How to Learn to Kayak in Ontario

Ontario is an east-central province of Canada and the most populous in the country. Numerous watersheds and rivers crisscross Ontario, making it a prime paddling area for beginning to expert kayakers. Learn how to kayak there by taking part in one of these classes or by becoming a member of a provincial club or association.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take a kayak tour to decide if the sport is for you. There are several watersheds in Ontario where tour companies operate. Examples include watersheds connected to the Great Lakes and the Ottawa River. Try White Squall Paddling Centre at [phone] or Naturally Superior Adventures at [phone]. Call the Ontario tourism board toll-free at [phone] for additional recommendations on reputable kayak tour companies.

2. Try a kayak learning vacation. Learning vacations are best for those who have a basic to moderate interest in learning how to kayak. A learning vacation typically involves a weekend trip with an expert guide on one of Ontario's rivers. Companies that specialize in kayak learning tours are Caribou Expeditions at [phone] and Thorncrest Outfitters at [phone].

3. Enroll in a beginning kayaking class. Classes are offered by many outfitters, including Grand Experiences in southern Ontario at [phone] and Paddlefoot in central Ontario at [phone]. Prices vary, but generally start at about $90 Canadian per day.

4. Join an intermediate to advanced kayaking class to hone your skills or learn more difficult maneuvers and whitewater techniques. Classes are offered by White Squall Paddling Centre at [phone], one of the few Ontario kayaking schools to also specialize in teaching children, and Frontenac Outfitters on Water at [phone].

5. Practice. Ottawa residents who live near the Rideau River,can take a kayak onto the water whenever they wish. Expert kayakers practice many times a week and challenge themselves by trying different rivers and waterways.

6. Join a kayak association. Some clubs offer discounted or free paddling classes to members. They also have weekend excursions to new rivers. The Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association is one of the largest such groups in the province. In 2009, memberships started at $40 Canadian.

Tips & Warnings

• Due to the province's cold winters, most kayak classes and tours are between May and September.

References

• A Paddler's Guide to the Rivers of Ontario and Queec; Kevin Callan; 2005
• Michelin Travel Guide to Ontario; Michelin Travel Publication; 2007

Resources

• Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association
• Ontario Tourism Board