Discover Our Programs

Join the Ottawa Rowing Club and experience what the Ottawa River has to offer. As one of Canada’s largest rowing clubs, we have a range of programs suitable for every type of rower.

Rowing Programs

Jump to Programs Below

All Schedules. One Calendar

Check out the NEW Program Schedule

Click the button below to view ORC’s Calendar, with every program, practice, regatta, and event all in one place.

Recreational Programs

Rowing Camp

Age: 12-17
No Experience Required

Rowing is not only a fun activity, but also a valuable experience that can enrich your child’s life in numerous ways. Whether your child is looking for a new hobby, a way to stay active, or a chance to connect with others, our Discover Rowing Camp offers something special in the heart of the city.  We offer both Full-Day and Half-Day camps for youths ages 12-17years almost every week between July and August.

2026 Rowing Camp Information

2026 Pricing:

Full Day: $250/ session
Half Day: $150 / session
*Prices subject to HST
Mandatory Rowing Canada Membership: $50 – $75 (exact price TBD)

2026 Session Dates:

Session 1
July 6th to 10th
Full Day: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Half Day: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Session 2
July 13th to 17th
Full Day: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Half Day: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Session 3
July 20th to 24th
Full Day: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Half Day: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Session 4
July 27th to 31st
Full Day: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Half Day: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Session 5
Aug 10th to Aug 14th
Full Day: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Half Day: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Session 6
Aug 17th to Aug 21th
Full Day: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Half Day: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Session 7
Aug 24th to Aug 28th
Full Day: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Half Day: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Adult Learn to Row

Age: 18+
No Experience Required

Learn the basics of rowing with a class of approximately 10 people. Learn parts of the stroke, parts of the boat, as well as water safety. Lessons take place on rowing machines, and on water.

Classes are typically 3 nights a week within a two-week session. There are multiple sessions to choose from during June to September.

2026 Adult Learn to Row Information

Pricing:

2026 Pricing: $404/ session
*Prices subject to HST
Mandatory Rowing Canada Membership: $50 – $75

2026 Session Dates:

Session 1
June 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, 26
6:00pm to 8:00pm

Session 2
July 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17
6:00pm to 8:00pm

Session 3
July 21, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31
6:00pm to 8:00pm

Session 4
Aug 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21
6:00pm to 8:00pm

Adult Rowing League

Age: 18+
Experience: Beginner and experienced rowers.

Learn the basics of rowing. The Adult Rowing League (ARL) includes dry land, and on water lessons to teach you rowing basics including safety, terminology, and proper form. Crews meet once a week on weekday evenings in May, June and July.

Register as a full crew or as individuals. We’ll put you in a crew and assign a rowing coach for friendly competition against other crews in the league!

2026 Adult Rowing League Information

About ARL:

Adult Rowing League (ARL) is your opportunity to learn how to row an 8+ (8 oars plus one coxswain). The program offers five (5) weekday evening practices starting in May, culminating in four (4) race nights in July when you will have the opportunity to test your new skills against other crews and enjoy socialising afterwards.

Each participant chooses which evenings they wish to practice on – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights. In July all crews will race on Thursday evenings only. Following individual registration you will be contacted by our ARL program organizer to confirm your crew and preferred day of the week. 

May-June weeknight practices from 6:00pm to 8:15pm are designed to get you ready for the July race nights! They will include dry land training and on the water sessions to teach you rowing basics including safety, terminology and proper body form.  No experience is required, however returning participants are most welcome.

At July Thursday evening Race nights from 6:00pm, there are over 100 rowers at the boathouse! Races are 800m in length, running on the Ottawa River in front of the boathouse from Parliament Hill to the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge. There will be an announcer to call the races, a food truck on site and a cash bar. Race nights are all about having fun and meeting new friends.

Equipment and supplies to bring: 

  • Each crew will be provided a team t-shirt (each team has a specific colour).
  • Water bottle (water is on site)
  • Dress for the weather: snug, comfortable sports clothing: 
  • Socks (you will not be able to wear shoes in the boats)
  • Running shoes (Indoor training)
  • Hat
  • Rings are uncomfortable so we recommend leaving jewellery at home.

 

Pricing:

2026 Pricing: $385/ season
*10% Group Discount (if you register with 10 people)
*Prices subject to HST
Mandatory Rowing Canada Membership: $50 – $75

 

2026 Season Dates:

Week 1: Orientation
Thursday, May 21, 2026
6:00pm to 7:30pm
ALL CREWS

Week 2 – 6: Practice Weeks
May 26th, 2026 to June 25th, 2026
CREWS Select one weekday of the following:
Tuesdays: 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Wednesdays: 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Thursdays: 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Week 7 – 10: Race Nights
Thursday, July 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2026
6:00pm to 9:00pm
ALL CREWS

Club Program

and Club Developmentnew in 2026!

Age: 18+
Experience: Adult Learn to Row, Adult Rowing League or past experience at the ORC or other club.

