Paddle, Float, Fish: Fall in Love with Ontario’s Waterways

If nature could speak, she might ask us to listen — to the gentle murmurs of a river’s flow, the splash of a paddle, the chorus of frogs and birds that thrive near the water’s edge. Water is never truly silent — it’s alive with motion and meaning, and time spent in and around water builds a connection to the natural world that’s hard to shake.  

And in Ontario’s Highlands there is no shortage of places to do just that.

From mindful paddles and roaring waterfalls to geology-rich riverbeds, this region is an invitation to cherish the waterways that bring us together, both physically and spiritually. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of whitewater or the calm of a hidden lake, there’s an experience here to meet you. 

Here’s how to dive in.

Learn the Twists and Turns

There is a saying in the whitewater world that when you scout out a rapid before you launch your kayak or canoe, you spit – if you can’t come up with enough saliva to spit, you probably shouldn’t be tackling that rapid. Whitewater rafting isn’t just a thrill — it’s a masterclass in surrender, in responding rather than resisting. 

Learn to ride the waves at world-renowned outfitters like Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC), OWL Rafting, and Wilderness Tours, all nestled along the Ottawa River. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, these experiences teach resilience, quick thinking, and how to laugh (a lot) when you inevitably fall in.

Marvel at the Power of Water

Sometimes water doesn’t whisper — it roars. Stand in awe of the tumbling cascades at Flinton Falls, where centuries of erosion have carved out a dramatic drop in the Skootamatta River. At Vanderwater Conservation Area, the power of the river is on full display as it winds and rushes over rocky outcrops. Visiting these places reminds us of nature’s force and its beauty, and why protecting it is so essential.

Slow Paddles

There’s something deeply grounding about being on the water — the rhythmic dip of a paddle, the glimmer of sunlight on the surface, the quiet that invites you to breathe a little deeper. Rent a canoe or kayak or join in a guided paddle trip from a local outfitter like Mad River Paddle Co., or Deep Roots Adventure. When out on the water with these expert guides, you'll gain knowledge that goes beyond technique - you'll learn about the spirit of the water you travel.

Movement Meets Mindfulness

Balance, flow, breathe — all come together on the water with Wolf Flow SUP in Haliburton area, where each yoga pose finds support in the soft rock of your stand-up paddleboard and the calm beneath your feet. These classes aren’t about performance; they’re about presence — a chance to move in sync with nature’s tempo. In the Ottawa Valley, Court Outdoors helps people connect with themselves and nature with stand-up-paddleboarding retreat and guided adventures. 

Cast Your Line

When it could take you a thousand casts to catch a fish while fly fishing, you’ll notice time slows more and more with every cast of your line. Learn to fly fish from Algonquin Fly Fishing or book a guided fishing excursion with them on the Petawawa, Madawaska, or Ottawa Rivers, and watch the sun ripple on the water while your line sails back and forth, back and forth, before touching lightly on the water. 

Find the Spirit of the Waterfalls

Immerse yourself in the spirit of water at Spirit of the Waterfalls, a guided, shamanic-inspired journey set within the lush forests of Haliburton. These transformative experiences invite participants to “energetically tune in, connect, communicate & co‑create with the Consciousness of Water” through a variety of practices—chanting, drumming, meditative hiking, storytelling, and communal reflection.