Learn the skills needed to paddle in this introductory program.
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.
Course Dates and Times
Duration
1 day
Price
$165 +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 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.
Course Prerequisites
- An interest and curiosity in learning how to safely paddle the watercraft that developed Canada.
What to Bring
- Your completed and signed waiver (download the waiver).
- 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.
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Introduction to Canoeing Evening Lesson
Enjoy learning the basics of canoeing in one evening within the wonderful Toronto Islands.
Learn MoreThe 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 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 on the water is our top priority.
