Canoeing Programs

THE PADDLE CANADA CANOE PROGRAM

Paddle Canada offers a full range of Canoe programs to support the wide range of paddling skills and disciplines from across Canada. From introduction courses on safe canoeing skills and practices, to highly specialized courses for whitewater, river running, canoe tripping, and canoe poling experiences we're sure to have a program to suit your needs.

Select from the program titles listed below to learn more about the requirements for each level of the Paddle Canada National Canoe Program.

Lake Canoe
From our Waterfront to our advanced Lake Skills programs, the Paddle Canada Lake Canoe program is designed to introduce paddlers to the activity of canoeing. Emphasis is placed on boat control and teaching the participants the necessary skills and knowledge to be safe and have fun while on the water.

Lake Canoe Program Flow chart paddle canada

Moving Water Canoe
The Moving Water Canoe program offers paddlers the opportunity to increase their skill and knowledge of whitewater paddling skills from small currents to progressively more challenging whitewater (Class III rapids) conditions. Emphasis in placed greater boat control, safety, and the thrill of whitewater paddling.

Canoe Tripping
Expanding on the knowledge gained from the Lake and Moving Water programs the Canoe Tripping program offers paddlers the opportunity to increase their skill and knowledge base required for successful trip planning. At the entry level, the program outlines the skills required for 4 day/3 night trips with same day EMS and expands to include extended back country tripping at the advanced level.

Canoe Poling
The Canoe Poling programs covers the unique skills and knowledge to successfully navigate your canoe not by paddle - but by pole. The program emphasizes balance and boat control while teaching participants the necessary skills and knowledge to safely pole to their destination.
Big Canoeing (page link coming soon)
The Big Canoe Program is designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skill for safe and efficient Big Canoe Paddling. The program recognizes the two distinct groups it is designed for: Paddlers and Leaders. For the purposes of this course a Big Canoe is any canoe being paddles by 4 or more people.
Coastal Canoeing
The program provides a foundation of knowledge and skill for safe and efficient tandem coastal canoeing in a variety of environments. Expanding on skills and knowledge gained in the Lake Tandem Program, it explores navigation with charts, marine forecasting, tide & current interpretation, tidal currents, surf launches & landings. Small bodies of water are suitable for the Intro level. Large lakes like Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes are suitable for Intro and Intermediate levels. The Advanced Coastal level is run in a tidal ocean environment.

Please forward your questions, comments, concerns and feedback on Paddle Canada's National Canoe Programs to:

Paddle Canada Canoe Program Development Committee