Hi friends—I’m Lana! Co-owner here at Ottawa Valley Air Paddle. Every time I dip my paddle into these waters, I feel incredibly lucky to call the Ottawa Valley home. This region is a paddler’s dream: wide rivers that sparkle in the morning sun, hidden lakes framed by pine forests, and winding creeks that quietly lead to secret coves. Whether I’m launching from a quiet beach or gliding past ancient rock faces, I always feel connected to something greater. This land and these waters are part of the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation, and we honour their deep and enduring relationship to this place.

The waterways here have long been essential to life. For centuries, the Algonquin people travelled these rivers. Champlain passed through on his explorations. Logging barons floated timber south toward Ottawa. These are more than paddling routes—they’re cultural corridors, full of layered stories. And for many of us who live here today, these rivers and lakes continue to shape our lives. Every home that Scott and I have lived in has overlooked the Ottawa River, and we still get excited every time we launch into it.

Let me take you on a tour of some of my favourite spots to paddle in the Ottawa Valley. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or brand new to the sport, I hope this guide helps you fall in love with the water all over again!

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Ottawa River: Western Stretch

Honestly, I could do an entire blog just on this stretch of the river! There is so much to see and so many places to launch from. Strap in, you're in for a ride! 

The mighty Ottawa River, or Kitchisippi as it was known to the Algonquin, stretches 1,270 kilometres from Quebec to Montreal. It's the heartbeat of the Valley. We've swum in it, paddled through its calm back bays, and sat with coffee on our porch watching it shimmer in the morning light.

The western Ottawa River offers an incredibly diverse landscape for paddlers—sandy beaches, island chains, historic landmarks, and some of the most scenic views in the Valley.

Arnprior

At the eastern edge of the Ottawa Valley sits our home base - Arnprior. A charming river town where the Madawaska meets the Ottawa. With access to two major waterways, it’s a favourite hub for paddlers looking for both flatwater and current.

After a paddle, it’s always worth sticking around town—grab a bite at one of our favourite restaurants: Lumbertown, Negi’s Pub, or Krave Bistro, and of course, come say hello to us at Ottawa Valley Air Paddle! An after paddle dessert at Mallard's Milk Bar is also in order - try one of their homemade, unique flavours!

McLean Beach: Arnprior’s best-kept secret. Just a short paddle downstream from Robert Simpson Park, this sandy beach is the site of our annual PaddleFest and home to the OVAP Demo Centre. We absolutely love this little spot for its calm waters, laid-back atmosphere, and postcard-worthy sunsets. We also live nearby, so this is our go-to paddling location! We love to paddle downriver into Goodwins Bay - a beautiful untouched sandy beach in the middle of the wilderness. There are a few more little bays to explore through here, and you can even get to the mouth of the Mississippi River if you continue paddling downstream. 

PaddleFest at McLean Beach, Arnprior

Robert Simpson Park: The town’s most popular waterfront area. Situated at the confluence of the Ottawa and Madawaska Rivers, this park features 200m of pristine sand with a supervised swimming area, splash pad, playground, band shell, and public washrooms. It’s also a frequent spot for town events—there’s nothing quite like paddling up to live music or yoga on the lawn. From here, you can paddle upstream towards Braeside. There is a little creek called Dochart Creek that you can explore just past Gillies Grove. It is quite shallow through here, so just be aware of your surroundings and what's below the surface. 

Robert Simpson Park Beach, Arnprior

Braeside

Braeside Beach: This stony beach is another quiet spot that only the locals know about. There is a dock and a boat launch here for easy launching. This is a very large and wide section of the Ottawa River and doesn't have a ton of small bays or inlets to explore, but it is a beautiful spot for sunsets! Just keep an eye out for boat traffic and high winds when launching here.

Braeside Beach sunset, Braeside

Horton

Horton Boat Launch: This boat launch can bring you either up the tail end of the Bonnechere River to Bonnechere Falls (First Chute), or you can head out towards the Ottawa River. There are some cool bays like Toweys Bay and Fergusons Bay to explore here. This is another very wide section of the Ottawa, but if you have a capable touring kayak and have been kayaking for a while, you could cross the river over to Sand Bay on the Quebec side. There are so many cool islands and bays to check out over here. We haven't done it yet ourselves, but it's a bucket list destination for us! 

