Ottawa Adventures

This past weekend, Mac & I were able to make use of a vacation day and treat ourselves to a long weekend. My parents had given us some money to go White Water Rafting in Ottawa for Christmas, so we decided to make that a part of this long weekend. We started on Friday by going to Quebec actually where we camped for the night at Esprit White Water Rafting‘s lodge. We arrived just in time to see a live country band and a HUGE-ass bonfire. Seriously – this thing was piled high with 3 skids.

We woke up bright & early on Saturday morning and, after a quick breakfast at the lodge, we boarded a bus to take us to the put in on the Ottawa River. The cool thing about rafting with Esprit is that they are the only company that rafts both the middle AND main channel of the Ottawa River. Our boat had 4 people plus our guide. I had never been rafting before, but I can honestly say now that it’s one of the most exhilarating things that I’ve ever done. We rafted the middle channel in the morning before breaking for a great lunch spread provided by Esprit. Then we hopped on the bus again BACK to the put in and rafted the Main Channel. There was a stop along the route where we could cliff jump off the BFR (Big “Fun” Rock). My last cliff jumping experience didn’t end so well, so to say that I was scared is a little bit of a huge understatement. BUT! I did it (eventually) and I survived! I even lost a shoe in the process – that current was strong!

R.I.P Left Watershoe

I loved this experience and I’m really happy we finally got around to making the time for rafting. I’d also highly recommend this company for anyone looking to go rafting. All the guides were great & very passionate about their jobs. I never once felt unsafe or overwhelmed during the trip.

After rafting was over, we hopped in the car again and headed towards the Ottawa suburbs where we went to our friends’ housewarming party.

On Sunday morning, we drove into the city centre where we had a hotel booked for the night. We spent some time walking around downtown before making it to our reservation at Zen Kitchen (more details to come in a future post!).

After dinner, we spent more time walking around Sparks Street Parliament Hill and Byward Market. I’ve been to Ottawa a few times before, and each time I’m reminded what a great city it is! We finished up our night by stopping by a pub for a pint and I couldn’t believe how many people were out and about on a Sunday night!!! We really enjoyed being a part of the vibrant hustle & bustle.

On Monday morning (hallelujah for a vacation day!) we went down to the Rideau Canal and rented bikes!

We biked all the way up to Carlton University before turning around and biking all the way back. I was super impressed with how well maintained the pathway was along the canal.

We had gorgeous weather too – the sun was shining and there was just enough of a breeze that cooled us off while biking. Unfortunately, we had to check out of the hotel by noon, so we returned the bikes and started on our long journey home.

All in all, it was a fantastic (and very active!) weekend!