Paddle Canada proudly launched its new National Canoe Program in 2009. The Program consists of three distinct levels:

Introduction

The Introduction Canoe Program is designed to introduce participants to canoeing in the various disciplines.  The program emphasizes learning boat control so that paddlers will learn the skills and knowledge to be safe and have fun.

Intermediate

The Intermediate Canoe Program course is designed to introduce participants to the thrill of paddling at a higher level. Emphasis is focused on greater boat control, safety, and fun.

Advanced

The Advanced Canoe program is the highest level of certification awarded and is designed to offer candidates the opportunity to improve their skills under more challenging conditions.

In order to successfully progress through each level, paddlers should gain considerable paddling experience between courses.

View Programs:

• Lake Canoe (includes Waterftont and Canoeing Basics)

• Moving Water Canoe

• Canoe Tripping

• Canoe Poling

• Big Canoe

• Coastal Canoeing

Age Requirements: There is no age restrictions for any Skill Courses - at the discretion of the Course Director please check with them. For all instructor courses there is a minimum age of 16 yrs of age.

Paddlers are also taught the Leave No Trace principles for active environmental awareness and protection in order to help ensure that we can all continue to enjoy Canada's many waterways and wilderness for years to come.

Find A Course Near You

April 17, 2012 - The Canoe Program Development Committee passed a motion that Instructors from the following associations can now request a transfer into the Introduction Levels of Moving Water, Lake, and Canoe Tripping, if they are current Instructors in that same discipline in the following organizations:

• Ontario Recreational Canoe Kayak Association
• Recreational Canoe Association of British Columbia
• British Canoe Union
• American Canoe Association

A letter of request along with copies of their current Instructor certification(s) should be submitted to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for approval.

Other Instructors from other organizations will have to check with at local Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer for skill evaluation or make a request to the Canoe PDC.