Bonnechere Falls or "First Chute", Horton

Portage-du-Fort

Just across the Quebec border, you’ll find a small boat launch below the dam at the end of Rue Main. Paddle downstream from here and you can go all the way past Arnprior to Chats Dam—approximately 40 km of beautiful, ever-changing shoreline. We haven’t explored all the islands along this route yet, but they’re high on our list!

Boat Launch, Portage-du-Fort

There’s also a second launch in Portage-du-Fort—at the top of chemin de Outaouais—which gives you access to the upstream section. Paddle under the remains of a decommissioned train bridge that once carried the Canadian Northern Ontario Railway, and explore the upper river. Just be cautious around the dam, and always keep an eye on boat traffic—this part of the river can be busy, especially near OWL rafting zone. I've never paddled this part of the river, but it's also on my OV bucket list! 

Forrester’s Falls

The Municipal Boat Launch: Located at Acres Road just outside of Forresters Falls is a great early morning launch spot. If you're up for a sunrise paddle, this launch is hard to beat.

La Passe

Further north, the La Passe Public Boat Launch is your gateway to a maze of islands and bays. It’s absolutely stunning here, but be sure to grab a map (for real - cell service is very spotty out here) and stay alert—you’ll be paddling above a number of rapids in this section.

La Passe Public Boat Launch, La Passe

Westmeath

From the Westmeath Boat Ramp, you can paddle upstream past the unique sand dunes at Westmeath Provincial Park. The hills around here roll gently in the distance, making for a peaceful and scenic day trip.

Looking North up the Ottawa River at the Westmeath Public Boat Ramp, Westmeath

WhiteWater O'Brien Winery is on the same road as the boat launch and is totally worth the stop for some delicious wine or a picnic in the vineyard! 

Pembroke

Set along the mighty Ottawa River, Pembroke blends small-town charm with urban convenience—making it an ideal stop for paddlers. As the largest commercial centre between North Bay and Ottawa, it offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, with quick access to some great paddling in the Valley.

Pembroke’s well-developed waterfront is a gem, featuring a full-service marina, riverside parks, and beautiful launch points. Whether you're paddling into Allumette Lake or watching the sunset from the boardwalk, the views here are hard to beat.

Hungry after your paddle? We love The Butcher’s Wife, Nomada Tacos, The Courtyard Bistro, and The Nook Creperie Inc.

For a little retail therapy, check out Ottawa Valley Apparel, Pick-It-Fence, West on Main, and Pure Canadian Candle Co.—each offering a unique local shopping experience.

With its scenic shoreline, strong community spirit, and easy river access, Pembroke is more than a launch point—it’s a destination worth staying a while.

George Matheson Park: Located just outside of Pembroke, across the river from Westmeath. There is a short path leading to the river, and it is a wonderful place for a quick paddle and picnic. You can safely launch from here and explore Allumette Lake. Avoid heading too far upstream, as Ile Morrison is surrounded by rapids on either side. The good news is that you'll be at the bottom of them here and far from any rapids downstream.

Pembroke Waterfront: At the Pembroke Waterfront, you'll find big water and big views. This area can get windy, so be cautious. But, on a nice calm evening, a sunset paddle here is absolutely breathtaking, and I can't recommend it enough. Launch from the marina and paddle upstream along the many bays and coves. If you make it up past the Pembroke Golf Club, you will come across a bunch of small islands scattered around a point just before MacGregor Bay. This is a really cool spot to paddle through, but watch your depth around the islands. 

Waterfront at the marina, Pembroke

Hazley Bay: As mentioned above, Ile Morrison has rapids on either side of it, so steer clear of the island. The west side of Cotnom Island is much safer to paddle around, and one of our favourite outings is paddling downstream into Hazley Bay—a serene, cottage-lined inlet that’s about 7 km from the Waterfront Park launch site. 

