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2024 Courses now updated! Start planning now to make the most of your summer.

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Canoeing  Beginner

Tandem Canoe Introduction Lesson Day 1

View Course Dates

Learn the skills needed to paddle in this introductory program.

 Duration

1 day

 Price

$149  +HST

 Course Includes

  • Canoe, lifejacket, and paddle
  • Safety equipment
  • Pontoon boat ride from our mainland office to & from our starting point on the Toronto Islands

What is more Canadian than being able to paddle a canoe? What’s so special about the canoe? We invite you to find out with this introductory program.

Whether you’re starting a new outdoor activity, hobby, or need to refresh your paddling skills from past years, this 1-day course has been designed to satisfy all. The day focuses on the basic functional skills needed to get you safely started and continue your skill development of this significantly historical pursuit. The course starts on the Island, so fees include pontoon shuttle. Come out and become part of Canada’s history.

To see Minimum Age for this course and our Cancelation Policy, scroll down to The Fine Print.

 What You Will Learn

  • Basic tandem canoe maneuvering: paddling forward, backwards, turning around, stopping, launching and landing.
  • Basic strokes: Forward Stoke, Reverse, Stop/Check, Draw's and Pry's.
  • Canoe balance and stability.
  • Introduction to tandem safety and rescues.
  • Carrying a tandem canoe.
  • Paddler communication and roles of the bow (front) and stern (back) paddler.
  • The canoe in Canadian heritage.

 Photo Gallery

 Course Dates and Times

Sunday June 2, 2024
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday June 16, 2024
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday June 29, 2024
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday July 13, 2024
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday August 3, 2024
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday August 17, 2024
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

 Course Prerequisites

  • An interest and curiosity in learning how to safely paddle the watercraft that developed Canada.

 What to Bring

  • Bagged lunch/Snacks (purchasing lunch not available)
  • Water/sports drink
  • Active clothing you don't mind getting wet
  • Secure footwear you don't mind getting wet
  • Extra layers in case it cools off during the day
  • A change of clothes and shoes
  • Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses with floater string
  • A rain jacket/pants (optional)

 Course Location

Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre

This course starts at our mainland office at 283 Queen's Quay West. Get driving directions.

 Similar Courses

Tandem Canoe Introduction Lesson Day 2

Build your confidence and take your canoeing skills to the next level.

Learn More

 The Fine Print

Minimum Age

13 years with an adult on the course, or 16 years of age without.

Our Cancelation Policy

To receive a full refund or to switch to another date, we require 7 days notice by email (ask@paddletoronto.com) prior to the start of your program. Exceptions at our discretion. No refunds or reschedules will be given for no shows.

We reserve the right to cancel any program with less than 24 hours notice due to changing weather conditions such as strong winds or thunderstorms. Please check your email for cancellation notices before leaving for your program. In this case, we will try to re-schedule to another date or offer a full refund. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but your safety and well-being is our top priority.