Water Sports · Ontario
Rideau Canoe Club
A long-running paddling club at Mooney's Bay by Hog's Back in Ottawa, known for competitive canoe, kayak and dragon boat training, kids' camps and lessons. Parking is limited.
What visitors say
The Rideau Canoe Club sits on the Rideau River near Hog's Back Falls, on the edge of a park with bike paths and a viewing area over the water. Reviewers like the setting in both summer and winter, and one describes it as a good jumping-off point for paddling the Rideau system south of the city.
This is mainly a club rather than a rental stand. It's well regarded for flatwater canoe and kayak racing and dragon boat, and reviewers who trained here speak highly of the coaches, athletes and community. Summer camps give kids a start that can turn into a competitive sport.
Casual visitors can take lessons too. One parent said an instructor did a great job teaching their 11-year-old to paddle properly. Regattas, including a Canada Day event, draw spectators, and the viewing area makes races easy to follow.
The main practical issue is parking, which a recent visitor found very limited. Check the club's website for programs, prices and times before you go, as walk-up rentals aren't what it's set up for.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 301 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Rideau Canoe Club directly.