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Special Adventure

Canoe Foundations Clinic

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Join a Wilderness Union Adventure
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Event Date
May 23, 2026
Destination
Waubaushene
Duration
9.5 hours
Highlights
Outdoors Skills Training. Expert Instructors. Backcountry Readiness.
Trip eligible for credit -  
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Guest passes can be used -  
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Description

Join us for this essential course as we break down the foundations of wilderness canoeing!

We are heading north to help you build up the necessary skills for your summer adventures. This isn't a rigid certification course but a practical, hands-on clinic led by our two master paddler guides, Rory & Zac. They will share their breadth of knowledge gathered over many years of paddling to help you feel confident and prepared on the water. 

In this course you will learn:

  • Fundamentals of canoeing safely and effectively
  • Bowing & sterning
  • Paddle strokes & techniques (including the J stroke!)
  • Capsizing & righting a canoe

Who is this course for?: It is a day designed for anyone who wants to stop fighting the wind and start gliding through the wilderness with ease.

If you have never held a paddle before and want to start with the right habits, then this clinic is for you. If you have some experience but want to refine your technical skills for longer trips, then our guides can help you dial in your form. We provide the canoes, paddles, and safety gear so you can just focus on the rhythm of the water.

Interested in joining this year’s Epics? Completing this and other relevant courses will support your approval process for advanced adventures. 

Included: Rentals for the canoes, paddles & life preservers. 

Who It’s For: Beginner and intermediate paddlers who want to develop and hone their skills, as well as practice real-world simulations of emergency situations.

Join us for this essential course as we break down the foundations of wilderness canoeing!

We are heading north to help you build up the necessary skills for your summer adventures. This isn't a rigid certification course but a practical, hands-on clinic led by our two master paddler guides, Rory & Zac. They will share their breadth of knowledge gathered over many years of paddling to help you feel confident and prepared on the water. 

In this course you will learn:

  • Fundamentals of canoeing safely and effectively
  • Bowing & sterning
  • Paddle strokes & techniques (including the J stroke!)
  • Capsizing & righting a canoe

Who is this course for?: It is a day designed for anyone who wants to stop fighting the wind and start gliding through the wilderness with ease.

If you have never held a paddle before and want to start with the right habits, then this clinic is for you. If you have some experience but want to refine your technical skills for longer trips, then our guides can help you dial in your form. We provide the canoes, paddles, and safety gear so you can just focus on the rhythm of the water.

Interested in joining this year’s Epics? Completing this and other relevant courses will support your approval process for advanced adventures. 

Included: Rentals for the canoes, paddles & life preservers. 

Who It’s For: Beginner and intermediate paddlers who want to develop and hone their skills, as well as practice real-world simulations of emergency situations.

Highlights

Outdoors Skills Training: Develop essential skills to survive and thrive in the wild.

Expert Instructors: Our amazing expert guides will teach you everything you need to know in a safe and fun way. 

Backcountry Readiness: These skills are the building blocks for every major wilderness expedition we run. Mastering these basics ensures you are ready to tackle vast, untouched lakes and winding rivers on your next big trip.

09:00 - Depart from near Keele Station

09:00 - 11:00 - Drive to course location

11:00 - 16:00 - Canoe foundations clinic

16:30 - Depart for Toronto

18:30 - Estimated return to Toronto

18:30 - Optional drinks with the crew at a nearby bar

Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.

Please read and understand this before registering

Cancellations made:

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Weather or emergency cancellations: If an event is canceled due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, members can receive a full credit to their account.

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What to Expect on a WU Trip

Is a Wilderness Union Trip Right for You?
We offer a unique alternative to commercial tours. We don't just show you incredible natural wonders, we teach you to become confident in nature so you can discover the life changing magic of the outdoors. You'll love it here if:
- You want to make real friends, not just small talk with strangers
- You prefer "off the beaten path" over "all-inclusive resort"
- You're happy to pitch in and learn new skills (e.g., helping with camp setup or group tasks)
- You value the journey and the company as much as the destination

Who Else Will Be There
WU is aimed at a younger generation of outdoor lovers who don't see themselves represented in traditional hiking clubs and our members are typically 20-40 years old. Whether you're brand new to the outdoors or have plenty of experience, you'll find something for you.

Our Guides
All of our guides are highly qualified, passionate outdoor lovers, just like you. They love to share their knowledge and will help you see our destinations in another light, often teaching you something along the trail.

Q&A

Got questions? Checkout our FAQ for answers to pretty much anything you can think of.

Is this suitable for non-swimmers?

You’re welcome to join us as long as you’re wearing a PFD while on the water. Just let our expert guides - they’ll keep an eye out for your safety.

Where can I find important updates about this hike in the days leading up to it?

Please follow the Discord thread for this adventure under the ‘Upcoming Adventures’ channel, and reach out to us if you are having any issues.

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