Harbourfront Alert

Closed for the season, enjoy looking around the website/facebook/instagram photos/posted articles, and we really look forward to welcoming you back June 1st 2024.

QUICKEST reply for ANY inquiry is via ask@paddletoronto.com

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

What is more Canadian than being able to paddle a canoe; but 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 needing to refresh your paddling skills from the years past, 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 4, 2023
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday June 11, 2023
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday June 18, 2023
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday June 25, 2023
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday July 2, 2023
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday August 12, 2023
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday August 26, 2023
 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday August 20, 2023
 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 if participating in a full day excursion
  • 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 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 prior to the start of your program. Exceptions at our discretion. Zero refund for ‘no show’.

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.