OVAP Tours: Cancellation, Refund & Guest Policy

This policy applies to all Ottawa Valley Air Paddle guided tour experiences, including Light at Night Kayaking, Kaleidoscope Kayaking, Witches Paddle, and other guided events.

Last updated: May 18, 2026

1. Cancellations and Refunds

Tour tickets are refundable up to 14 days before the event date. After this two-week window, all sales become non-refundable unless Ottawa Valley Air Paddle cancels the event.

Tickets may be transferred to another person at any time before the event. To request a transfer, email tours@ovap.ca. Both the original purchaser and the new ticket holder must confirm and acknowledge the transfer in writing before the transfer is considered complete.

Please do not purchase tickets from individuals on Facebook or other social media platforms. These are often scams. OVAP is not responsible for reimbursing fraudulent, resold, or third-party tickets purchased outside our official booking process.

Refunds are available when:

• A refund is requested at least 14 days before the event date.
• Ottawa Valley Air Paddle cancels the event.

Refunds are not provided for:

• Customer cancellations made within 14 days of the event.
• No shows.
• Unused tickets.
• Personal weather concerns when OVAP has not officially cancelled or postponed the event.

If OVAP cancels an event

If Ottawa Valley Air Paddle cancels a tour, rental, event, or demo centre appointment for safety or weather-related reasons, guests may choose one of the following options:

• Reschedule for a future available date.
• Receive a full refund.
• Receive store credit.

If OVAP postpones an event

If an event is postponed and you are unable to attend the new date, we will issue a credit for a future event.

2. Weather-Related Cancellations

Safety is our top priority. We closely monitor weather and water conditions before each tour and may cancel or postpone tours in the event of unsafe or hazardous conditions, including:

• High winds.
• Thunderstorms or lightning.
• Heavy rain.
• Unsafe water conditions.
• Other hazardous conditions that may affect guest or guide safety.

We do not cancel for light rain. Please come prepared with appropriate weather gear, layers, and footwear suitable for getting a little wet.

Special note for Kaleidoscope Kayaking

Kaleidoscope Kayaking is connected to the Les Grands Feux fireworks schedule. If Les Grands Feux cancels or postpones the fireworks due to weather or any other reason, OVAP will follow suit and cancel or postpone our event as well.

In this situation, OVAP will refund the ticket fee or follow the applicable postponement process. No additional compensation will be provided for travel, parking, meals, accommodations, or other related expenses.

3. Notification Process

If a cancellation or postponement is necessary, we will notify affected customers as soon as possible using the contact information provided at the time of booking. Please ensure your contact information, and your guests’ contact information when applicable, is accurate when booking.

4. Guest Equipment Policy

For all Ottawa Valley Air Paddle guided experiences, including Light at Night Kayaking and Kaleidoscope Kayaking, guests are required to use the kayaks provided by OVAP.

This policy helps ensure each participant is covered under our liability insurance, which applies to OVAP’s own fleet. Our tours are also designed around a specific visual experience. Our kayaks are outfitted with specialized LED lighting that supports both on water safety and the atmosphere of the event. We are unable to adapt personal watercraft with this equipment on the day of the tour.

Using a consistent fleet also allows our guides to manage the group effectively, as they are trained on the handling and stability of our boats. This policy applies to all guests without exception, including guests who have purchased equipment from our retail store.

5. Kayak Weight Capacity Policy

To support safety, stability, and proper equipment performance, all participants must comply with OVAP’s kayak weight limits. Weight limits include the participant, personal gear, and belongings.

Solo kayaks, Oru Beach

• Maximum capacity: 300 lbs.
• For the best paddling experience and safe operation, we strongly recommend that guests paddling a solo kayak weigh no more than 290 lbs once personal items and gear are included.

Tandem kayaks, Oru Haven

• Maximum combined capacity: 500 lbs.
• For optimal safety and performance, we recommend that the combined weight of both paddlers and their gear does not exceed 480 lbs.

OVAP reserves the right to make final kayak assignments based on safety, stability, weather, and water conditions.

6. PFD and Life Jacket Requirement

All guests must wear a properly fitted personal flotation device, also known as a PFD or life jacket, while participating in OVAP guided kayak tours.

PFDs are provided by OVAP and must be worn as instructed by our guides. Guests may bring their own Transport Canada approved PFD, provided it is in good condition and fits properly.

