Bring On The Bay

The Ottawa River presents a unique swimming environment defined by its deep geological history within the Ottawa-Bonnechere Graben, a rift valley formed 175 million years ago. As you settle into your rhythm, you are traversing a channel carved through the Canadian Shield and ancient limestone plains. The water in mid-July maintains a temperate, refreshing quality, perfect for the 1.5K and 3K distances, though swimmers should be prepared for the steady flow characteristic of this major waterway. The organization is robust, utilizing a comprehensive system of sailboats, kayaks, and support vessels to ensure safety and clear navigation throughout the course.

What you'll see

Navigating these waters offers a perspective of the capital available only from the surface of the river. The route passes by the imposing cliff face where the Canadian Parliament buildings were strategically established in the 1850s, a location chosen specifically for its commanding view and defensibility. Looking toward the Quebec shoreline, you will notice the dramatic, rugged profiles of the Laurentian Mountains. The riverbanks themselves are biologically rich; near Shirleys Bay, you will pass one of the most extensive silver maple swamps in the region, an ecosystem that relies on the seasonal fluctuations of the river to sustain its rare flora.

A landscape of history

While you swim, you are moving through a corridor that has seen centuries of human activity. The riverbank was once the site of intense civil unrest between 1835 and 1845 known as the 'Shiners' War', where Irish labourers and French settlers clashed for control of the timber trade. Further back, in 1613, Samuel de Champlain paddled these same currents while documenting the waterfalls and his encounters with the Algonquin people, a legacy now marked by a monument near Cobden where a 17th-century astrolabe was unearthed. Since its inception, Bring On The Bay has grown into a community cornerstone, with over 1,100 participants in recent editions helping to raise significant funds for Easter Seals Ontario.