Paddle Canada Introduction to Lake Canoeing (Tandem)
Please note this is an 8-hour course, run over a full day if scheduled on a weekend or holiday (9am to 5pm), or across two evenings if during the work-week (6-10pm each evening). As this is not shown clearly in our booking platform, please scroll down to the “Available Dates” section of this page to confirm if you course is over a full-day, or two separate evenings.
Call us at 1 (867) 445-4512 for more information about our paddling courses!
Inquire about a custom course date for groups of 6 or more.
Join us for our foundational “canoeing 101” course that introduces proper technique for the core strokes you’ll need to control your canoe on Yellowknife’s local lakes. Master the “J-stroke”, learn rescue skills, and get better prepared for your summer canoe adventures in this 8 hour course.
Theory learned on land and skills practiced on the water transform participants like no other course. You don’t need any previous canoeing experience to register for this course. Rookies are welcome! If you do have a background in canoeing, this is an ideal course to improve your technique and do away with bad paddling habits.
If you want to learn how to canoe in Yellowknife but don’t know where to start – this is the course for you. It’s highly recommended to register for this course before signing up for a more advanced whitewater canoe course.
Participants are equipped with the judgement, confidence and skills to safely enjoy trips on our spectacular northern lakes!
For paddlers who have lake canoe experience seeking to upgrade their skills on moving water, you can learn more about our whitewater canoeing course here!
Inquire about a custom course date for groups of 6 or more.
Dan, along with his two staff were extremely knowledgeable, patient and personable with our group, many of which had minimal experience in canoes. Their method of instruction was easy to follow and they were consistently keeping a vigilant eye on our strokes, body movement and overall safety. Day 1 my canoeing partner and i couldn't go 10 M in a straight line through a lake; by the end of day 3 we were happily confident to attempt a ferry across rapids and go down tartan rapids each taking a swing at steering. Thanks guys, lots of fun.
Instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and it quite obvious how passionate they were about paddling and enjoying the outdoors. Would definitely do another course with them!
I have left them all feeling more confident in my skills. I now use those skills to further enjoy all that the NWT have to offer, from day trips on lakes around Yellowknife to mutli-week river excursions. If you're looking to gain confidence in a canoe and you've come to the right place.
All paddling equipment such as a canoe, lifejacket, paddle, bailer, throw bag included. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment if they prefer. It is recommended that participants have thermal protection (drysuit or wetsuit) for comfort when practising rescues on this course. Dry-suits are available for $45 CAD + GST per participant.
If you are unable to attend and you can send someone in your place, we can transfer your spot free of charge.
Cancellations with more than 30 days notice, 75% refund.
Cancellations with less than 21 days notice, 50% refund.
Cancellations within 14 days of the course cannot be refunded.
Please read carefully: Should your paddling course have to be cancelled, postponed or altered by a force majeure (including but not limited to: weather, poor visibility, or mechanical breakdown causing delayed or cancelled charter flights or helicopter journeys, fire, flood, pandemic, highway closures, community evacuations, ongoing or newly introduced travel ban or government statement), Jackpine Paddle and its partner operators are not obligated to provide a refund or offer alternative travel services.
The minimum age for unaccompanied minors in our courses is 16. Participants under the age of 16 are welcome to register if joined by a parent or guardian. Participants must be able to swim 50 m with a lifejacket but no previous paddling experience is required.