Experience rowing regularily at the Ottawa Rowing Club. Program coaches organize the group to row together in crew boats. Club rowers may participate in recreational events offered at the Head of the Madawaska and Head of the Rideau Regattas. Club is a great way to meet new people and get your workout too!

2026 Club Rowing Information

Club Development, New for 2026:

Are you joining our Club Program from Adult Learn to Row? We are committed to bridging the gap from our Introductory Instructional courses to our Recreational Club Program. We are excited to introduce Club Development to our Club Program in 2026.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays for the start of the Spring Season and the start of the Fall Season, our Lead Instructor from Adult Learn to Row will join the coaching roster for our Club Program and provide additional assistance for those rowers graduating from ALTR to Club.

 

Club Development Schedule:

This additional stream of our Club Program will be available during scheduled Club Practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Spring Club Development:
May 5th to June 11th (6 weeks)
on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Fall Club Development:
Aug 25th to Oct 1st (6 weeks)
on Tuesdays and Thursdays

 

Pricing:

2026 Pricing:
Full Season: $1050
Spring and Summer: $690
Summer ONLY: $506
Fall ONLY: $506

Club Development Spring: $456
Club Development Fall: $456

*Prices subject to HST
Mandatory Rowing Canada Membership: $50 – $75

 

2026 Season Dates:

*subject to change based on environmental conditions

Full Season:
May 4, 2026 to Oct 31, 2026

Spring and Summer:
May 4, 2026 to Aug 23, 2026

Summer ONLY: 
June 29, 2026 to Aug 23, 2026

Fall ONLY:
Aug 24, 2026 to Oct 31, 2026

Registration

Read more about the registration process

What is RCA?

Learn more about Rowing Canada and why every athlete needs an RCA Membership

Program Schedule

See our entire program schedule on one Calendar

Competitive Programs

Junior Programs

Age Categories: U17 & U19 (12-18)
No Experience Required for Development Team

We offer a 3-tier program for athletes of various ages, experience levels and goals. There is no experience required for our Development program which is our introductory program for ages 12-18 and it is where all new rowers and Summer Camp graduates start. Crew (ages 14-18) is our intermediate program where athletes begin competing, and Performance (ages 14-18) is our program for our higher performing athletes with goals beyond Junior rowing. Most Juniors will go on to row as varsity athletes, earn scholarships and/or race for Team Canada.

2026 Junior Information

2026 Pricing and Dates have not been confirmed as of this time.

Read the most up-to-date information on Pricing and Season Dates in the Season Outline or the Handbook documents linked to the buttons below.

Information is also available upon Registering on the Amilia registration platform before payment.

Senior Programs

Age Categories: U23 (19-22), Senior (23+)
Experience: Competitive, High SchoolUniversityJunior Development, or Recreational rowingWinter Training is recommended.

Competitive rowers train a minimum of 6 days a week to compete in 2000m and head races throughout the season. Competitive rowers commit to a training program, workout sessions and regattas.  Crews and regatta entries will be determined by the coach(es) based on on-the-water performance, and erg test scores.

2026 Senior Information

Pricing:

2026 Pricing:
Full Season: $1400
Spring and Summer: $921
Spring ONLY: $430
Summer ONLY: $492
Fall ONLY: $552

*Mandatory Rowing Canada Membership: $50 – $75
*all prices are subject to HST
*all Competitive Programs will face additional fees for Regattas
*all Competitive Programs must participate in the Community Involvement Program, by paying the required deposit.

 

Practices:

Senior Athletes practice 6 days / week.
Monday to Friday, 5:00am to 7:00am
Saturday, 6:00am to 8:00am

 

2026 Season Dates:

Full Season:
May 4, 2026 to Oct 31, 2026

Spring and Summer:
May 4, 2026 to Aug 23, 2026

Spring ONLY:
May 4th, 2026 to June 28th, 2026

Summer ONLY:
June 29th, 2026 to Aug 23rd, 2026

Fall ONLY:
Aug 24th, 2026 to Oct 31, 2026

Masters Programs

Age Categories: Masters (21+)
ExperienceRecreationalCompetitive, or past experience at the ORC or other club.

Our Masters program is perfect for those who may not be able to fit 6-12 workouts a week around family and work but still want to improve their rowing skill by training in a group atmosphere. Masters athletes participate in organized on water workouts in crew boats, and compete in regattas. The Masters rowing program allows for flexibility with training and competition.

2026 Masters Information

Pricing:

2026 Pricing
Full Season: $1166
Spring and Summer: $767
Spring/ Summer to Fall TOP UP: $433
Summer ONLY: $492
Fall ONLY: $562

Spring Performance Masters TOP UP: $266
Fall Performance Masters TOP UP: $266

Spring Daylight Masters TOP UP: $240
Fall Daylight Masters TOP UP: $240

*Mandatory Rowing Canada Membership: $50 – $75
*all prices are subject to HST
*all Competitive Programs will face additional fees for Regattas
*all Competitive Programs must participate in the Community Involvement Program, by paying the required deposit.

