Island View Retreat
Big Gull Lake / Things to Do / Adventure

Get Your Adrenaline Fix

Whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River, exotic car racing at Calabogie Motorsports, guided ATV tours, and mountain biking — bucket-list adventure activities all within reach of the cottage.

40+
Years of Rafting (OWL)
5.05 km
Longest Road Course
Class III-IV
Rapids
1-2.5 hrs
Drive
On the Water

Ottawa River Whitewater Rafting

Two world-class outfitters offering everything from gentle family trips to Class IV rapids — all gear provided, no experience required.

OWL Rafting

Must-See
2 hrs 30 min from the cottage
40 Owl Lane, Foresters Falls

40 years of operation on the Ottawa River. Three intensity levels: Low (half-day from $85), Medium (full-day from $130 with BBQ cruise), High (two-night packages from $405). All gear provided.

Whitewater RaftingOttawa RiverFull DayBBQ

Wilderness Tours

2 hrs 30 min from the cottage
Ottawa River, near Beachburg

Operating since 1975. Multiple intensity levels. Family rafting from $169 adult / $109 youth (ages 5+). Also offers lazy river tubing, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and resort day access.

Whitewater RaftingFamily OptionsMulti-ActivityTubingMountain Biking
Planned for You

Adventure Day — Whitewater Rafting

A full-day whitewater rafting experience on the Ottawa River — one of the top rafting destinations in North America. All gear provided.

2–2.5 hours to the Ottawa RiverBest for: Thrill-seekers, groups of friends, active families (ages 5+ for family rafting)
6:30 AMLeave the cottage early. Pack towels and dry clothes.
9:00 AMArrive at OWL Rafting or Wilderness Tours. Check-in and safety briefing.
10:00 AMHit the rapids. Half-day or full-day options available.
3:00 PMFull-day includes BBQ lunch cruise on calm water between rapids.
4:00 PMShower, change, and head home.
6:30 PMBack at the cottage. Fire pit and cold drinks.
On Land

Calabogie — Adventure Country

Calabogie is a four-season adventure hub — motorsports, ATV tours, hiking, mountain biking, and championship golf, all set against the Madawaska Highlands.

Calabogie Motorsports Park

Must-See
2 hrs from the cottage
Calabogie

Drive a Mustang race car, exotic Ferraris and Lamborghinis, or motorcycles on North America’s longest road course (5.05 km). A genuine bucket-list experience.

RacingExotic CarsMotorsportsBucket List

Calabogie Peaks Resort

2 hrs from the cottage
Calabogie

Four-season mountain and lake resort. Summer: hiking, mountain biking, lake swimming. Also offers guided ATV tours and access to Ottawa River whitewater rafting.

ResortATV ToursLakeMountain BikingHiking

Calabogie Highlands Golf Resort

Must-See
2 hrs from the cottage
981 Barryvale Road, Calabogie

Two courses: “The Major’s” 9-hole course for beginners, and “The General’s” 18-hole championship layout with hills, valleys, and water features. On-site pub with patio, formal dining for special occasions.

18 + 9 HolesChampionshipBreweryRestaurantScenic

Calabogie Brewing Co.

2 hrs from the cottage
Calabogie Highlands Golf Resort, 981 Barryvale Road

On-site craft brewery at the Calabogie Highlands Golf Resort. Available on tap at the resort’s pub and restaurant.

Craft BreweryGolf Resort

What to Pack

Whitewater Rafting

Quick-dry clothing, water shoes, sunscreen, towel and dry change of clothes. All safety gear provided by outfitters.

Motorsports

Closed-toe shoes required. Helmet and safety gear provided. Bring a camera for the paddock but no loose items on track.

ATV Tours

Long pants and closed-toe shoes. Helmet provided. Layers recommended — mountain weather changes fast.

General

Water bottle, sunscreen, snacks for the drive. Most venues accept credit cards.

Explore Further

More Day Trips & Guides

Around the Lake

Essential supplies, local dining, provincial parks, and everything within 45 minutes of the cottage.

View Guide →

Kingston

Fort Henry, 1000 Islands cruises, waterfront dining, and MacKinnon Brothers Brewery.

View Guide →

Ottawa — Canada’s Capital

Parliament Hill, world-class museums, the ByWard Market, and Rideau Canal cruises.

View Guide →

Breweries & Distilleries

15+ craft breweries and distilleries from lakeside microbreweries to award-winning farm operations.

View Guide →
Start Planning

Plan Your Adventure

Whitewater rapids, exotic supercars, ATV trails through the highlands — the best adventure day trips start at the cottage. Book your stay and we'll help you plan the rest.