Canoeing
Learn to canoe this summer
Take a beginner canoeing lesson, then progress to more advanced lake and river skills.
Our seasoned canoe instructors will help build your skills as you explore a variety of local waterways.
Tandem Canoeing
Learn to canoe with a partner this summer. Our Tandem Canoe programs will start you out on the calm waters of Bowness Lagoon, then progress to more advanced skills on a variety of waterways. Start with the Beginner Tandem Canoe Lesson, then progress through Intermediate and Advanced courses in your choice of Lake Canoeing or Moving Water Canoeing.
First time in a boat and not sure? The Intro to Tandem Canoeing program is a great first-try experiential class to start with.
Tandem Canoeing Sampler
Enjoy the sights and sounds with this 1-hour beginner session on Bowness Park’s sheltered lagoon. Learn the essentials of entering and exiting a canoe and basic paddle strokes in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Beginner Tandem Canoeing
Develop fundamental canoeing skills while building confidence and control on flatwater. This course introduces key techniques such as boat control, tracking and turning, with an emphasis on teamwork between paddling partners.
Intermediate Tandem Lake Canoeing
Enhance your flatwater paddling skills to prepare for day tours and easy overnight trips. This program introduces additional strokes and control techniques and strategies for reading water conditions, navigation, and risk-mitigation, while refining both bow and stern strokes.
Prerequisite: Beginner Tandem Canoeing
Advanced Tandem Lake Canoeing
Take your skills to the next level with this advanced program for experienced paddlers seeking greater confidence on flatwater tripping or more challenging conditions. Focus on refining stroke efficiency, precise manoeuvring and high-level canoe control techniques with expert instructor tips and tricks.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Tandem Lake Canoeing
Intermediate Tandem Moving Water Canoeing
Expand your canoeing skills with an introduction to moving water including boat control, reading currents and manoeuvring in the Bowness eddies followed by a short river run down to Shouldice Park. Ideal for paddlers looking to transition from flatwater to dynamic river environments.
Prerequisite: Beginner Tandem Canoeing
View offerings and register for Intermediate Moving Water Tandem
Advanced Tandem Moving Water Canoeing
Refine your river-running skills in varied water conditions with this full-day program focused on canoe stability, boat control and efficient navigation. Develop precision paddling strokes and refine your ability to read water and mitigate hazards while practicing technical handling manoeuvres.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Tandem Moving Water Canoeing
View offerings and register for Advanced Moving Water Tandem
Solo Canoeing
Solo Canoeing is a great additional skill to add to your paddling quiver. Start with learning to manage a full-length canoe on your own, then try out a whitewater solo canoe and build your river skills, building towards playing in fast-moving whitewater.
Solo Canoeing Sampler
Try out the essentials of entering and exiting a canoe, sitting for solo paddling and basic strokes in this 1-hour solo sampler. Perfect for those new to canoeing, this session provides a relaxed and supportive environment to enjoy the sights and sounds of Bowness Park’s sheltered lagoon
Beginner Solo Canoeing
Learn fundamental solo canoeing skills while building confidence and control on flatwater. This course introduces key techniques such as boat control, tracking, turning and bracing, with an emphasis on balance within the boat to lay the groundwork for relaxed lake paddling.
Intermediate Solo Canoeing
Develop your solo paddling skills in this intermediate program to paddle moving water in a solo whitewater canoe. Refine your technique then learn to read water, identify hazards, and assess and travel efficient lines to lay a foundation for confident solo river running in dynamic water conditions.
Prerequisite: Beginner Solo Canoeing
Advanced Solo Canoeing
Take your solo canoeing to the next level in this advanced program focused on navigating Class II whitewater at Harvie Passage. Develop your paddling techniques and river-running skills in technical whitewater and try out new manoeuvres to push your solo canoeing abilities.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Solo Canoeing
Canoe Tripping
Join a multi-day canoe trip on one of of Alberta's best waterways. Spend the day paddling while building your navigation and tripping skills, and enjoy the starts and nature sounds at night. Trips of different lengths and difficulty are available for beginner to more experienced canoe trippers.
North Saskatchewan River 2025
Enjoy a 3-day canoe trip with stunning campsites, great fishing, and fun Class I-II+ rapids with easy route options through forested foothills. This river is a must for paddlers looking to build their river-tripping skills.
Prerequisite: river canoeing and overnight camping experience.
2026 Canoe Trips
Look for summer 2026 canoe trips opening for registration in February.