Petawawa Point

Tucked between towering pines and the powerful flow of the Ottawa River, Petawawa is a hidden gem for paddlers. Known for its sandy shoreline, quiet coves, and easy river access, it’s a fantastic spot to explore both nature and history by water.

Petawawa Point Beach is another favourite—a paddler’s paradise with its sandy beach and calm coves. From here, hook around to the left to explore Black Bay, or head out to remote islands, or paddle upstream toward Black Bear Beach at CFB Petawawa (which is usually restricted to base access unless you’re paddling!).

Petawawa Point Beach, Petawawa

Fort William

And if you’re up for a real adventure, paddle all the way to Fort William—also known as Hotel Pontiac or as the locals call it, simply "The Fort". It's about a 5.5km paddle from Petawawa Point, and it's totally worth it. Located on a sandy beach, this historic resort started as a Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post in 1823. It’s now a local gem with a laid-back tavern and patio you can beach at. The original two-storey house still stands and adds a sense of time travel to your visit. This is easily one of the coolest and most unique paddle-up destinations in the region.

Hotel Pontiac, Sheenboro, QC

Oiseau Rock

Towering 150 metres high above the Quebec shoreline, across from Chalk River, Oiseau Rock—or Migizi Kiishkaabikaan—is a sacred Algonquin site adorned with ancient pictographs. Paddling beneath this cliff is a reverent, humbling experience. Please respect the land: do not touch the rock face or climb—this place holds deep cultural meaning.

To get here, you would have to paddle 16km from Petawawa Point, or 13kms from Lamure Beach in Deep River. 

Alternatively (if you really want to reach it - and believe me - it's an amazing sight!), you could launch from Fort William and be there in a mere 10kms. Not a lot closer, but a little! Honestly, getting to Oiseau Rock is amazing, but I've only ever been by means of a motorboat, which was a lot easier! 

Oiseau Rock, Sheenboro, QC

Deep River

Heading north, Deep River is nestled along the Ottawa River with the Laurentian Mountains rising across the water. It’s one of the most breathtaking backdrops I’ve seen while paddling in Ontario.

Pictured below, the bay between Lamure Beach and the marina is pure magic—dotted with sailboats and houseboats and surrounded by sandy beaches and forested trails. The sunsets here will stop you in your tracks. You’ll find plenty of places to swim, picnic, or just float and enjoy the view.

Looking Northwest from Riverbank Park, Deep River

Mount Martin towers in the distance, and the surrounding area is rich in wildlife, beaver ponds, and a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests. 

Have a little time to spare in Deep River? Check out a few of my favourite stops: rĒCo Refillery, re.Planted Farm & Florals and Sweetened By Shelly.

You’ll find three great launch spots, all quite close to each other. From each, you can explore a wide-open section of the Ottawa River. It’s a busy spot, so keep an eye out for boat traffic—but if you’ve got a capable kayak, crossing over to the Quebec side rewards you with kilometre after kilometre of white, sandy beaches. Between the hilly backdrop and the quiet shoreline, it’s tough to beat for top paddling views in the Valley.

Pine Point Beach: A true Ottawa Valley gem. Over 200 metres of soft, white sand and a gradual drop-off make for a dreamy entry. While swimming and launching, keep your eyes out for bald eagles overhead. The beach is backed by a majestic mixed forest with walking trails that make for a perfect post-paddle stroll.

Pine Point Beach, Deep River

Lamure Beach: A beautiful, family-friendly sandy beach that stretches around 150 metres. The drop-off is very gradual, with a buoy-lined swimming area and lifeguards on duty. Amenities include a gazebo, picnic area, washrooms, parking, volleyball net, and a kids’ play structure.

Deep River Marina: Provides docks and a boat launch for easy access to the river. You can also launch from the sandy area directly to the left of the marina beside the play structure. If you're looking for a post-paddle treat, The Hexagon Waterfront Patio & Restaurant is a must-visit for food with an incredible view.

Deep River Marina, Deep River

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Bonnechere River, Round Lake & Golden Lake

The Bonnechere River flows 145 km from Algonquin Provincial Park to the Ottawa River, east and north of Renfrew. Its name likely comes from the French words bonne (good, fair, or pretty) and chère (dear, fond, or darling), though the exact meaning is open to interpretation.

