Algonquin Park Canoe Trip Planning Course 5 Hr

Algonquin Park five hour canoe trip planning course one hour west of Toronto, learn steering, packing, portaging, food lists, map-trip planning and wilderness “need to know instruction” for Algonquin, Killarney, Quetico and other canoe routes.

 

A hands-on course where people can practice a dry run under instruction.

 This “7 in 1” canoe trip course gives those new to canoe tripping, the skills and confidence to go out and do it. We actually have the equipment there for you to handle… learn to organize… pack and unpack… and setup.

 

1. Canoe Paddling Techniques… Start out with a paddling trip for 8kms to develop steering skills and bow strokes for maneuvering the canoe… learn proper entry/exit… how to load a canoe… sail a canoe… read moving water…  choice of life jacket, paddles and canoes… problem solving scenarios that one might experience on a trip. 

 

2. Portaging Smarts… different techniques for  lifting a canoe up… how to move everything across in one pass… foot wear and what to expect… resting techniques… locating portages from the water… and actually doing a 400 meter portage.

 

 

This 5 hour course has 2 hours of paddling and 3 hours of dry land instruction

 

3. Food Planning and Cooking…  what food to bring… making a meal plan… meal prep… cooking utensils… portable stoves and building fires... park regulations... wildlife proofing. 

 

4. What & How to Pack… choosing your clothes… sleeping bags… tents & ground pads… other needed equipment… pack selection… how to pack… prioritizing what is packed. 

 

5. Camp Setup Priorities… learning a sequence for setting up camp based on storm prep… choices to consider when making camp… groups will learn techniques by actually setting up a camp with helpful instruction. 

 

6. Map Reading & Trip Lengths… how to choose a route that matches your abilities… string technique for length of daily paddle… planning in inclement weather… how to read maps… compass training… map prep for canoe use. 

 

7. Preparing for Emergency, Wildlife and Weather… what is needed in a first aid kit… dealing with bugs & blisters… choices to make with high winds & lightning… wildlife scenarios and cautions…  water proofing your supplies and yourself for rain.

 

 

This is very hands-on… notes of everything taught are given to keep and review later.

 
Prices: $100 each, based on two people. Additional people $50. Includes 2 hours of paddling, 3 hours of land base instruction, all training equipment, written lesson material, shuttle ride. Tax not included.

 

For groups not wanting either the land-base lessons or not wanting the paddling technique lessons… the prices have been broken down below:

 

 Paddle Technique Lessons Only  (Taxes not Included)

The 2 hours of instructional canoe paddling techniques is $120 for one to two people.

Includes canoe, paddles, life-jackets, instructor, shuttle.  Additional people up to 12 persons are $55 each.

 Land Base Lessons Only  (Taxes not Included)

The 3 hour land-base instruction is $125 for a group of 1-12 people. Fifteen dollars for each additional person beyond 12.

The land–base course covers #2-7 above on portaging, food, packing, camp priorities, map reading and emergency.

Includes hands on training, written lesson material and all taxes