8 Can’t-Miss August Events in the Ottawa Valley
The Ottawa Valley sits a stone’s throw from Canada’s capital and on the edge of the border to Quebec. It’s a region of lakes and flowing rivers that glimmer in the sunshine. This is where outdoorsy people can thrive and city dwellers can retreat for a few days breathing in the scents of fresh water, fragrant pine and blooming summer flowers.
Canada is known for being a country polka dotted with lakes, and the Ottawa Valley—and a serene little town called Petawawa—is especially waterlogged. The region is home to four rushing rivers and 900 lakes where residents and visitors alike are known to kayak, canoe, paddleboard, cycle its shorelines or simply relax on the beach basking in the sun.
Just on the outskirts of Algonquin Provincial Park, this pretty and peaceful place is a paddling and camping haven in Ontario. August is perhaps the best time to enjoy the landscape. Petawawa hosts an entire festival dedicated to its landscape. The Water and Dirt Festival happens each August, offering events like trail running, kayaking, yoga, swimming and more. With live music, camping and races that focus on comradery and not who comes in first, it’s a total vibe. There are 17 events. Here are the ones we’re most excited for:
Paddle with Pups
Is there anything more heartwarming than paddling with a furry four-legged friend? If you’re an animal lover who enjoys being out on the water, the festival’s doggy paddle event is for you. Canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board (boats and boards available!) and float out on the water knowing you’re supporting little friends at the local SPCA.
Wild Whitewater
The Ottawa Valley is known for paddling. This could be your year to brace the white water rapids. White water kayak or canoe (yes, this is a thing) and feel rest assured that responsible guides will help you out with gear, equipment and technique. The thrill of paddling over the rapids is really like no other.
Bikes and BBQ
Enjoy a hot summer day whizzing along dirt trails that worm through leafy forests. It’s exhilarating and adrenaline inducing and you’re sure to get dusty. After riding for kilometres along hard packed trail, your legs burn and you’re likely to work up an appetite. The festival’s BORCA Dirty 30 event planned for raging post-cycle appetites and hosts a barbecue afterwards for everyone to unwind and socialize.
River Race
As Canadians, we don’t do things in half measures. We wait all winter and spring for our lakes and rivers to thaw and sort of warm up. Now that they have, it would be unacceptable not to literally dive in… or even race across the open water. So, get on it: the cross-river race across the Ottawa River is a 1.5-kilometre test through chilly waves to the finish line at the appropriately-named town of Deep River.
Testing Triathlon
If you’re looking for a summer challenge, a triathlon could be it. To run, swim and bike—and in Petawawa’s beautiful Black Bay no less!—is a feat worth training for this summer. Choose your distance or even gather friends and do this triathlon as a team!
Off-Road Adventures
Beyond human-propelled adventures, there are opportunities to kick up dirt with a Jeep/ truck event, ATV event and an off-road motorcycle event. Bring your ATV to the Black Bay Adventure Ride. Spit up mud from beneath your tires at the 4WD trail adventure. And go deep into the Petawawa backcountry on a guided dual-sport ride.
Technical Trail Run
It wouldn’t be a proper dirt-focused outdoor event without a trail run. Mud is part of the Canadian way in summer and this festival offers a trail race in the heart of the well-treed Laurentian Valley. Think 10 or 27 kilometres (you choose) of roots, rocks, and twisted trails meandering through the woods.
Peaceful Poses
Yoga is a relaxing, serene practice where everyone comes in first place. Going at your own pace, you can lean into a deep stretch and rest those sore muscles after a month of exhilarating outdoor activities.
There are more amazing events to choose from, including a Canoe Paddle Painting Workshop and an Accessible Paddleboarding Clinic to ensure everyone can get out on the water and enjoy the fun!
This article was sponsored by the Water and Dirt Festival
Join the fun! This outdoor adventure experience takes place in the Ottawa Valley August 1–16. Learn more at wateranddirt.ca.
