| Many visitors outside of Canada wish to experience a | | | | how to paddle and steer a canoe. Instructors |
| Canadian canoe trip. Canada is the land of moose, | | | | demonstrate different techniques for carrying a canoe |
| bear, timber wolves and beaver. It has miles of lakes | | | | overland and how to properly pack a canoe for |
| and forest. To the visitor this is the place to be... but the | | | | stability. Camping techniques are taught on firewood |
| challenge is getting the experience to do it. | | | | and cooking fires, putting up a tent & campsite |
| Novice canoeist planning a week canoe trip would be | | | | selection, as well as animal proofing for the |
| wise to take a one day canoe trip training. The | | | | unexpected. |
| purpose of these courses is to equip the beginning | | | | The course includes hands-on packing techniques, food |
| canoeist with the skills to enjoy a multi-day canoe trip. | | | | & clothing, first aid needs, cooking equipment, |
| The second purpose is to develop a level of | | | | sleeping bag and tent selection. Some instruction |
| competence so that the novice can do a canoe trip | | | | courses will even assist the novice in getting rental of |
| without a personal guide. | | | | packs, canoes and tents from local reputable outfitters. |
| These instructional courses give the novice access to | | | | Most canoe courses are about 6 hours in length. They |
| an experienced canoeist/instructor to answer | | | | are often offered on weekends from April until |
| questions and teach bush smarts. The mentor takes | | | | October. The teaching sessions are group sessions, |
| the beginner through instructional situations with | | | | but individuals, couples and families can be |
| hands-on practice periods. Often the teaching sites are | | | | accommodated. |
| modeled after wilderness sites to assist the novice in | | | | For the experienced wilderness canoeist, the courses |
| experiencing what to expect. | | | | are of little relevance. But for the novice, these |
| The instructors will help with canoe trip planning to | | | | courses are worth the investment. They develop the |
| match the needs and expectations of the beginner. | | | | needed skills and knowledge to do a safe and |
| The course teaches how to interpret park maps and | | | | enjoyable wilderness canoe trip. |
| set achievable daily paddle distances. Discussions | | | | People need to remember that they are often paddling |
| cover how to locate overland crossings (portages) to | | | | in a wilderness that is remote... and that remoteness is |
| adjoining lakes and select wilderness campsites. | | | | unfamiliar territory to most. Take some training and |
| The canoe course teaches safety techniques and | | | | enjoy a great trip! |
| common sense for inclement weather. Beginners learn | | | | |