Paddleboarding in Petawawa
This blog post was created with support from Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization and the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries as part of a series which highlights the Ottawa Valley as a standup paddleboarding destination in Ontario. Check out the other articles in the series; the Ultimate Guide to Standup Paddleboarding in the Ottawa Valley, Paddleboarding in Golden Lake, and Paddleboarding Day Trip from Ottawa - Burnstown and Calabogie.
As visitors we respect the land and waterways along the watersheds of the Ottawa River (Kitchisippi) as the Traditional Territory of the Algonquin and Anishinaabeg people. We acknowledge our duty as stewards and caretakers to the natural world and offer gratitude that we may receive an abundance of beauty through our paddling experiences.
One of the most beautiful places to enjoy paddleboarding in the Ottawa Valley is on the Ottawa River in Petawawa. Petawawa has two big sandy beaches that are perfect launch points, offers incredible sunrise and sunset views, has many islands to tour around and explore, and is close enough to paddle to the Quebec side of the river in calm conditions. Many of my favourite experiences, like paddling under a full moon and exploring an old ship wreck have taken place on the river in Petawawa.
Petawawa Point Beach is often my top recommendation but be sure to paddle with care - keep an eye out for old logging history that could catch your fin as submerged logs below the surface. Check the forecast and keep an eye out for wind and weather that can sometimes change quickly, as well as rocks that appear in low water. The current flows from Petawawa towards Pembroke, which is helpful for the Upper Ottawa River Race! Be on the lookout for boats as you cross the channel quickly and have a safe and fun paddle.
TOWN OF PETAWAWA SUP CLASSES
The Town of Petawawa often hosts paddleboarding classes and special events like Full Moon SUP socials. Check out the upcoming schedule at the Calendar of Events. This gets updated throughout the summer.
Parent and Child Learn to SUP (ages 6+ and a parent) - June 14 at 5:30 pm, $20/pair | Learn more and register
Board Skills (SUP for kids ages 6-8) - June 23 at 5 pm, $10 | Learn more and register
SUP Paddling Clinic - July 13 at 6 pm, $10 | Learn more and register
Board Kids (ages 8 - 12) - Thursdays July 14 to August 4 at 6 pm, $45 | Learn more and register
Paddle & Brunch - July 17 at 9 am, $40 | Learn more and register
Moonlight Paddle - August 11 at 8 pm, $10 | Learn more and register
Sunset Paddle & Charcuterie - August 19 at 7 pm, $40 | Learn more and register
COURT OUTDOORS SUP SKILLS / SUP YOGA IN PETAWAWA
SUP events in Petawawa with Court Outdoors include Learn to SUP classes, Advanced SUP Skills classes, SUP Yoga classes, and SUP skills sunset tours. See the full schedule here.
Learn to SUP - July 3 or August 7 at 8 am, $95 | Learn more and register
Advanced Skills Course (Paddle Canada cert) - June 19 or July 24 at 8 am, $150 | Learn more and register
SUP Yoga - July 8, July 22, August 5, August 19, $35 per class | Learn more and register
Sunset SUP Skills Tour - July 23 or August 26, $95 | Learn more and register
WHERE TO PADDLE
Petawawa Point - The most popular paddling destination, and for good reason, is Petawawa Point. Here you can paddle around many islands and really enjoy exploring. You might even go in search of a shipwreck on the Quebec side - book a guided SUP tour with the Town of Petawawa to be taken there. Just off the point you can paddle into where the Petawawa River meets the Ottawa. The current moves more strongly here. You might even spot paddlers catching waves at the Golf Course Rapids.
Black Bear Beach - Another great sunset option or a good spot for working on developing SUP skills. The beach at Black Bear is much larger than Petawawa Point and less crowded. There is less boat traffic passing closeby. It’s not as exciting for paddling if you’d like to explore islands but experienced paddlers like this starting point for paddling to Fort William on the Quebec side.
Petawawa to Pembroke - for a nice down river trip begin in Petawawa at either Petawawa Point or Black Bear Beach and end in Pembroke at Riverside Park. 14 km trip from Pet Point. (This is the race course for the Upper Ottawa River Race)
RENTALS
Hourly paddleboard rentals are available on-site at Petawawa Point Beach during weekends in June and Thursdays to Sundays in July and August. Debit payment is accepted. Find the full details on the rentals on the Town of Petawawa website.
EVENTS
UPPER OTTAWA RIVER RACE
Join standup paddlers from the Ottawa Valley and beyond on Saturday August 6th for the hugely popular Upper Ottawa River Race sponsored by Integrated Health Centre. There are race distances for the whole family including a 13 km race on the mighty Ottawa River from Petawawa to Pembroke, a 4 km race, and a kids race.
Learn more about the Upper Ottawa River Race here.
HELL OR HIGH WATER
For adrenaline seekers Hell or High Water offers a whitewater SUP race on May 14, 2022 followed by food and drinks at the Petawawa Legion. Learn more and register here.
Photos courtesy of the Town of Petawawa, Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, and Gabes Images
