Paddling — Whitewater.
The Ottawa River between Foresters Falls and Westmeath — the Rocher Fendu / McCoy's Chute stretch — is the township's defining draw and one of the longest-running commercial whitewater rafting destinations in North America. The river splits around named islands and drops through a sequence of Class III–IV rapids: Garvin's, Lorne (Bus Eater), McCoy's Chute, the Sevens, Iron Ring, Push Button, Coliseum, Phil's Hole, Black Velvet, and Butcher Knife.
The brief.
Commercial rafting on this stretch has run since the early 1970s; commercial trip operators run from Beachburg and Foresters Falls through the rafting season, typically May through September. The Sevens is a long-recognized big-volume play wave that draws freestyle kayakers from across North America.
Spring runoff carries significantly bigger water than mid-summer flows — at high water some features become unrunnable for typical commercial trip configurations. The river splits into the Main Channel and Middle Channel around the central islands; outfitters mix the two channels into different trip products.
Independent paddlers should treat the run as a serious Class III–IV (and higher in spring) trip with consequence; scouting and local knowledge are non-negotiable. The Quebec-side bank is across the channel and out of the township.
4. places.
- 01
Rocher Fendu / McCoy's Chute (Ottawa River, Foresters Falls to Westmeath)
Long whitewater stretch where the river splits around named islands and drops through Class III–IV rapids.
- 02
The Sevens
Long-recognized big-volume play wave on the run; freestyle kayaking destination.
- 03
Foresters Falls
Historic put-in / staging hamlet for the run.
- 04
Beachburg
Historic anchor village for commercial rafting and kayak schools.
Today's read.
Temperature (5.1°C) below the typical range.