Frequently Asked Questions
Questions, Questions, Questions - alas - now some answers!
The way we look at it, the more you know about WT, the easier your decision will be when it comes to choosing your next summer vacation or holiday.
Why should I choose Wilderness Tours?
Great question and one we take very seriously. Probably the easiest way to answer it is with a simple fact - more people raft with WT than all our competitors combined. WT also employs more full time professionals than everyone else combined. The quality of our staff is incomparable. Add great food, wonderful resort facilities and programs. That is why Algonquin College choose WT to run its very popular 2 year diploma program in Outdoor Adventure.
Q: What about families on weekends?
The River:
Q: So I purchased this kind of inflatable device, threw it in my backyard pool and by-jippy, turns out it floats. Can I raft with that?
A: No. We provide all the equipment which includes the helmet, life jacket, paddle and raft.
Q: OK, so do I need to bring a helmet?
A: No, we provide that already.
Q: What if I have a really cool hot pink helmet with flames painted on the side?
Q: Do I need a nose plug?
A: You will be fine in most rapids on the river. However, if you really want one, we have them in our river shop.
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: Great question. You should visit our What To Bring page for further information on this.
Q: I'm going to have a great time
A: That isn't a question...however...you're right.
Q: What if it is cold or raining?
White-Water Rafting:
Q: What is the difference between the Classic Day Trip and Gentle Day Trip?
A: The Classic Day Trip is class 3-5 rapids (on a scale from 1-6). There is a greater probability that you will fall out on the Classic Day Trip than the Gentle Trip.
Q: What are the Classic Day Trip Options?
A: Classic Rafting in a 12 person raft with a guide GYOR (Guide Your Own Raft in 6-8 person rafts with guides coaching from kayak Sportyak is a 2-person inflatable kayak option on the GYOR Trip. Sport Raft in a 6 person raft with a guide aka "The Flip Trip"
Q: What is GYOR?
A: What sounds like alphabet soup is actually a tremendously popular raft trip and is short for Guide Your Own Raft. It is still a guided trip but guides paddle along in kayak. Done in sporty 6-person rafts, this a an exciting trip down the beautiful Middle Channel.
Q: What if I have never rafted before?
A: No problem - that is why we are here for you. We ask that you posses good health and average swimming ability (so you do not panic if you go overboard). If in doubt, start with Gentle Adventure and work your way up.
Q: But, what if I can't swim?
Q: I have a group of people interested in rafting this weekend, Is it possible to reserve campsites if we arrive the Friday night.
The Resort:
Q: Is it just a field?
A: Definitely not! We have a huge resort filled with volleyball courts, basketball courts, pool tables, hot tubs, outdoor pool, paddle boats, sea kayaks, canoes, hiking and biking trails...the list could go on. Check out our resort page here
Q: Somebody was talking about something called the "River Shop" - what is that?
A: That is our onsite store where you can pickup lots of different things from clothing and shoes to candy, ice creme and a toothbrush.
Q: How is the food?
Events and Entertainment:
Q: I'm coming up on a weekend, is there anything at night?
A: We have some themed weekends and we have live entertainment and a DJ on Saturday night every weekend in May/June/Sept and every night during July/August. Our sport courts have lighting and are open in the evening. Check our events schedule for more details on that here
Q: Do you have a beer store nearby?
A: Actually, we have a full bar where you can let us get you whatever you want while you enjoy the sunshine on our licensed deck. If you really want to purchase alcohol, there is a store about 20 minutes away.
Camping and Lodging:
Q: Are there toilets in the Cedar Cabins?
A: Yes in our Deluxe Cedar Cabins there is a toilet and sink, in the Super Deluxe there is a toilet, sink and shower but none in our regular Cedar cabins have a washroom. However, you are only a short walk to our shower buildings which house flush toilets, sinks and hot showers.
Q: How are cabins priced?
A: Cabins are priced on a PER CABIN AND PER NIGHT BASIS. For example, a Cedar Cabin is $119/night on a weekend and if you have 4 people in your group, each would pay $29.75/night plus tax (13% HST). The same holds true for our 12 person units. Just divide the nightly rate by the number of persons staying in the unit. When the cabin is purchased, we require the full amount upfront. Anyone staying in a cabin must also be booked into a rafting/meal plan or non-rafters meal plan.
White-Water Kayaking:
Q: What is the difference between the Teen Resident Camp and the Keener Program?
