Advertisement

Ziplining in Ottawa: Your Ultimate Guide

Why Go Ziplining in Ottawa?

Ziplining is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience nature—it combines the thrill of high-speed movement with the breathtaking beauty of forests, rivers, and hills from above. Flying down a steel cable at speeds up to 60 km/h (or faster) while suspended high above the ground offers a unique adrenaline rush and a fresh perspective on Ottawa’s beautiful landscapes.

Ottawa’s ziplining scene offers a mix of forest canopy tours, cliffside ziplines, and even thrilling water crossings. Whether you’re soaring across the Ottawa River, gliding through the treetops of Gatineau Park, or tackling an aerial adventure park, Ottawa has some of the most scenic and challenging ziplining experiences in Canada.

Benefits of Ziplining

✅ Adrenaline Rush – High speeds and heights trigger an intense release of endorphins and dopamine.
✅ Overcomes Fear of Heights – Conquering zipline courses builds confidence and mental toughness.
✅ Improves Core Strength and Balance – Maintaining body position while suspended engages core muscles.
✅ Enhances Coordination – Managing body position and braking improves proprioception and motor skills.
✅ Low Impact on Joints – A safe and low-impact adventure that doesn’t strain knees or ankles.
✅ Connects You to Nature – Experience panoramic views of forests, rivers, and cliffs from above.

“To fly, we have to have resistance.” – Maya Lin

Top Ziplining Locations in and Around Ottawa

Ready to soar? Here are Ottawa’s top ziplining destinations for thrill-seekers and families alike:

🌲 Interzip Rogers (Zipline Across Provincial Borders)

📍 Location: Ottawa River (Downtown Ottawa-Gatineau)

  • Length: 425 meters (1,394 feet)
  • Height: 120 feet above the Ottawa River
  • Speed: Up to 50 km/h
  • Highlights:
    • The only zipline in the world to cross an international provincial border.
    • Fly from Ottawa (Ontario) to Gatineau (Quebec) over the Ottawa River.
    • Incredible views of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, and Gatineau Hills.
    • Dual zipline—race against a friend or family member.
  • Open Season: May to October

🏆 Pro Tip: For the best experience, book an evening zip to catch the sunset over Parliament Hill!

🌲 Arbraska Laflèche Adventure Park (Best for Forest Canopy and Adventure)

📍 Location: Val-des-Monts, Quebec (30 minutes from Ottawa)

  • Number of Ziplines: 10
  • Longest Zipline: 250 meters
  • Height: Up to 75 feet
  • Highlights:
    • Forest canopy ziplining through the treetops of Gatineau Hills.
    • Includes aerial bridges, suspension lines, and rope courses.
    • Nighttime ziplining tours available with headlamps.
    • Suitable for both adults and children (minimum age: 5).
  • Open Season: May to October

🏆 Pro Tip: Combine ziplining with the Laflèche Caves Tour for a full day of adventure!

🌲 Camp Fortune Zipline & Aerial Park (Longest Zipline in the Region)

📍 Location: Chelsea, Quebec (20 minutes from Ottawa)

  • Number of Ziplines: 4
  • Longest Zipline: 425 meters
  • Height: Over 100 feet
  • Speed: Up to 60 km/h
  • Highlights:
    • High-speed, long-distance zipline over Gatineau Park’s forest.
    • Dual racing ziplines available.
    • Includes a multi-level aerial obstacle course with rope swings and climbing challenges.
    • Option to zipline in the fall for stunning autumn foliage views.
  • Open Season: May to October

🏆 Pro Tip: Start with the obstacle course to warm up your muscles before hitting the ziplines.