Guests who refuse to wear a PFD or life jacket will not be permitted to participate in the tour, and no refund will be issued. This requirement applies to all participants, regardless of swimming ability or paddling experience.

7. Guide and Safety Compliance

Guests must follow all instructions provided by OVAP staff and guides at all times. Failure to follow safety instructions may result in removal from the tour without refund.

8. Alcohol, Smoking, Drug Use and Impairment

For the safety of all guests and guides, participants must not be impaired by alcohol, cannabis, drugs, or any other substance before or during the tour.

OVAP reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone who appears impaired or whose behaviour creates a safety concern for themselves, other guests, or our guides. In these situations, no refund will be issued.

Smoking, vaping, and cannabis use are not permitted while participating in OVAP guided experiences or while using OVAP equipment. Guests are also asked not to smoke or vape while seated in kayaks to help protect our equipment, our environment, and the comfort of other participants.

9. Personal Belongings and Valuables

Guests are responsible for their own personal belongings during all OVAP experiences.

We strongly recommend storing phones, keys, wallets, cameras, and other valuables in a waterproof dry bag while on the water. Guests are welcome to bring their own dry bags or purchase one from OVAP before the tour.

OVAP is not responsible for lost, stolen, or water damaged personal items.

10. Minimum Age Requirements

Participants must be 12 years or older to paddle their own single kayak.

Children riding in a tandem kayak with an adult should be 8 years or older. This recommendation helps ensure they can sit comfortably, follow guide instructions, and safely participate for the full duration of the tour.

All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present for the entire tour.

For evening or specialty tours such as Light at Night Kayaking and Kaleidoscope Kayaking, children must be able to remain seated, calm, and safe in the kayak for the full duration of the experience.

OVAP reserves the right to make final participation decisions based on safety, weather, water conditions, and the nature of the tour.

11. Physical Fitness and Mobility Requirements

OVAP guided kayak tours are designed to be beginner friendly, but guests must be physically able to participate safely.

Participants should be comfortable:

• Sitting in a kayak for the duration of the tour.
• Getting in and out of a kayak with limited assistance.
• Paddling at a relaxed group pace.
• Following guide instructions while on the water.
• Wearing a properly fitted PFD or life jacket.

Guests with mobility limitations, medical concerns, or accessibility needs are encouraged to contact OVAP before booking so we can determine whether the tour is a safe and appropriate fit.

OVAP reserves the right to refuse participation if we believe a guest cannot safely take part in the experience, or if participation may create a safety concern for the guest, guides, or other participants.

12. Late Arrival Policy

Guests are expected to arrive at the scheduled meeting time listed in their booking confirmation.

Our tours run on a set schedule and include a mandatory safety briefing before getting on the water. Late arrivals may miss important safety instructions and may not be able to join the tour.

If you arrive late and the group has already begun the safety briefing, launch process, or tour, OVAP may not be able to accommodate you. In this case, no refund will be issued.

Please allow extra time for parking, finding the meeting location, checking in, using the washroom, and getting ready for the water.

13. Dogs

We love furry friends. Well-behaved, small to medium-sized dogs are welcome on the Light at Night Kayaking tour when they meet the requirements below.

For their safety and well being, dogs are not permitted on the Kaleidoscope Kayaking experience. This tour takes place near a fireworks display that may be overwhelming or stressful for animals.

Bringing your dog to Light at Night Kayaking

To support a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, both human and canine, please ensure your dog meets the following criteria:

• Size: Small to medium-sized, maximum 40 lbs.
• Manners: Able to remain calm and quiet in a group setting without disrupting other guests.
• Comfort: Familiar with kayaking and comfortable getting a little wet.
• Safety: A dog life jacket with a handle is strongly recommended and can be purchased from OVAP.

If your dog meets these requirements, they are welcome to join you on this glowing nighttime adventure.

14. Service Animals

Certified service animals are welcome, provided:

• They meet all legal requirements for service animal designation.
• Their presence does not interfere with the safety or experience of other participants.

Guests planning to attend with a service animal are encouraged to contact OVAP before booking so we can help prepare for a safe and comfortable experience.

15. Need Help?

For questions about weather, cancellations, transfers, accessibility, or tour requirements, contact us at tours@ovap.ca.