Uncrowded affordable easily accessible THE OTTAWA VALLEY! FAMOUS FOR ITS stunning outdoors,
cultural and heritage riches and, not to mention a welcoming and hospitable nature, the Ottawa Valley is Ontario’s Adventure Playground. Conveniently located west of the Nation’s Capital, “the Valley” stretches for 220-kilometre east- west along the Ottawa River and is the Eastern gateway to Algonquin Park – the oldest and most renowned provincial park in Ontario. Surrounded by woodlands, over 900 pristine lakes and four major river sys- tems, the Ottawa Valley is a four-season outdoor destination filled with abun- dant snowfalls in the winter and roaring whitewater from spring to fall. Known as the Whitewater Capital of Canada, the area is home to some of the fastest, cleanest, warmest and safest rivers in the country – perfect for serious kayak or canoe action. You’ll find rivers for all seasons and skill levels – the Ot- tawa, Madawaska, Bonnechere, Petawa- wa, Opeongo, Dumoine, Barron, Mat- tawa, Coulonge, Noire, Papineau Creek, York, Grant’s Creek and more. Rivers flow from March to the end of November making for a long paddling season. Each year the Ottawa Valley hosts a variety of international, national and provincial kayaking and canoeing championships, festivals and paddling events. It is also home to Canada’s best paddling schools – kayak, raft or canoe. Several seasoned outfitters offer a
variety of guided packages from screa- min’ high- adventure rafting to gentle fam- ily float- trips, sea kayaking and sport-
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an opportunity to experience the Ottawa Valley at its best. With more than 30 sites participating this year, including attrac- tions and museums, artists and galleries, local food producers, restaurants and agricultural farms, the Ramble is the per- fect opportunity to explore the Ottawa Valley while enjoying the spectacular fall colours. Over the years, storytellers and
yaking, canoe clinics, slalom racing and whitewater rodeos. If racing down a Class III, IV or V rapid is not your style, then slow down and relax as you glide across one of the area’s many lakes. Be sure to pack your camera, the photo opps are endless. OK, so maybe you’re not a paddler.
Don’t worry, there’s more. An amaz- ing array of activities awaits you – from hiking to hunting to camping to horse- back riding, expansive multi-use trails and small town walking tours. For the golfer in the family, there are more than a dozen world-class courses to choose from all guaranteed to suit both the discriminating tastes of a seasoned pro and the novice aspirations of a true be- ginner. If you are looking to catch your own dinner, there is no shortage of fish here with more than 20 species, includ- ing trout, walleye (pickerel), pike, bass, whitefish, muskie and catfish. A unique blend of towns, villages and municipalities can be found scattered throughout the region, where you will find plenty of variety, from the urban centres to the rural areas. Many commu- nities host literary, film and art festivals, concerts, live theatre and studio tours. The Ottawa Valley’s premier fall tour-
ing event is the annual Rural Ramble. Held over three weekends in Septem- ber and October, under the themes of Adventure and Exploration, Agriculture and Food and Arts, Culture, History and Heritage, each weekend offers visitors
festivals, and not to mention the more than 20 museums found throughout the region, have helped to preserve and share the Valley’s rich heritage and cul- ture for generations to come. A visit to the numerous communities will uncover many unexpected treasures. Urban hik- ers and cyclists can take a self-guided tour of the Pembroke Heritage Murals - Canada’s largest outdoor gallery or bike the historic Opeongo Line to Foymount - Ontario’s highest populated point. Celebrate Kashubian culture in Wilno – Canada’s First Pol- ish Settle- ment, or visit On- tario’s last swinging bridge in Renfrew. Canada’s only clock museum can be found in Deep River, while Combermere is the site of the tragic sinking of the sternwheel steamer – the Mayflower. Looking for some retail therapy? Shop- ping malls and professional services are available throughout the Valley; how- ever, what keeps the visitors coming back are the numerous antique shops, boutiques, galleries and craft stores where the craftsmanship of artisans from across the region can be found on prominent display. For a romantic getaway, family
holiday, a day’s shopping, the great outdoors, whatever you choose, let your sense of adventure guide you to the Ottawa Valley. «oo
www.ottawaoutdoors.ca
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