Ottawa Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with TURTLE Sightings

Ottawa , Canada

Ottawa Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with TURTLE Sightings

Active

(16 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

If you love nature, wildlife, and especially turtles, this tour is for you.
Grandmaître Ecological Reserve is an amazing place to paddle. The peace and tranquility here is outstanding. What makes it special is the numerous inlets which protect all the wonderful creatures from the high winds and fast water currents. This is their hang out place! Also, I should mention that these conditions are great for humans too. It makes it easier to paddle your kayak. This is a great activity for children.

Available options

Ottawa Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with TURTLE Sightings

What's included

Safety Bucket

Personal Floating Device

Kayak

Drybag

Paddle

Detailed itinerary

Petrie Island consists of several islands with a large portion forming part of an Ecological Reserve. Our guide will bring you into the nooks and crannies of the inlets, to look at the wildlife. Petrie has an abundance of turtles, herons, great egrets, beavers, muskrats, river otters and much more. Our bilingual guide (French and English) will tell you all about these beautiful creatures. Your guide will also tell you a bit about the history of Petrie and how it was saved.
In addition, Petrie has 2 beach areas, several picnic tables and walking trails.

What's not included

Parking fee of $2 for 5 hours

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants and toddlers 3 and under are not permitted

Liability waiver need to be agreed to and signed

Please note that the guide speaks both french and english. On occasions, some tours may be conducted in both languages.

Paddlers may get wet. We suggest you bring spare shorts and wear water shoes.

Meeting point

Go down Tweddle Rd (previously named Trim Rd), pass the 90 degree bend in the road, then turn left into the 1st parking lot on the LEFT side. Look for our VW white van.

About Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It's known for its stunning architecture, vibrant festivals, and the iconic Parliament Hill. The city offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventures along the scenic Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park.

Top Attractions

Parliament Hill

The political and cultural heart of Canada, featuring the iconic Parliament Buildings and the Peace Tower.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (tours may have fees)

Rideau Canal

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal is the longest skating rink in the world in winter and a popular spot for boating in summer.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (skate rentals available in winter)

ByWard Market

A historic market area with a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore (costs vary for food and shopping)

National Gallery of Canada

A premier art museum featuring Canadian and international art, including works by the Group of Seven and Indigenous artists.

Museum 1-2 hours CAD 18 (free for youth under 12)

Gatineau Park

A vast natural park across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, offering hiking, biking, and scenic views.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free (parking fees may apply)

Must-Try Local Dishes

BeaverTails

Fried dough pastries stretched to resemble a beaver's tail, topped with various sweet toppings like cinnamon sugar, Nutella, and maple butter.

Dessert Vegetarian (check for specific toppings)

Poutine

A Canadian classic made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

Main Course Vegetarian options available (check for specific ingredients)

Tourtière

A traditional Quebecois meat pie, often made with minced pork, veal, or beef, and seasoned with spices.

Main Course Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in Gatineau Park Skiing in Mont-Tremblant Whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River Boating on the Rideau Canal Picnicking in Major's Hill Park Spa treatments Visiting museums (National Gallery, Canadian War Museum) Exploring historic sites (Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall)

Best Time to Visit

June to August, October

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions open. October is also popular for fall foliage.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English, French, and other immigrant languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) or EDT (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ottawa is generally safe with low crime rates. However, as with any city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.