There are five "chutes" or waterfalls along the Bonnechere River. The First Chute is located in Horton, Second in Renfrew, Third in Douglas, and Fourth Chute in Eganville. The chutes used were for moving timber past rapids and waterfalls.

Along its course, the river passes through both Round Lake and Golden Lake. In the mid-1920s, a dam was constructed downstream of Round Lake and upstream of the Tramore Bridge, flooding the surrounding land. The original shoreline once sat about 75 yards beyond where it lies today.

Round Lake

Round Lake is the first major lake along the course of the Bonnechere River, which begins at McKaskill Lake in Algonquin Park. It’s a deep, clear lake—reaching depths of up to 55 metres (180 feet)—and features three small islands that are perfect for a relaxed paddle loop. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs, soak in the views, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Two provincial parks border the lake: Bonnechere Provincial Park on the northwestern shore, and Foy Provincial Park to the east. Each offers a unique paddling experience.

Sheryl Boyle Park

This sandy beach offers a convenient launch with public restrooms on-site. From here, paddle north along the shoreline to reach the mouth of the Bonnechere River. On our last trip, we passed sand dunes and marshes teeming with wildlife. The mosquitoes were fierce, but the journey—meandering through forest and campsites—was absolutely worth it. (Check out our full blog from this paddle!)

Sheryl Boyle Park, Round Lake

Foy Provincial Park Beach

A non-operating park with a rugged feel, Foy doesn’t have maintained facilities or charge day-use fees. Parking is limited (along Red Rock Road), and it’s about a 100-metre walk to the beach. The shoreline is coarse and sandy, but great for launching. From here you can paddle around the point to explore a wide bay and nearby islands.

At the northeast end of the lake, you’ll also find a small canal that leads into Sebright Bay before flowing over Burnt Dam—a quiet, scenic spot to extend your paddle if conditions allow.

Golden Lake

Golden Lake stretches about 12 km in length and is partially home to the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation. It’s a three-part lake, with the largest basin on the west end, a smaller middle section, and a narrow eastern tip where it flows into the Bonnechere River.

The lake is popular for its smallmouth bass and Northern pike fishing, and features a soft, sandy bottom in most areas. It reportedly gets its name from flecks of pyrite—also known as “fool’s gold”—that shimmer near the shoreline. Fun fact: the neighbouring Lake Doré is actually French for “golden lake.”

If you're visiting Golden Lake, don’t miss a stop at The Cottage Cup & The Boathouse BBQ & Fries—a cozy gift shop with great eats—or treat yourself to a lakeside meal at The Sands on Golden Lake for a more upscale experience.

Deacon Boat Launch

Located between Golden Lake and Round Lake, this is a great launch for exploring either direction. Paddle up the Bonnechere toward Round Lake, passing under the historic covered bridge at Covered Bridge Park, and continue as far as Tramore Dam (portage required). Or head into Golden Lake itself to tour around its sandy shores and clear waters. This is a large, open lake—so always check the wind forecast and be cautious of boat traffic.

Rest Stop on Golden Lake

Just off Highway 60, this small rest area offers a peaceful launch point to explore the lake’s sandy shoreline and nearby cottages. Like much of Golden Lake, this area is exposed, so paddling is best done on calm days.

Island View Park

This easy-access launch has parking and puts you right into the action. Paddle around Beattys Island, explore small inlets and bays, or pass under the Pikwàkanagàn bridge to follow the Bonnechere down to the Golden Lake Dam. Depending on the time of year, this section can be shallow and lightly flowing—so keep an eye out for low water or light rapids.

Coles Creek (for the adventurous!)

On the southwest side of the lake, you’ll find Coles Creek—a winding waterway that meanders a couple of kilometres inland toward Killaloe. I’m not sure if it’s navigable all the way (the depth and possible rapids might make things tricky), but it’s definitely on my must-try list!

Renfrew

Renfrew holds a special place in both sports and regional history. Known as one of the founding communities of the NHL, it was originally settled in the early 19th century thanks to the booming logging industry. The Bonnechere River played a vital role—used to float timber downstream to places like Ottawa.

