Est. 2023 · Ottawa, Ontario
Free to join
Est. 2023 · Ottawa, Ontario · Free to join
OttawaValleyJeepAssociation
A family-friendly off-road club in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Membership is free, and always has been.
Cheaper than a therapist. Muddier, too.
Four things we do
In the club’s own words, OVJA exists for “social, recreational and educational activities designed to foster the enjoyment of off-road vehicles while protecting and preserving our natural resources.”
- 01
Runs most weekends
Early May to early November, Saturday and often Sunday too. Announced a week or so ahead in the group, the club has never published a season calendar in advance.
- 02
Built for newcomers
The routes we run most are stock-friendly by design, with optional obstacles you can drive around without losing the group. You do not need a lifted rig to start.
- 03
Half the calendar needs no rig
Ice cream socials, meet-and-greet dinners through the winter, the drive-in, and Camp NL every August. Passengers and family always welcome.
- 04
Free, and always has been
No dues, no tiers, no guest fee, nothing to renew. If a site, form or person ever asks you for OVJA dues, it is not us.
The season
The club opens with the Seasonal Open Run on the first Saturday of May and closes with an explicitly-titled last run in early November. Through the winter it moves indoors.
- Season opens
- First Saturday of May
- Season closes
- Early November
- Cadence
- Most weekends, Saturday and often Sunday
- Off-season
- Meet-and-greet dinners, February and March
Runs are cancelled when the weather turns, and sometimes when too few people confirm. That is normal, check before you tow.
A run day
09:00 meet · 09:30 wheels turn
- Arrive fully fueled
- Pack lunch, snacks and drinks
- Bring a chair and a blanket for the lunch stop
- Dress for the weather, it is going to be muddy and wet
The club has no formal equipment requirement or waiver. This is what the club’s own run posts ask for.
The calendar
Runs go out most weekends, May to November. The calendar itself is members-only.
Runs are members-only
Even our run titles name the trails, and publishing where we go is how clubs lose access. Sign in for the calendar, the weather calls and who’s convoying. Joining is free.
The trails we run
A well-worn set of routes through Renfrew and Lanark counties. Which ones, and where they start, is for members.
Trail information is members-only
Several of our routes cross private land by permission, and two Valley trails are already closed for good, one of them at the landowner's request. Publishing where we go is how clubs lose access, so trail names, ratings and meeting points stay behind the member login. Joining is free.
Stuck happens.
Nobody stays stuck.
The club’s four rules
These are OVJA’s actual rules, as written by the admin. There are four of them and no more.
- 1
Respect everyone’s privacy
Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What’s shared in the group should stay in the group.
- 2
No gatekeeping
- 3
No promotions or spam
No promoting social media pages, asking for follows, or spamming sale ads. Posting of not-for-profit events and fundraisers are welcome.
- 4
For sale ads must be clear and concise
Photos must be clear and advertised with price.
How to join
Membership is 100% free with zero cost to join and no fees ever.
- 1
Ask to join
Sign up here or request to join the Facebook group. An admin approves you, that is the whole membership process. No form, no fee, nothing to renew.
- 2
Pick a run
Runs get posted as events, usually a week or so ahead. Mark yourself going so the lead knows who to expect.
- 3
Turn up
Meet at the posted spot for 9:00, wheels at 9:30. Arrive fully fueled, bring lunch, a chair and a blanket, and dress for mud.
- 4
Come back
That is it. You are a member. Bring the family, passengers are always welcome.