🌲 Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park (Most Scenic Experience)

📍 Location: Fort-Coulonge, Quebec (1.5 hours from Ottawa)

  • Number of Ziplines: 5
  • Longest Zipline: 260 meters (850 feet)
  • Height: Over 150 feet
  • Highlights:
    • Zipline over the stunning Chutes Coulonge waterfall.
    • Combination of forest canopy and river views.
    • Suspension bridges and high-wire walking challenges.
    • Historical park with preserved logging equipment and interpretive signs.
  • Open Season: May to September

🏆 Pro Tip: Bring a GoPro—this is one of the most picturesque ziplining experiences in Canada!

🌲 Great Canadian Bungee – RipRide Zipline (Extreme Speed and Height)

📍 Location: Wakefield, Quebec (30 minutes from Ottawa)

  • Length: 310 meters (1,000 feet)
  • Height: 200 feet over a natural quarry lake
  • Speed: Up to 70 km/h
  • Highlights:
    • Fastest and highest zipline in Eastern Canada.
    • Zip over crystal-clear water and steep cliffs.
    • Starts from the same platform as the Great Canadian Bungee jump.
    • Option to combine with a bungee jump for a full adrenaline day.
  • Open Season: May to October

🏆 Pro Tip: Opt for the full “Zip + Bungee” combo package for the ultimate thrill.

🌲 Omega Park Zipline (Wildlife Views from the Air)

📍 Location: Montebello, Quebec (1 hour from Ottawa)

  • Length: 350 meters
  • Height: 100 feet over wildlife enclosures
  • Highlights:
    • Zip over moose, deer, wolves, and bison enclosures.
    • Family-friendly zipline (for ages 5+).
    • Includes access to the park’s wildlife safari and hiking trails.
  • Open Season: May to October

🏆 Pro Tip: Go early in the morning for the best chance of seeing wolves and bears from above!

Types of Ziplining Experiences

Not all ziplines are the same—here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

🪂 Forest Canopy Ziplines (Scenic & Relaxing)

  • Glide through treetops at moderate speeds.
  • Lower heights and slower speeds—great for families and beginners.
  • Examples: Arbraska and Chutes Coulonge.

🪂 High-Speed Ziplines (Thrilling & Fast)

  • Steeper and longer lines for higher speeds.
  • Often includes racing or steep descents.
  • Examples: Camp Fortune and Great Canadian Bungee.

🪂 Water Ziplines (Wet & Wild)

  • Cross over rivers, lakes, or waterfalls.
  • Often faster with a “splashdown” option.
  • Examples: Great Canadian Bungee and Chutes Coulonge.

🪂 Adventure Park Ziplines (Climbing & Obstacles)

  • Combines ziplining with climbing walls, rope bridges, and balance beams.
  • Great for group challenges and team building.
  • Examples: Arbraska and Camp Fortune.

Essential Ziplining Gear

Most zipline facilities provide the necessary equipment, but here’s what you should bring:

✔ Helmet – Provided by the facility (protects from head impact).
✔ Harness – Fitted for comfort and security (provided).
✔ Gloves – Provides better grip on braking lines.
✔ Closed-Toe Shoes – Sneakers or hiking shoes.
✔ Comfortable, Athletic Clothing – Avoid loose or dangling items.
✔ GoPro or Action Camera – Some locations provide helmet mounts for recording.

🏆 Pro Tip: Wear quick-drying clothes if ziplining over water!

How to Maximize Your Ziplining Experience

🔥 Keep Your Legs Straight – Helps maintain balance and speed.
🔥 Hold the Handle Firmly – Prevents spinning or instability.
🔥 Look Ahead, Not Down – Focusing on the horizon helps with balance.
🔥 Relax and Breathe – Staying loose improves your ride.
🔥 Trust the Equipment – Zipline gear is professionally tested and maintained.

Final Thoughts: Take the Plunge!

Ziplining in Ottawa offers a mix of speed, adrenaline, and breathtaking natural views. Whether you’re racing down the Ottawa River or gliding through a forest canopy, the sky is calling!

💬 What’s your most epic zipline story? Share your experience! #OttawaActiveZipline #SoarHighFlyFast