A: The Teen Resident Camp is primarily an introduction to kayaking from Sunday - Friday. The Keener Program is youth development through kayaking and is a 3-10 week program which produces world class junior kayakers.
Q: I am a kayaker
A: That's great to hear, kayakers are awesome. Did you have a question about kayaking?
Q: yup, I do
A: Awesome...what is it?
Q: Just wondering if I could just bring my kayak up for a few days, paddle river and stay at WT in a tent or a cabin?
Other Things:
Q: What is Whitewater Village?
A: It’s our newest endeavor. For years, we have asked to sell part of our Land Trust for cottage lots and had regretfully decline. To satisfy that demand, we have partnered in Whitewater Village which is a fractional ownership community at the end of our property.
Q: Are there opportunities to partner with WT?
A: Absolutely, yes! WT’s main Resort Center is 650 acres with lots of opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to run their own business under the WT umbrella. Ideas like paintball, zip lines, massage, mini-golf and driving range are a few ideas that come to mind. These are ideas that would work at WT but we don’t want to do them ourselves. If you have a proposal, please send it to joe@wildernesstours.com.
Q: Can I work at Wilderness Tours?
A: We have a variety of job postings each year. Please send your application in and you will be considered. Visit the jobs section of our website by clicking here
The way we look at it, the more you know about WT, the easier your decision will be when it comes to choosing your next summer vacation or holiday.
Why should I choose Wilderness Tours?
Great question and one we take very seriously. Probably the easiest way to answer it is with a simple fact - more people raft with WT than all our competitors combined. WT also employs more full time professionals than everyone else combined. The quality of our staff is incomparable. Add great food, wonderful resort facilities and programs. That is why Algonquin College choose WT to run its very popular 2 year diploma program in Outdoor Adventure.
Q: What about families on weekends?
A: With a large, beautiful resort, we offer both a family zone and an adult zone. You can get away from our noisy lodge and stay in quieter areas. Please mention this at time of booking.
Reservations:
Q: How do I reserve a spot?
A: Either over the phone at 1-888-723-8669 or online.
Q: Does everyone in my reservation have to complete a waiver?
A: Yes, each person must complete their own waiver. Anyone under the age of 18 should be included on their parent or guardian's waiver. It is very easy to complete the waivers online by following this link Online Waiver.
Q: Do I have to give you a list of names so people can do their waivers? I don't see all of my family or friends names on my reservation.
A: No you don't need to give us their information just give them the reservation number and your customer number from the confirmation and when they complete their waiver their name will be added to the list. If someone has already made a payment on the reservation with their own credit card their name will appear otherwise only your name is on the list.
The River:
Q: So I purchased this kind of inflatable device, threw it in my backyard pool and by-jippy, turns out it floats. Can I raft with that?
A: No. We provide all the equipment which includes the helmet, life jacket, paddle and raft.
Q: OK, so do I need to bring a helmet?
A: No, we provide that already.
Q: What if I have a really cool hot pink helmet with flames painted on the side?
A:
You can bring it with you, however, our trip leaders reserve the right
to refuse use of certain helmets because of safety reasons. We have a helmet for you if it
doesn't work out, not to worry.
Q: Can we bring our own life jackets?
A: No, we have very specific life jackets for this type of rafting that are extra buoyant. Not all life jackets will work in whitewater.
Q: Do I need a nose plug?
A: You will be fine in most rapids on the river. However, if you really want one, we have them in our river shop.
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: Great question. You should visit our What To Bring page for further information on this.
Q: I'm going to have a great time
A: That isn't a question...however...you're right.
Q: What if it is cold or raining?
A: We raft rain or shine. If the temperature is dipping down a bit that day, you might be interested in renting a wetsuit. You can do this once you are on site.
Q: What if there is thunder and lightning?
A: We still go out. Usually storms happen later in the afternoon or evening so don't bother out trips much. If there is a pop up on the river the guides will pull into shore and wait it out. Usually they don't last long enough to get to shore. The Ottawa is a massive river and pushes the storms off quickly. If things are a little rumbly before you set out they will just have you wait a few extra minutes until it passes over. Safety of our guests is always paramount.
Q: Can I bring my own GoPro Camera?
A: Yes, if you have your own harness you can use it so long as it fits over the safety equipment we provide and doesn't damage it or your camera. You can also rent one of our helmets with a GoPro mount on it. The mounts are glued to the helmet and have a leash just in case the mount snaps. You can also rent a GoPro if you don't wan to use your own or don't have one.
Q: Can I bring a drone?
