Whitewater.ca

It all started with the most humble of beginnings. In the summer of '92, with a burning desire to run the "world's greatest" rafting

trips, the fledgling “Esprit” (with just 2 rafts) managed to take almost 500 people down the Ottawa River.

Fortunately, our rafters really enjoyed our smaller rafts. It meant that everyone got to go in a 14 ft. self-bailing raft (more exciting, more manoeuvrable, more fun than a 20 ft. raft, and you don't have to bail!), that there was less waiting around at each rapid, that there was plenty of fresh "all you can eat" food at lunch, ice cold beer, juice and soft drinks at the end of the trip and most importantly that the guides were highly qualified, internationally certified, world-wide professionals. We were able to provide so much more for our groups that despite not being the biggest of outfitters, they thought of us as the best.

However, the best was yet to come! We have kept our small trip size, but have expanded to offer the Petawawa, Magnetawan, Kipawa and Gatineau rivers as well as winter adventures in Mexico! Add a variety of canoe trips in the Algonquin Park and the Pontiac, swiftwater rescue, advanced wilderness first aid, guide training, riverboarding and kayaking instruction and a decade later we have emerged as the Ottawa Valley's adventure travel leaders.

Esprit was honored to be ranked #1 for “Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Online! Esprit is very proud of placing first in the categories of “Sustainability” and “Spirit of Adventure”, as we continue to expand upon our social and environmental policies, principles and practices.

Our goal of running the “world's greatest” rafting trips is still our commitment to you everyday! If you have a longing for the river, an appreciation of the wilderness and a “spirit of adventure”... join us at Esprit!