The 2026 Canada Cup Boater Cross brought high-speed whitewater action to the Ottawa River on August 15, with kayakers going head-to-head through the powerful and technical Lorne Rapid. Hosted by the Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours, the race tested competitors’ speed, boat control and ability to make split-second decisions while navigating one of the Ottawa River’s iconic rapids. In Boater Cross, multiple paddlers race together, battling for the fastest line through the rapid and ultimately to the finish, making for an exciting spectacle for both competitors and spectators. The Lorne, also known as the Garburator at lower water levels, is a Class III+ rapid featuring big, irregular waves that make it a demanding and thrilling venue for competitive whitewater kayaking.