A: No we don't allow drones on the trip or on the resort. With bungee jumpers and other activities there is a danger that someone could be injured. On the trip you would be too busy paddling to operate it and there is nowhere in the raft to store it.
Q: Should I bring a backpack, towel and phone on the trip?
A: The trip leader carries a small dry bag to accommodate people who need to bring medication but you cannot bring backpacks or other items that would be loose in the raft or add too much weight if you are wearing it in case you are dumped in the river. You can bring a small dry bag so long as it can be clipped to your life jacket. Don't bring anything you cannot afford to lose.
Q: What do I do with my Car Keys
A: They get left in a lock box in reception.
White-Water Rafting:
Q: What is the difference between the Classic Day Trip and Gentle Day Trip?
A: The Classic Day Trip is class 3-5 rapids (on a scale from 1-6). There is a greater probability that you will fall out on the Classic Day Trip than the Gentle Trip.
Q: What are the Classic Day Trip Options?
A: Classic Rafting in a 12 person raft with a guide GYOR (Guide Your Own Raft in 6-8 person rafts with guides coaching from kayak Sportyak is a 2-person inflatable kayak option on the GYOR Trip. Sport Raft in a 6 person raft with a guide aka "The Flip Trip"
Q: What is GYOR?
A: What sounds like alphabet soup is actually a tremendously popular raft trip and is short for Guide Your Own Raft. It is still a guided trip but guides paddle along in kayak. Done in sporty 6-person rafts, this a an exciting trip down the beautiful Middle Channel.
Q: What if I have never rafted before?
A: No problem - that is why we are here for you. We ask that you posses good health and average swimming ability (so you do not panic if you go overboard). If in doubt, start with Gentle Adventure and work your way up.
Q: But, what if I can't swim?
A: You have a big puffy life jacket on but you may get a little uncomfortable if you find yourself in the water. We recommend you review some of our videos or take our gentle trips rather than the high adventure.
Q: Do I have to paddle?
A: Yes, everyone in the raft must paddle or the raft won't go where you want it to. The guide cannot do all the paddling and the boats do not have motors.
Q: What if I have a medical condition like a bad back?
A: Always consult with your own doctor if you are not sure.
Q: Can someone who is blind or deaf raft?
A: Yes, we have had many people who are blind, deaf or amputees raft with us, they may need to have someone with them to assist them at lunch stops and going to and from the river.
Q: Can we put more people in the raft?
A: If you have 13 people in the 12 person classic raft you can include them in your boat, that would be the only time someone does not paddle because they will sit in the middle of the raft in what we call the princess seat. More than 13 you would have to split into 2 boats. With the 6 person sport raft you can fit 7, in that case the additional person may sit up at the back with the guide.
Q: I have a group of people interested in rafting this weekend, Is it possible to reserve campsites if we arrive the Friday night.
A: Of course. You can purchase our Resort Rafting Package and stay the weekend or just book an Overnight or Latenight package at time of checkout!
Q: If my child is under the 12 years but over the 90lbs can they do the high adventure?
A: No, the owner takes the welfare of the rafters very seriously and is worried that younger children may not enjoy the high adventure trip and it is difficult for them to keep up with the paddling required so would be unfair to them and our other guests.
Q: If my child is over 12 but under 90lbs can we bring their life jacket from home so they can go on the high adventure?
A: No, as noted above the life jackets we use are specific to the type of whitewater. Typical boating life jackets are not going to work. The jacket selected for us has a minimum weight of 90lbs to work correctly.
The Resort:
Q: Is it just a field?
A: Definitely not! We have a huge resort filled with volleyball courts, basketball courts, pool tables, hot tubs, outdoor pool, paddle boats, sea kayaks, canoes, hiking and biking trails...the list could go on. Check out our resort page here
Q: Somebody was talking about something called the "River Shop" - what is that?
A: That is our onsite store where you can pickup lots of different things from clothing and shoes to candy, ice creme and a toothbrush.
Q: How is the food?
A: Our food is fantastic, hearty and plentiful
both on and off the river with a vegetarian alternative at every meal.
Our style is soup/salad buffet plus hot items from our BBQ pit at every course. Please mention any special dietary needs when you book so we can let our restaurant know. We try our best to accommodate special diets.
Q: Do you rent camping equipment?
A: No, you would need to bring your own camping equipment although we do usually have sleeping bags, tent poles and tent patches for sale in the on site store if you forgot something.