The town is home to the Second Chute, one of five major chutes along the Bonnechere, located right beside the McDougall Mill Museum and flowing under Highway 60. While there’s no great spot to launch at the base of the chute, I recently discovered that there is a public launch point above the dam—and it opens up a whole stretch of this historic river to explore!

Town of Renfrew Boat Launch: From here, you can paddle upstream for many kilometres. In the right conditions, you can even make it as far as Third Chute near Douglas. The route winds past peaceful farmland and marshy hideaways—perfect for a quiet day on the water surrounded by birdsong and valley views.

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Madawaska River

The Madawaska River flows 230 km from Algonquin Park to the Ottawa River, offering everything from tranquil flatwater to small rapids and hidden lakes. There are so many launch points along the Mad River, but many feature whitewater stretches. This blog is focusing more on flatwater areas, so I will give you launch points that better suit calm paddling.

Madawaska, ON

Madawaska Boat Launch: Just off Highway 60, this boat launch near the Madawaska Complex is a hidden gem. There’s plenty of parking and a dock for easy access—and bonus points for the clean public washrooms in the Complex! The launch can be a little tricky to find at first, but if you follow the small laneway past the baseball diamonds, you’ll spot the launch at the end.

Boat Launch, Madawaska

We paddled north from here through winding creeks that opened into a still, mirror-like pond—it felt like we were worlds away from civilization until a couple of hidden cottages peeked out from the shoreline. It’s a peaceful, quiet paddle I’d absolutely recommend if you’re in the area.

Check out my full blog post about this adventure here!

If you head downstream under the nearby bridge, there’s a small creek to explore, and further on, Moore Creek, which leads to Moore Creek Falls which looks like a pretty significant waterfall for southern Ontario! These falls are located on crown land, and you can have exclusive access by paddling to them. I haven’t paddled that section yet, but it’s high on my list!

There is a second launching spot at the Upper Madawaska Canoe Launch as well in Madawaska Community Park (J. R. Booth Memorial). 

Kamaniskeg Lake

Bark Lake

Located just off Highway 523, this park features both a boat launch and a beautiful sandy beach—ideal for launching your kayak or canoe. This wide, open section of the Madawaska River, known as Bark Lake, offers vast, scenic paddling. Since it’s quite exposed, be cautious on windy days and stick closer to shore when possible. Most of the land surrounding the lake is Crown land, making it one of the more untouched and wild places to explore in the Valley.

Mayflower Centennial Park (Combermere): This spot provides public docks for an easy launch into the river. From here, you can paddle upstream into Johnson Creek and Rockingham Creek—both peaceful, meandering streams, though quite shallow in places, so keep an eye on your depth.

A little farther downstream from Combermere, you can enter the York River near Mayhews Landing. From what I can tell on satellite view, there’s a long section of paddling available before reaching some rapids north of Havergal—though I haven’t paddled this stretch myself yet, so please proceed with caution!

Madawaska Canoe Launch: Between Palmer Rapids and Griffith, you’ll find this launch just off Hyland Creek Road, with parking available about 200 metres from the water. It’s a great put-in for a roughly 5 km stretch of flatwater, nestled between two sets of rapids. If whitewater is your thing, you’ll be in your element—but if you’re more into flatwater paddling like me, be aware of current and conditions in this fast-moving section.

Canoe Launch, Griffith

Griffith: Also off Hyland Creek Road, near its junction with Highway 41, this remote area offers a beautiful downstream paddle through Centennial Lake and Black Donald Lake. It’s wild, peaceful, and filled with opportunities for long-haul exploration—perfect if you’re craving a multi-hour adventure through less-traveled waters.

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Further south, you’ll find:
 
Centennial Lake & Black Donald Lake

Before we dive into launch points, I wanted to share a bit of the haunting history behind these stunning lakes.

When you look out across Centennial Lake, it’s hard to imagine that much of what lies beneath was once thriving farmland and homesteads. Entire communities—including ghost towns like Glenfield—were lost when the area was flooded in the 1960s. While some remnants like old roads or foundations might still be visible on land, others—like the village of Black Donald Mines—are now completely submerged, never to be visited again.

