Ottawa River Route 1
Launching from Petawawa Point Beach puts you right in the heart of paddling paradise. Explore quiet bays, navigate rocky islands, and uncover shipwrecks and historic sites as you go. Add in great swimming, picnic spots, and abundant wildlife, and you’ll find endless ways to make the route your own.
Ottawa River Route 2
Looking to paddle into an overnight adventure? Gibraltar Island is a must‑visit destination. This beautiful crown land island offers a quiet, remote experience with first‑come, first‑served campsites, making it easy to immerse yourself in nature.
Black Bay Route
Begin at the Rantz Road Boat Launch and paddle 3 km to Lion’s Head Island, where adventurous paddlers may opt for the 10‑foot cliff jump before continuing on. For an overnight trip, paddle 22 km (one way) to First Chute Falls, where the rugged Barron River scenery and an MNR campsite make for a memorable stay.
Beach Hut
Hours of operation:
Open 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
June: weekends only
July & August: 7 days a week
(weather pending)
For details on lessons and guided tours email: tourism@petawawa.ca
Rentals
Enjoy easy access to the water with equipment rentals at the Point Beach Hut. For just $10 per hour, choose from canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards - perfect for exploring the Ottawa River. All required safety gear is included, so you can enjoy your time on the water.
Lessons & Guided Tours
Whether you’re new to paddling or looking for a guided exploration, advance‑booked lessons and tours offer a memorable way to experience the Ottawa River. Knowledgeable instructors provide hands‑on guidance, local insight, and a safe, enjoyable time on the water.
Accessibility
The Town of Petawawa is committed to making Petawawa Point Beach welcoming and accessible for all visitors, with a range of free amenities designed to ensure everyone can enjoy the beauty of the Ottawa River. MOBI‑mats provide a smooth, wheelchair‑friendly pathway from paved areas to the water’s edge, while a floating beach wheelchair allows users to comfortably access the water. An accessible dock, specially designed for kayak transfers, offers a safe and seamless transition onto the river, and an accessible paddleboard - equipped with four buoyancy aids for added stability - makes it possible to paddle independently or with the support of a caregiver. For more information contact tourism@petawawa.ca
Fishing
Petawawa is a true angler’s destination, anchored by two renowned waterways - the Petawawa River and the Ottawa River -both rich with a wide variety of game fish. Cast your line for walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, bass, perch, catfish, and more, including unique species such as lake sturgeon and longnose gar. Kayak fishing offers a quiet, immersive way to reach secluded spots inaccessible to larger boats. Families will enjoy Lemke Lake, located off Doran Road near Highway 17, a stocked speckled trout lake with easy access and ample parking. Just minutes away, Algonquin Park’s vast network of lakes and streams delivers world‑class fishing opportunities, from prized brook and lake trout to hard‑fighting pike, musky, bass, and table‑favourite walleye. With abundant municipal and provincial shoreline access, Petawawa invites anglers of all experience level.