why our safety briefing at the start of each paddle is so important. Learning how to properly get into and out of your kayak, especially if you’re new to paddling, can make all the difference.

The Beauty of the Rideau Canal at Dusk

Of course, the stars of every Light at Night paddle were the countless Ottawa sunsets we shared. The mix of glowing kayaks reflecting on the water, city lights coming alive, and the slow rhythm of the paddle created the kind of magic that photos can capture but only being there can truly explain.

People Who Made It Special

This tradition is about more than just kayaks and lights. We met so many amazing people this year — locals discovering their city in a new way, travelers from across Canada, and even visitors from the United States who planned their trips around this experience. Every paddle brought together a community of explorers, and that’s what makes Light at Night so meaningful.

Marc summed the whole tour up perfectly: “My favourite part was all the people who would stop and chat at Patterson Creek or along the whole route. It was fun to see how people reacted with excitement.”

Did You Know You Can Book a Private Event?

One of the highlights of this season was hosting our very first bachelorette party, and it got us thinking: Light at Night is the perfect backdrop for special occasions.

Did you know you can book a private event with us? Whether it’s a birthday, reunion, bachelorette, team-building activity, or any other celebration you can imagine, we’d love to help you create a one-of-a-kind evening on the water.

Many of our guests have already chosen to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and other milestones with us — and we’d love to celebrate with you too. Join us on a 2026 tour and discover what it’s like to glow in a kayak on the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa with OVAP!

Send us an email today to inquire, and you can even save on pricing for the 2026 season by booking ahead of time.

Thank You

To everyone who joined us this year: thank you. Your laughter, curiosity, and adventurous spirit brought energy to every paddle. To those who contributed photos, stories, and support, we’re grateful to be able to share this Ottawa tradition with you.

See You in 2026

The kayaks are tucked away for now, but the glow will be back. We’re already planning for Light at Night 2026, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to the water for another season of adventure, connection, and unforgettable evenings in downtown Ottawa.