Black Donald Lake is deep (150 ft), dramatic, and full of mystery. Beneath its surface lies the former mining town of the same name, once a vibrant community built around a graphite mine in Brougham Township. When the Mountain Chute Generating Station and dam were constructed in 1966, the backwater from the project flooded 8,500 acres—including White Fish Lake and the town itself. It took six months to fill, and by the time it was done, both the lake and village had vanished beneath 80 feet of water.

All that remains are memories, a few weathered photographs, a historical plaque, and a book—The Black Donald Story by Rita Quilty. 

Centennial Lake

L-shaped and scenic, Centennial Lake sits mostly within the Township of Greater Madawaska in Renfrew County. Its primary inflow is the Madawaska River at Camel Chute to the northwest, with a secondary inflow from Mackie Creek at the south. The river continues out of the lake at the northeast, flowing into Black Donald Lake. These waters are now used primarily for recreation, tourism, and cottaging.

Centennial Lake Boat Launch
Found along Centennial Lake Road, just before the causeway if you're heading toward Griffith. This launch gives you access to countless inlets, bays, and small islands—many formed by the flooding decades ago. It's a dreamy place to spend the day exploring quiet, meandering channels.

Centennial Lake Boat Launch, Greater Madawaska

Matawatchan Road Launch (unlisted)
A smaller access point near Griffith, found along Matawatchan Road. While not marked as a public launch on Google Maps, locals have used it regularly—it should be accessible, but always use good judgment and ensure you’re not crossing private property.

Along Matawatchan Rd, near Camel Chute, Greater Madawaska

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Black Donald Lake

What was once White Fish Lake is now part of Black Donald Lake, a vast and deep reservoir that offers a quiet, rugged paddling experience. You won’t see any trace of the town below, but there’s something powerful about paddling over its history.

Black Donald Lake Public Access Ramp
Located near the southwest corner of the lake, this ramp offers a quiet and scenic launch. From here, you can explore long island chains, narrow creeks, and quiet back bays. The former site of Black Donald Mines lies on the eastern side of the lake, near the Black Donald Tent & Trailer Park—though submerged and invisible, its story adds a reverent depth to the experience.

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Continue down the Madawaska past Calabogie Lake (which has its own entire section below!) and you will reach the final launch spots along the Madawaska before it reaches the Ottawa River here in Arnprior.

Cherry Point Picnic Park: This section of the Madawaska River can have light rapids depending on the time of year, so it’s always best to check current water levels before heading out. That said, when we launched from here one June, the conditions were perfect. The launch isn’t sandy—it’s quite rocky—so I highly recommend wearing water shoes with good grip.

Just east of Cherry Point Picnic Park, Calabogie

We paddled 12.5 km downstream from Cherry Point to Burnstown Beach on our Atoll SUPs. It was a peaceful, scenic trip that took about four hours at a relaxed pace, and one we’d happily do again.

Burnstown Beach: This is a beautiful spot with about 100 metres of sandy shoreline, a playground, public washrooms, and even kayaks available for rent on-site. Whether you’re paddling upstream or down, Burnstown makes a great starting point. Heading downstream, you can reach the Stewartville Generating Station, about 5 km away.

Heading under the Burnstown Bridge, Burnstown

If you're launching or wrapping up your paddle here, don’t miss out on Blackbird Café or the Neat Coffee Shop—two fantastic local spots for a post-paddle meal or live entertainment. Both are definitely worth the stop - tried and tested! 

Claybank Boat Launch: One of our absolute favourites. The sunsets here are EPIC, and the access is easy. We often paddle upstream into Hanson’s Creek, about 2 km from the launch. Once inside the creek, you can paddle another 2 km to a small waterfall—a hidden little treasure at the end of the journey. 

Hanson's Creek, McNab (Arnprior)

On our first paddle here, we even spotted a white-tailed deer at the edge of the creek—our only deer sighting while paddling to date! It’s quiet, scenic, and peaceful, and we keep coming back year after year.

There are lots of other small creeks in the area you could explore as well from this launch point.

