Formerly Ottawa River Whitewater Rafting Limited
In the early summer of 1980 a group of friends convinced me to go camping …. and take a whitewater raft trip, something new to try, I was nervous……..a thrill seeker I wasn’t. Two days of white knuckled paddling and a big spill along the way turned out to be the adventure of my lifetime. What an adrenaline rush and a sense of accomplishment….and so much FUN!
I was hooked on rafting!
That was the experience. Then came the idea!
The idea that maybe I could start a whitewater rafting business, the possibilities were unknown but endless. By the end of that summer and with much research, 12 new rafts and all equipment purchased, land leases negotiated for a put-in spot and another for camping and take-out. Corporation papers were signed and with that, Ottawa River Whitewater Rafting Ltd was born, and for my family it was “all hands on deck” and all lights green to GO!!!!
There would be much still to do in the months ahead before we opened the next spring. Most difficult would be finding qualified river guides, rafting was new and kayaking almost non-existent in the early `80’s. We attended as many trade shows as we could trying to convince people that river rafting was fun, exciting and safe, not always easy! It took extraordinary effort, a lot of leg work and lots of talking, but we convinced over 5000 people to paddle the rapids of the Ottawa River in the summer of 1981, what a huge success!
It also took some extraordinary people to help make this happen during some extraordinary times. Thirty-one years later many of these same people keep in touch, dropping by to say hello or bring their families and friends for some rafting. More and more are getting in touch with us through Facebook sharing their memories of summers while working at RiverRun. A hearty few are still working with me here at RiverRun, Dup and Cathy with TM retiring after 23 years, they are more like family now.
My children, their spouses and now my grandson all working or involved in some way with the business…three generations all dedicated to providing our guests with a wonderful experience and extraordinary service. RiverRun has evolved to become a world-class resort offering 165 acres of waterfront recreation, meals, camping and over 150 beds in various accommodations. There’s even have a Country Inn & Spa for “non-rafters’, and relaxing types!
The Ottawa River has gained a reputation and is recognized for the best whitewater, attracting visitors from around the globe who raft, kayak and canoe its waters. The river is rich in history, wildlife, spectacular beauty and is designated to become one of Canada’s Heritage Rivers.
RiverRun Rafting now offers vacation packages along with four different river rafting experiences for all ages. We pioneered the 6 passenger sport rafting experience and have earned the reputation for the “best rafting” on the Ultimate Raft Trip on the Ottawa River.
It’s been 31 years of extraordinary experiences and accomplishments. There have been many extraordinary staff…many memorable guests and many memories.
In as much as this is a brief history of the beginning of RiverRun is also a tribute to my mother “Trudy Maloney” who came out of retirement in 1980 to help start this fledgling rafting company. She was the best sales agent, promoter and enthusiastic supporter of me and my ideas, my children and this family venture……..or should I say ADVENTURE! I’m still excited by it all.
“the thing is, it’s still all about the river!”
Margaret Maloney
RiverRun Whitewater Resort P.O. Box 179,
