A Hidden Waterfront Gem & a Dream Wedding Venue🚣♂️💍🌊
As you glide along the Ottawa River with Palapa Tours, you’ll pass by one of the city’s most historic and picturesque landmarks—the Ottawa Rowing Club (ORC). Nestled along the riverbank and hidden from view on the roads, this iconic institution has been shaping Ottawa’s waterfront culture for over 150 years.
Canada’s Oldest Rowing Club – A Legacy on the Water
Established in 1867—the same year as Canada’s Confederation—the Ottawa Rowing Club is Canada’s oldest continuous rowing club. Among its founding members? None other than Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald and the Governor General.
The club’s first regatta in 1867 was a major event:
“Throughout the afternoon, crowds of people lined the river banks to witness the sport, while the bosom of the river literally swarmed with all sorts of sailing craft, from the tiniest little shell up to the stateliest steamboat.”
From a boathouse built on pontoons that would often sink to becoming one of Canada’s largest and most respected rowing organizations, the ORC has overcome challenges and thrived for over a century.
A Thriving Hub for Rowing in Ottawa
Rowing is at the heart of the ORC, offering programs for all ages and skill levels:
✅ Youth Day Camps – Teaching kids the joy of rowing.
✅ Adult Learn to Row – Perfect for those starting out in the sport.
✅ Club & Recreational Rowing – For fitness, fun, and competition.
✅ Competitive Teams & Regattas – Including the Head of the Rideau Regatta, a 5.3 km race held every September.
✅ University Rowing Partnerships – Over 80 student-athletes from Carleton University & uOttawa train here.
✅ Adaptive Rowing – Inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities.
The ORC has also produced Olympians and Paralympians, including:
🏆 Andrew Todd – Paralympic Gold Medalist
🏆 Joshua King – Olympic spare
🏆 Numerous world-class rowers and champions
A Waterfront Wedding Venue Like No Other 💍🚤
Beyond its sporting legacy, the Ottawa Rowing Club is also home to one of Ottawa’s most unique wedding venues—the Andy Binda Boathouse.
✨ Why is it the perfect venue?
🏛️ Historic Charm – Celebrate in a century-old waterfront setting, surrounded by rowing history.
🌅 Breathtaking Views – Exchange vows with the Ottawa River as your backdrop.
🎉 Flexible & Affordable – Choose your own caterer and bar service to fit your style and budget.
🌿 Outdoor Deck Ceremony Space – A beautiful, open-air option for your vows.
🚤 A Wedding Toast Like No Other!
One of the most unique wedding traditions at the boathouse is the Palapa Tours Floating Tiki Bar toast! If a wedding is happening while we’re cruising by:
🔔 We ring the bell & toast the couple from the river!
🥃 If the ceremony has ended, the captain navigates to the dock & offers the newlyweds a celebratory shot—on the house!
📸 Photographers LOVE this magical, spontaneous moment!
🛶 Arrive in Style with the AquaTaxi.Solar!
For a dramatic entrance, the AquaTaxi.Solar can deliver the bride straight to the dock, where she walks up the ramp to say “I do.” A breathtaking way to start a new chapter!
Best Seen from the Water! 🚤🌊
Unlike many of Ottawa’s famous landmarks, the Ottawa Rowing Club is hidden from the road—but not from the river! That’s why a Palapa cruise is a great way to experience it.
As we pass by the heritage buildings, you’ll see rowers in action, training along the same stretch of river that has shaped champions for over a century.
Listen & Learn More! 🎧
Want to dive deeper into the Ottawa Rowing Club’s story? Check out our latest podcast episode, where we explore:
🎙️ The history of the ORC & its Olympic legacy
🎙️ Why it’s one of Ottawa’s most unique wedding venues
🎙️ The AquaTaxi.Solar, Palapa Tours & the best waterfront experiences in the city
🎙️ And, of course… BeaverTails! 🍩
🎧 Where to Listen?
You can tune in to The Palapa Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms:
🎙️ Palapa Website | 🎙️ Apple Podcasts | 🎶 Spotify | 🌐 RSS Feed & More
🚤 Experience Ottawa’s waterfront history up close! Book a Palapa Tour and discover this hidden treasure on the Ottawa River.
🔗 Reserve your adventure today!
#PalapaTours #OttawaRowingClub #HiddenGems #OttawaRiver #RowingHistory #WaterfrontWeddings #FloatingTikiBar #TouchTheWater 🚣♂️🌊💍