Note: If you’re towing a trailer, a parking permit is required at Claybank.

Public Boat Ramp at Head Pond: This area has one of the most fascinating transformations in the Valley. The Head Pond or Lake Madawaska that you see today didn't exist back in 1975. It was created when the Arnprior Generating Station was constructed in '76. One of my favourite things to do (yes, I'm a history nerd!) is to look at the archived aerial photos of Arnprior to see how the Madawaska River looked before it was flooded. It's crazy to think that so much of that area was all farmland and roads. Even a cemetery had to be dug up and moved (Malloch Road Cemetery in Braeside). It's great for the homes and lots that got instant waterfront, though! Talk about a rise in property value! 

Above the Arnprior Dam at Head Pond, Arnprior

One of the coolest features that I assume was from the flooding, is the network of small “finger” creeks on the far side of the pond. They look like tree roots from above—likely shaped by the rising water. There are tons of these small "finger" creeks along this part of the Madawaska River and I've only explored a handful of them (pun intended).

Safety tip: Always keep a safe distance from dams. The current can become dangerously strong when it's released. Wear your PFD and never paddle close to any hydro infrastructure.

Arnprior Boat Ramp: Just before the Madawaska meets the Ottawa River, you’ll find a launch in Arnprior proper. Depending on the dam’s status, you may notice a strong current here—especially if the weir is open. On calmer days, you can paddle upstream to the weir itself, or downstream into the Ottawa River. For any motorboat users, this launch also has a gas bar. 

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Calabogie Lake

Also part of the Madawaska River system, Calabogie Lake is located within the geographic townships of Bagot and Blythfield. Originally a natural lake, it was expanded to its current size with the construction of the Calabogie Station dam and generating station during the First World War. Today, it’s home to the welcoming communities of Calabogie, Grassy Bay, and Barryvale.

Calabogie is one of my favourite places to visit in the Valley. The picturesque landscape, the tranquil lake, the trendy restaurants—there’s so much to love about this place, and I always enjoy my time here. Whether you’re paddling, hiking, or relaxing with a local craft beer, Calabogie makes it easy to unwind.

Calabogie Lake, Calabogie

Historically, Calabogie was a stop along the Kingston & Pembroke Railway (K&P)—a line that connected Kingston to Pembroke in the early 1900s. Originally seen as a major business opportunity, the railway supported the region’s booming lumber, mining, and agricultural industries. Today, the old railbed lives on as the K&P Trail, a scenic multi-use route popular for hiking, ATVing, and snowmobiling.

While you're in the area, check out some of our go-to spots:

• On the Rocks is my favourite restaurant in all of the Valley. It's located at Calabogie Lodge, and it has a stunning waterfront patio with a view of Manitou Mountain, and you can even paddle right up to the dock!
  
  

• The Redneck Bistro is a little more laid back, but it has some of my hearty pub faves! I love their backwoods decor! 

• Canthooks Restaurant at Calabogie Peaks also offers upscale dining at the resort. I love their private back patio that overlooks the pond and the hill. 
  

• Calabogie Brewing Co. is a great stop for lakeside craft beers, some of the best in the Valley! 

• Oh-el-la Café This instagram-worthy cafe is perfect for a fresh, boho coffee or delicious brunch vibes. 

Planning to stay overnight? Calabogie Lodge and Calabogie Peaks both make great home bases for exploring the area from their private docks. 

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Launch Points on Calabogie Lake

Heritage Point: Off Lanark Road, this launch offers plenty of parking and a dock for easy access. From here, paddle east toward Grassy Bay, which you can access through a small culvert along the causeway. It’s peaceful, protected, and a perfect spot to ease into the lake’s beauty.

Heritage Point, Calabogie

Barnet Park: This public beach features a boat launch, dock, swimming area, gazebo, and picnic tables. From here, I like to paddle southwest along the shoreline to Legree’s Bay, where a small creek leads to a lovely little waterfall.

Barryvale (K&P Causeway End): At the end of Barryvale Road, this small launch point near the K&P Trail causeway is quiet and scenic. Paddle into Grassy Bay, or explore further south into Camerons Bay and Little Sand Bay. You can also walk the causeway for a unique view of the lake.

