Big Canoe Leader

Big Canoe Leader Course

Big Canoes, also called Voyageur canoes, are the perfect vessel for taking large groups out on the water – for wilderness trips, day-trips, team building experiences, and learning about watercraft safety and paddle technique. Our Big Canoe Leader courses will give you the necessary experience and knowledge to be able to safely lead groups on lakes, easy rivers, and in sheltered ocean environments.

These courses are useful for teachers, youth group leaders, camp staff, and individuals wanting to experience paddling these magnificent boats.

New for 2025: Check out our 1-day Big Canoe Leader Clinics at Cultus Lake, BC. See below for dates.

Big Canoe leader Clinic

Sanctioned by the Recreational Canoe Association of BC, this 1-day clinic is excellent for those wanting to build experience in Big Canoes before launching into the full Big Canoe leader course.

Tuition: $225

Big Canoe leader Course

Sanctioned by the RCABC, this 2 day course can certify Big Canoe leaders for lakes, flat-moving rivers and sheltered ocean environments. Excellent for teachers, club leaders, and camp staff.

Tuition: $430

Prerequisites

Prior to attending this course, each participant:

has attended a Lakewater II course (or equivalent) and/or has proficient lake canoeing skills in both bow and stern positions
has purchased a Paddler Membership with the RCABC – see here for details
is able to paddle a tandem canoe in a straight line without switching paddling sides in the stern
knows the following strokes: hip draw, stern draw, stern pry, hip pry, forward, back, sweep
knows how to spin, sideslip, and turn a tandem canoe.
has paddled on a lake in moderate wind – under control.
has average or better swimming skills.
is 16 years of age or older.

Those who are unfamiliar with both bow and stern paddling, are very new to canoeing or just wish to brush up on a few things before attending will be more comfortable and successful by first attending a Lakewater II course.

Course Overview

The Big Canoe Leader course is typically 2 days in duration and held near Vernon, BC – with one day on Kalamalka Lake, and one day on the Lower Shuswap River. Course theory covers:

carrying a big canoe
risk management and environmental hazards
group management & leadership
Transport Canada regulations and safety topics
heritage of the canoe

On the water, we will focus on:

commanding a team, clear communication, coordination
practicing basic strokes and manoeuvers (forward & reverse strokes, draw, pry, stern forward and reverse sweeps, low bracing), stroke efficiency, and paddling in unison
manoeuvres such as sideslips, spins, carving a turn, simple eddy turns on easy rivers
identifying common features and hazards on the lake and river and how to avoid them
practicing self-rescue and canoe rescue skills

Customer Reviews

What Others Say

In June of 2023 I took part in the Big Canoe Leadership certification and I'm glad I did! Every step of the course was valuable and fun. The instructors are skillful not only in their demonstrations but also in their abilities to support participants to take full advantage of the learning opportunity, to make mistakes and develop confidence as leaders. Thank you Keiran and Charles for a great weekend of learning and gaining more experience in Big Canoes!

S. Elliman