Other Upcoming Big Canoe Events

This menu is for other Big Canoe events not directly affiliated with CVBS and may include competitive events.

“Big canoe” training opportunities in Canada for 2026 are available through a variety of providers, including wilderness guide programs, youth camps, and skill clinics from paddling associations. These options cater to different skill levels and age groups. 
 
Training Providers & Programs:
  • Camp Big Canoe: This Ontario-based camp offers a specific “Coureur des bois” session for ages 14-15 (July 6–July 12, 2026) where campers receive safety training and paddle the camp’s big canoe, the Charlotte Small, on a multi-day trip. They also offer general leadership and outdoor skills programs for older teens that include extensive canoe tripping in Algonquin and Temagami.
  • Jackpine Paddle: Located in the Northwest Territories, Jackpine offers courses designed by northern guides for navigating northern Canadian rivers. Their 2026 program includes whitewater and lake canoe skills and a multi-day canoe expedition. They also provide a general “Intro to Lake Canoe” course suitable for beginners.
  • Elements Adventure Company: This company in British Columbia provides the official Paddle Canada Big Canoe Leader courses, including Intermediate and Advanced levels, for individuals who wish to lead crews of 4 or more people.
  • Frontier Bushcraft: They are running a two-week Missinaibi River Canoe Expedition in September 2026, which focuses on wilderness experience and advanced canoe skills in remote landscapes.
  • Provincial & Local Clubs: Organizations like the Vancouver Island Canoe and Kayak Club (VCKC) and the British Columbia Canoe Association (RCABC Canoe) offer various clinics, social paddles, and certification courses throughout 2026, some of which utilize big canoes or build foundational skills. 
 
Key Certification Bodies:
 
Training is often certified through one of two main Canadian bodies: 
  • Paddle Canada: Offers a national Big Canoe Program with specific levels for both paddlers and leaders.
  • Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia (RCABC): Provides its own set of instructor and skills certifications in various canoeing disciplines. 
To find a specific course, you can check the websites of these organizations or contact local paddling clubs in the region of Canada you are interested in visiting.