Calabogie Peaks: If you're staying at Calabogie Peaks, guests have access to a private sandy beach with kayak rentals. Non-guests can pay for day use ($29/day) to enjoy the facilities. Don’t miss a post-paddle stop at the Boathouse Bar & Grill for drinks and snacks with a view.

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White Lake

White Lake is a bit of a hidden gem—about 16 km long, shallow, and excellent for fishing (bass, walleye, and pike are just a few of the main species in this lake). White Lake offers a ton of small bays and islands to explore. One of our favourites is sneaking into Hayes Bay through The Canal. You can continue all the way into Bane Bay for a longer adventure. The forested shoreline is so pristine and picturesque!

You can launch at the boat launches below: 

Waba Cottage Museum and Gardens: You’ll need a permit if towing a trailer. Walk around the grounds and bring a picnic to fully experience this spot.

Public Boat Ramp: Located at the south tip of the lake off Wabalac Side Road.

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Mississippi River

Though technically not part of Renfew County, the Mississippi River deserves an honourable mention in this post. There are lots of great launching spots, and it's a great, beginner-friendly river. 

The Mississippi River (not to be confused with the famous U.S. one!) winds its way through farmland, marshy flats, and tree-lined bends. We’ve spotted herons, loons, turtles—and on lucky days, even bald eagles and great egrets along this route. It’s full of peaceful charm and often feels like your own private water trail.

Pakenham: Paddle above the falls from Pakenham Beach and head upstream to Blakeney Falls. Or, launch below the falls at Five Span Park and head downstream toward Galetta for a gentle, meandering paddle.

Making a stop in Pakenham? Be sure to check out the General Store & Keepers Cafe! Two very cool spots! 

Heading under the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail bridge, Pakenham

Almonte: Like Pakenham, Almonte offers paddling options above and below its picturesque falls. Launch from the sandy Almonte Beach at the fairgrounds to explore upstream toward Appleton, or drop in below the falls at Metcalfe Geoheritage Park for a scenic paddle downstream to Blakeney.

If time allows for it... Almonte has a ton of great restaurants, but a few of my favourites are the patio at The Sterling, the Barley Mow patio, and Cafe Positano. If you have time for a little shopping, be sure to stop in at Bay & Balm Apothecary and Cheerfully Made Goods + Markets. 

Boat Launch at Metcalfe Geoheritage Park, Almonte

Appleton Bay Park also provides great river access with an easy launch point.

We’ve also paddled from the old "boat launch" at Hunt Line Road and Old Highway 17, but it's really not a boat launch at all. It's more like a rocky drop-off and is best suited for experienced paddlers with good footwear and patience.

 

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🎣 Love Kayak Fishing?

The Madawaska River, Ottawa River, Bonnechere River, Muskrat Lake, Calabogie Lake, White Lake and Kamaniskeg Lake are all featured in our top 10 favourite fishing destinations in the OV. Read the blog here: Top 10 Fishing Spots in the Ottawa Valley

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Help Us Grow the List!

Did we miss your favourite paddling spot in the Valley? Let us know! We're always updating this blog as we explore new areas and uncover more of the hidden gems the Ottawa Valley has to offer.

Whether you're into sunset SUP sessions, tranquil kayak outings, or long-haul canoe treks, there's a route for every paddler here. Pack your gear, plan your route, and we’ll see you on the water. 🛶

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Conclusion

Phew—what a journey! If you made it all the way to the end of this blog, I applaud you. This blog took me quite some time to compile, but I enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve learned so much more about the Valley through the research and storytelling that went into this guide, and I hope you’ve learned something new, too. More importantly, I hope you’re feeling inspired to grab your paddle and explore one of these incredible spots for yourself!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post. If you're looking for even more paddling adventures, especially in and around the city of Ottawa, be sure to check out our companion blog: Best Places to Kayak & Paddleboard in Ottawa.

Are you as passionate about paddling the Ottawa Valley as I am? Check out our "Paddle the Valley" t-shirts!

With love from the Valley, 
Lana