learn to canoe paddle canada

Intro to Lake Canoeing

Certification

Paddle Canada Introduction to Lake Canoeing (Tandem)

What's covered?

  • Learn how to safely and properly enter and exit a canoe, launch from shore, and secure a canoe to your vehicle.
  • Basic strokes – forward and reverse paddling, pivoting, stopping, and bracing.
  • Manoeuvres – linking strokes and coordination between two paddlers to turn and carve the canoe under power.
  • Self-rescue and assisted rescues – essential safety skills including towing, throw bags and rescuing capsized canoes.
  • Theory – weather conditions, signals, packing, gear and communication.
  • Buying your first canoe? We can help advise which boat will meet your needs and price point.

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!

Cost: 210 CAD + GST  per person 

Learn to Lake Canoe in Yellowknife!

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!

I was fortunate enough to have spent 3 consecutive days learning about Lake canoeing and an introduction to white water canoeing with Jackpine Paddle in early August.

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.

Dann B | Intro to Lake Canoe Course

Recently took an Intro to Lake Canoe course, and I highly recommend taking it with Jack Pine paddle!

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!

Rogine Olayvar | Intro to Lake Canoe Course

I have taken a course in lake paddling, whitewater, and whitewater expeditions with Jackpine Paddle.

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.

Aimee Guile | Intro to Lake Canoe Course

canoe course in canada

Available Dates

May 26, 2024

Full Day

June 6-7, 2024

Evenings

June 15, 2024

Full Day

June 27-28, 2024

Evenings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Included?

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.

What is your Booking and Cancellation Policy?

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 Note

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.

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