FORESTERS FALLS — Rafters Restaurant at Wilderness Tours has undergone a major change this past winter — but that’s not the only change – there are new co-owners of this well-known resort, which is now 32 years old.
Siblings Joel and Katie Kowalski have joined their father Joe in partnership. The two Kowalski siblings have always demonstrated great interest, pride and involvement in the community.
“Honestly, even when I moved away for school, I was always excited to come home to the Ottawa Valley and Ottawa River,” Joel said.
He is working in sales/marketing and river operations.
While he has been working at the resort when not in school, Joel has taken on more responsibilities now that he’s finished his post-secondary education.
“I’m fully out of school and back here full time,” he said.
Katie said, “I love it here and I want to see it grow. It’s not only the river but the people, the sense of community is strong and I am proud to be a valley girl and no matter where I go I will always be one at heart.”
Katie is working in the operations department with manager Charles Tong.
“I’m working on schedules, payroll, daily things and staff, a little bit of everything,” she said.
But, let’s look back before their time.
The Ottawa River carries many names, Kichesippi meaning Great River to the Algonquin or la Rivière des Outaouais to the French. The story of this river’s rich liquid history has flowed through campfire stories for generations. The Great River has been a source of life for the surrounding vegetation and habitants, and a landmark aiding in navigation to the Algonquin People, prior to the conception of Canada. It was the shortest route to the Great Lakes most travelled by the European Explorers. The river eventually became a logging highway during the booming timber trade in the early 19th century and most recently has served the purpose of energy and pleasure.
The Ottawa hosts a series of infamous waves and wild whitewater rapids sought out by adventurers from far and wide to experience. It is for this reason that Wilderness Tours has hosted the whitewater kayaking world championships in 1991, 2007 and again in 2015.
“These waves are perfect for all whitewater levels, from beginner to expert they are excellent to learn from and improve on,” Joel said.
Most recently Joel has focused his efforts in the projects involving the conservation and safety on the Ottawa River, such as the potential solutions surrounding the Deschênes Ruins landmark.
The Ottawa River’s source of high volume attraction has encouraged the two, along with staff, to put some love back into the heart of Wilderness Tours and drive changes that will better accommodate all community members coming from near and far.
While the perception has been local people are not welcome to Wilderness Tours, that’s just not true, as problems from the past have been resolved with better security management at the resort.
Moving forward, the focus at Rafters, the restaurant at the resort, is not only for those coming from afar, but those living nearby who want a night out.
There is no other place with live music, a beautiful view and the opportunity to enjoy all the amenities, such as kayaking, canoeing, swimming, whitewater rafting, sports courts and if you love to play chess, a life-sized chess board.
As an added bonus, check out the events page to see what events are happening each weekend, as well as the variety of entertainment – raftersrestaurant.com
The resort was built with wooden beams to give the idea of logging, which was once prevalent in the Ottawa Valley. When the logs were coming down the river, of course, many got hung up along the banks. While they were gathered, some were missed. Some of those square timbers were retrieved and are now the focal part of the main bar inside of Rafters and a few tabletops on the deck.
The history of logging in the Ottawa Valley is also depicted in Rafters with large, black and white archived photos displayed on the walls.
Hanging above the main bar is one of the owner’s handmade original two-seater kayaks turned into an elegant light fixture with lights strung below depicting the whitewater of this region.
“It’s been a long process,” Joel said.
He noted the buffet style dinner has been replaced with table service for everyone. In order to do that, more table space was required inside, so booth seating was created just inside the main doors to the left of the fireplace.
Having completed these renovations at Wilderness Tours, the owners and staff invite everyone to come together on Friday, May 19 at Rafters Restaurant to start the summer season with their Grand Re-opening. The Valley Heritage Opening Night begins at 6 p.m. and goes until closing. There will be complimentary wine and cheese plus a three-course meal of chef’s choice from the menu. The cost is $49 per person. Please call and make your reservation today at 613-646-2241 Ext.0.
Mother’s Day Event
Treat that special woman, or women, to brunch at Rafters at Wilderness Tours on Sunday, May 14. There are three sittings – 10 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be a variety of breakfast and brunch menu items, including roast beef, maple glazed salmon and chicken breast in white wine sauce. There is a complimentary mimosa and a rose for mom, plus a few surprises. There is also live entertainment.
The cost for adults is $21.95 and for children 5-to-10 years, $12.95.
Please call 613-646-2241, ext. 0 for reservations.