A: No, you would need to bring your own camping equipment although we do usually have sleeping bags, tent poles and tent patches for sale in the on site store if you forgot something.
Q: Do your cabins come with linens:
A: Yes, all of our cabins have sheets, blankets and pillows.
Q: Can we bring alcohol?
A: Yes, you can bring your own alcohol to your campsite or cabin but it cannot go anywhere else on the resort.
Q: Can we have our own campfire?
A: No, we don't have the setup for individual campfires on the resort, we do maintain a large fire up on deck where the nightly entertainment takes place.
Q: Can we bring a BBQ?
A: No, we don't have the setup for individual cooking or anything with an open flame so it would be a safety hazard.
A: No, we don't have the setup for individual cooking or anything with an open flame so it would be a safety hazard.
Q: Do you have picnic tables at the campsites?
A: No, if you want seating at your campsite you would need to bring some folding camp chairs.
A: No, if you want seating at your campsite you would need to bring some folding camp chairs.
Events and Entertainment:
Q: I'm coming up on a weekend, is there anything at night?
A: We have some themed weekends and we have live entertainment and a DJ on Saturday night every weekend in May/June/Sept and every night during July/August. Our sport courts have lighting and are open in the evening. Check our events schedule for more details on that here
Q: Do you have a beer store nearby?
A: Actually, we have a full bar where you can let us get you whatever you want while you enjoy the sunshine on our licensed deck. If you really want to purchase alcohol, there is a store about 20 minutes away.
Camping and Lodging:
Q: Are there toilets in the Cedar Cabins?
A: Yes in our Deluxe Cedar Cabins there is a toilet and sink, in the Super Deluxe there is a toilet, sink and shower but none in our regular Cedar cabins have a washroom. However, you are only a short walk to our shower buildings which house flush toilets, sinks and hot showers.
Q: How are cabins priced?
A: Cabins are priced on a PER CABIN AND PER NIGHT BASIS. For example, a Cedar Cabin is $119/night on a weekend and if you have 4 people in your group, each would pay $29.75/night plus tax (13% HST). The same holds true for our 12 person units. Just divide the nightly rate by the number of persons staying in the unit. When the cabin is purchased, we require the full amount upfront. Anyone staying in a cabin must also be booked into a rafting/meal plan or non-rafters meal plan.
White-Water Kayaking:
Q: What is the difference between the Teen Resident Camp and the Keener Program?
A: The Teen Resident Camp is primarily an introduction to kayaking from Sunday - Friday. The Keener Program is youth development through kayaking and is a 3-10 week program which produces world class junior kayakers.
Q: I am a kayaker
A: That's great to hear, kayakers are awesome. Did you have a question about kayaking?
Q: yup, I do
A: Awesome...what is it?
Q: Just wondering if I could just bring my kayak up for a few days, paddle river and stay at WT in a tent or a cabin?
A: That is definitely possible. We have what's called a paddlers package where you can do just that, plus, you get meals too. Call us for more information on this.
Q: Can my teen join the adult kayak clinics?
A: Keep in mind that the adult clinics do not include supervision so any teen coming alone would have no supervision. They will also be in classes that will be all adults. If parents are comfortable with their teen being unsupervised and the teen is comfortable in a class with adults parents can sign a waiver and have them join the class. If teens are accompanied by a parent in the course they can also be considered but we would only recommend this option for those 16-17 years of age.
Q: Do you offer private instruction?
A: We have both private and semi-private instruction, please ask our reservation staff for pricing and availability.
Q: Can I combine a day of whitewater kayaking and a day of rafting in one weekend?
A: Unfortunately not, the kayaking is an instructional course not a run down the river like the rafting. It takes a lot of training to do the tricks we show on the kayaking section of our website.
Other Things:
Q: What is Whitewater Village?
A: It’s our newest endeavor. For years, we have asked to sell part of our Land Trust for cottage lots and had regretfully decline. To satisfy that demand, we have partnered in Whitewater Village which is a fractional ownership community at the end of our property.
Q: Are there opportunities to partner with WT?
A: Absolutely, yes! WT’s main Resort Center is 650 acres with lots of opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to run their own business under the WT umbrella. Ideas like paintball, zip lines, massage, mini-golf and driving range are a few ideas that come to mind. These are ideas that would work at WT but we don’t want to do them ourselves. If you have a proposal, please send it to joe@wildernesstours.com.
Q: Can I work at Wilderness Tours?
A: We have a variety of job postings each year. Please send your application in and you will be considered. Visit the jobs section of our website by clicking here