2023 Courses
To register, email info@iacn.ca or find course listings through Eventbrite.
2023 courses are scheduled! Courses take place at Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area near Paris, Ontario, unless otherwise arranged. Scheduled courses are on weekends, but we teach on weekdays as well. Contact us if you’d like to schedule a weekday course.
If you’d like to be on our mailing list, drop us a line at info@iacn.ca.
20% corporate discounts; 30% youth group discounts available.
We supply canoes, paddles, PFDs and safety kits, but if you have your own equipment, bring it along!
Introduction to Safe Canoeing
2023 Dates: May 28, June 25, July 30, August 27, September 24.
Sundays 2PM – 5PM
$34 + HST
This 3-hour course gives you essential safety, knowledge and paddling skills to get you on the water for short paddles close to shore in good weather. Email info@iacn.ca to arrange an alternate date that works for your group.
Basic Canoeing Level 1-2 (tandem)
2023 course dates: May 13, May 27, June 10, June 24, July 15, July 29, August 12, August 26, September 9, September 23, October 14
Saturdays 9AM – 5PM. Weekday courses available by special arrangement. Contact info@iacn.ca.
$126 + HST
This 8-hour course combines the safety, knowledge and skills of Levels 1 and 2 all in one day. It is the most economical and timely way to both learn new skills for novice paddlers, and develop additional skills for intermediate paddlers who want to be sure their skills are efficient and effective.
Basic Canoeing Level 1 (tandem)
Not scheduled – by special arrangement only. Contact info@iacn.ca.
$68 + HST
This 5-hour certificate course provides safety, knowledge and skills such as equipment knowledge, selection and care; safe canoeing procedures; day trip packing; intro to self-rescue; launching and removing the canoe; entering and exiting; balance and trim; pivots; sideways displacement; paddling a straight line; stopping; lifts and carries.
Basic Canoeing Level 2 (tandem)
Not scheduled – by special arrangement only. Contact info@iacn.ca.
$68 + HST
Pre-requisite: Basic Canoeing 1 or equivalent. This course is typically offered in combination with Level 1. As a separate 4-hour course, additional skills include: performing a canoe-over-canoe rescue; trimming a canoe; changing positions; inside and outside turns, circles and landings; reverse straight line; outdoor precautions.
Basic Canoeing Level 3 (tandem)
2023 course dates: May 14, May 28, June 11, June 25, July 16, July 30, August 13, August 27, September 10, September 24, October 15
Sundays 9AM to 1PM. Weekday courses available by special arrangement. Contact info@iacn.ca.
$68 + HST
Pre-requisite: Basic Canoeing Level 2 or equivalent. This 4-hour course focusses on mastering Level 1 and 2 skills to a higher standard. Also included: re-entering the canoe from the water; transporting canoes on vehicles; environmental awareness; windy weather precautions; a short “canoe tour” of the venue.
Basic Canoeing Levels 1-3 (The full tandem program)
2023 course dates: May 13-14, May 27-28, June 10-11, June 24-25, July 15-16, July 29-30, August 12-13, August 26-27, September 9-10, September 23-24, October 14-15
Saturday 9AM – 5PM and Sunday 9AM – 1PM. Weekday courses by special arrangement. Contact info@iacn.ca.
$179 + HST
This full tandem program, Levels 1, 2 and 3, takes place over two days. Novice and Intermediate paddlers alike will benefit from the chance to work at mastering tandem Basic Skills. Knowledge, skills and theory are those listed in Basic 1, Basic 2 and Basic 3 above.
Basic Canoeing Level 4 (Solo)
2023 course dates: May 13-14, June 10-11, July 15-16, August 12-13, September 9-10, October 14-15
Saturday 9AM – 5PM and Sunday 9AM – 1PM. Weekday courses by special arrangement. Contact info@iacn.ca.
$179 + HST
Pre-requisite: Basic Canoeing Level 3 or equivalent. This 12-hour course is provided over two days. All Level 1-3 safety, knowledge and skills are reviewed and practised as a solo paddler. Additional time is spent looking at canoeing history. A great way to expand your paddling opportunities for those times when no one else is available!
Basic Canoeing Certification – tandem and solo (Levels 1-4)
2023 course dates: May 27-29, June 24-26, July 29-31, August 26-28, September 23-25
Saturday 9AM – 5PM, Sunday 9AM – 5PM, Monday 9AM – 5PM
$368 + HST
This 24-hour course – over three days – is designed for all paddlers who are willing to work hard to develop Basic tandem and solo skills, knowledge and safety.
This course thoroughly covers tandem skills in both the bow and stern positions and applies them to solo paddling. Skills include: Launching and removing canoes; entering and exiting canoes; paddling positions, balancing and trimming; changing positions; pivots; sideways displacement; forward and reverse straight line; inside and outside turns, circles and landings; stopping; lifts and carries; transporting canoes on vehicles. Safety includes swimming; retrieving a swamped canoe; canoe-over-canoe rescue; re-entering a canoe. Theory topics include equipment selection, knowledge and care; government regulations; safe canoeing procedures; outdoor precautions; day trip packing; environmental awareness; windy weather precautions; canoeing history.
Introduction to Canoe Tripping
2023 course dates: May 14, June 11, July 16, August 13, September 10, October 15
Sunday, 2PM – 6PM
$68 +HST
This 4-5 hour theory course is designed for the first time canoe tripper covering essential knowledge of safety, clothing, equipment, food preparation, campsite selection and care, weather considerations, etc. Perfect for preparing you for a trip led by experienced paddlers.
Canoe Tripping Level 1
Not scheduled… contact info@iacn.ca to see if we can make this work!
Prices vary depending on length, location, etc. Email info@iacn.ca with your specific request.
This course requires a minimum 16 hours of instruction plus a minimum one-night canoe trip. The 16 hours of instruction can be completed in part prior to the canoe trip. Safety, theory and skills include: communications; personal and camp hygiene; equipment; clothing; first aid; environmental practices; trip planning; weather considerations; navigation… and more!