Don’t Miss the Ottawa Valley’s Wildest Outdoor Summer Festival this August: Water and Dirt
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to play outside! The aptly named Water and Dirt Festival in the Ottawa Valley celebrates this spirit of outdoor adventure over two packed weeks in August, pairing adventures on the region’s many lakes, rivers and trails with great food, live music and community spirit—with a healthy dose of competition thrown into the mix.
Whether you seek adventure, education or just a good time, you’ll find it in the Ottawa Valley from August 1 to 16.
Focus on fun: Adventures for the whole family
Water and Dirt welcomes the littlest adventurers with kid-first events like the Kids Adventure Dash, a two-kilometre fun run over an obstacle course at Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch, where it’s more about the laughs than the speed.
Kids who are more serious about running can tackle the Munchkin Route (2.5 kilometres) on the Coureurs de Bois Trail Race at Petawawa Golf Course while their parents and older siblings take on the five or 10 kilometre route.
Young riders (and riders who are young at heart) can sharpen their skills at the Bike Skills Clinic at Petawawa Construction Yard Bike Park.
Families can learn to paddle together during a guided canoe experience at the Bonnechere Provincial Park Outdoor Series.
If you have four-legged family members, don’t miss the Ottawa Valley Doggy Paddle at Petawawa Point Beach, supporting the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre.
Weekend warriors: Find your next challenge
Whether you run, swim, paddle or bike, you’ll find an event to celebrate your passion and challenge your skills at Water and Dirt. Test your trail-running chops on the rugged singletrack course of the Forest Lea Trail Run in the heart of the Laurentian Valley. Swim 1.5 kilometres between two provinces at the Cross-River Swim from Indian Point Beach, Quebec, to Centennial Rock in Deep River, Ontario. Revel in the dirt in the BORCA Dirty 30 cross-country mountain bike race through County Forest in Whitewater region.
Or, go back to where it all began and join the Upper Ottawa River Race. This paddling race is the event that started it all for the Water and Dirt Festival back in 2016, and it’s become a can’t-miss highlight of the summer calendar. Grab your kayak, canoe, outrigger or SUP and hit the Ottawa River for a full day of competition, cheering and laughter before the trophies are handed out.
Push the limits: Major quests for serious athletes
There’s serious and then there’s serious.
Dedicated athletes can test their endurance with the longest distance categories at events like the Forest Lea Trail Run (27 kilometres) or BORCA Dirty 30 (50 kilometres).
In the rapids, the Petawawa Extreme Slalom through the Railroad Rapid on the Petawawa River is a tough pursuit with paddlers fighting it out in four-person heats until a winner is crowned.
For the ultimate challenge on both water and land, take on the Petawawa Triathlon: a 20-kilometre bike ride, five-kilometre run and 750 metre open-water swim in Black Bay.
To the victor (and everyone else)
Whether you’re in it to win it or just out for a good time, you qualify for some serious rewards. All Water and Dirt registrations include a branded shirt, fun swag and a top-notch catered meal after your event. Don’t miss the free festivities throughout the festival, including live concerts both weekends. Check the online calendar to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
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.