 

Practices:

 

Masters

Mondays and Wednesdays
6:15pm to 8:15pm – All Masters
Saturdays
8:00am to 10:00am – All Masters

 

Performance Top Up

Tuesdays and Thursdays:
6:00am to 8:00am

 

Daylight Top Up

Tuesdays and Thursdays:
7:30am to 9:30am

 

2026 Season Dates:

Full Season:
May 4, 2026 to Oct 31, 2026

Spring and Summer:
May 4, 2026 to Aug 23, 2026

Summer ONLY:
June 29th, 2026 to Aug 23rd, 2026

Fall ONLY:
Aug 24th, 2026 to Oct 31, 2026

Spring TOP UPS:
June 16th to July 30th (7 weeks)

Fall TOP UPS:
Aug 18th to Oct 1st (7 weeks)

 

University Programs

Age Categories: University (No Age Limit)
No Experience Required for Novice Team

ORC is proud to be the home of uOttawa and Carleton Universities’ rowing teams. The program offers an excellent opportunity to build rowing skills, while training with university peers and to access both on-water and drylands training and conditioning.

The first step in university rowing is to connect with your respective coach. Continue with university and ORC registration once you have made contact with someone from your institution.

2026 University Information

Pricing:

2026 Pricing

Carleton University and uOttawa
Varsity Training Camp: $108
Varsity Fall Season: $444

Novice Training/ Try Rowing Camp: $108
Novice Fall Season: $444

*Mandatory Rowing Canada Membership: $50 – $75
*all prices are subject to HST
*all Competitive Programs will face additional fees for Regattas
*all Competitive Programs must participate in the Community Involvement Program, by paying the required deposit.

 

Practices:

University Athletes Practice with the Senior Crews, 6 days / week.

University Athletes practice 6 days / week.
Monday to Friday, 5:00am to 7:00am
Saturday, 6:00am to 8:00am

 

2026 Season Dates:

Training Camp:
Aug 24th, 2026 to Aug 30th
*exact dates TBC upon registration

Fall Season:
Aug 31st, 2026 (end of Training Camp) to Oct 31th, 2026 (ends after Canadian University Rowing Championships)

Regatta Fees

Regatta fees are an additional cost beyond program registration. Learn more on the Registration Page

Community Involvement Program

All Competitive Athletes are required to pay a deposit for the Community Involvement Program.

Program Schedule

See our entire program schedule on one Calendar

Specalty Programs

Private Coaching

Age Categories: 12+
Experience: minimum Learn to Row session or Summer Camp.

Private coaching lessons are for rowers with rowing experience looking to improve their skills. This is not a Learn to Row program.

Looking for one-on-one or small group coaching tailored to your skill level, goals and schedule? Want to progress faster or work on something specific? Private and small groups sessions might be the answer!

The first step is to connect with a coach and coordinate session details and timing, your coach will guide you to proceed with registration or contact ORC Administration.

Coach contacts can be found in the Coaching Info Package.

Social Membership

“Friend of the ORC”

We invite comunity members, parents or rowers, alumni, to be part of the ORC rowing community without necessarily participating in rowing itself. This membership includes access to club facilities (excl. indoor training equipment), social events and other non-rowing activities.

Facilities include washrooms, change rooms, event hall, board room, docks and other outdoor space. Come down to the Club and see what we have to offer!

Events include potlucks, banquets, program socials, and more!

Indoor and Winter Training

Are you the parent or guardian of an ORC rower looking to stay in shape while waiting? Or perhaps an athlete who has paused their training on water?
Our Indoor Gym Membership is perfect for those who want to stay in shape and use our gym facilities in preparation for future on water seasons. This membership is also suitable for those who want to use ORC as their gym, regardless of their affiliation with rowing.
The gym is equipped with 30 ergs, squat and bench racks, stationary bikes, and free weights along with indoor turf.

Everyone Can Row

Everybody Rows Ottawa was created in 2021 to remove financial barriers to participation in sport, and make rowing a sport that is accessible to all. We aim to use rowing as a tool for development of life skills, as well as an opportunity to explore sport in a low-stress environment.

ERO invites a community group to the ORC for one session where we instruct the participants on the basics of the rowing stroke on the rowing machines, and how to handle the equipment. Then participants hop on the water and try some dockside rowing. These sessions run for a 2-hour duration.

ORC has partnered with many community organizations serving equity-deserving groups in the Ottawa area. We hope to maintain these connections and expand our reach to any interested groups!

Let's Row Ottawa

Let’s Row Ottawa is our school-based program designed to expose students to the sport of Rowing. We partner with schools and Phys Ed departments based in the Capital Region run the introductory program for students.

We provide all equipment and personnel and bring everything to the school. We typically set-up for the day in Phys Ed classes and cycle students through an introductory clinic on indoor rowing machines.

This community-based program is offered at an extremely low cost to the school/ participants. Our goal is to expose as many youth as we can to the sport of Rowing, and grow the sport through our tiered approach to athlete development.