Looking for a thrilling adventure right here in Ottawa? Add the Interzip to your staycation itinerary. There’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring 450 meters across the Ottawa River, twelve stories above the water, on a steel cable, reaching speeds of nearly 50 km/h, all while perched on the interprovincial Chaudière Bridge.
The iconic Interzip line stretches between Victoria Island, a two-minute walk from the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, to the Place des Festivals in Gatineau. Your ride begins at the Zibi site, right by the Chaudière Bridge. However, the adventure officially starts at the Interzip reception centre and ticketing office located at 40 Rue Joe-Montferrand on the Quebec side of the Chaudière Bridge. Here, you’ll gear up, sign a waiver, and review safety protocols.
The Interzip staff are young, friendly, and highly professional. They will assist you with your web harness and helmet and guide you through the necessary safety procedures. Once you’re geared up, you’ll take a short walk across the Chaudière Bridge to the Interzip tower on the Ottawa side. You can’t miss the striking 12-story red wooden tower—it’s your launchpad. At the tower, staff will conduct a final gear check, adjust your helmet, and explain what to expect during your ride. They are excellent at answering any questions you might have.
Next, you’ll climb 4.5 flights of stairs to reach the top of the tower, where the take-off platform is ready for two riders per trip. At the top, the staff will perform another gear check, attach a double pulley system to the cable, and secure a backup safety line. Once everything is set, the safety gate opens, and you’re off!
As you zip across the river at around 40 km/h, the rush of speed is exhilarating. Below, the river buzzes by in seconds. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views, briefly—Parliament Hill on your right and the Chaudière Falls and Zibi on your left. The comforting hum of the pulley above your head adds to the fear and excitement buzz as you focus on the landing platform, which grows larger as you approach. With your hands gripping the overhead bar and knees pulled up, you’ll glide onto the platform and come to a quick, satisfying stop.
It’s a fun, exhilarating experience that’s worth every penny. Afterwards, you’ll definitely want a drink . . . at least I did!
Interzip Protocols:
• Weight requirements: Minimum 70 pounds, maximum 275 pounds.
• Certain medical conditions may disqualify individuals from riding.
• All riders must sign a waiver; parents must sign for children under 18.
InterZip is open weekdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no age limit, but riders must weigh at least 70 pounds and no more than 250 pounds. The cost for this thrill ride is $24.99 for adults, while kids 14 and under can zip for $19.99.
Visit interzip.ca for more information or call (613) 695-5248
