FortWhyte Alive

Canoeing and Kayaking are lifelong sports that are easily learned by all ages and most abilities. Our paddling programs provide you with the knowledge and experience to confidently enjoy your own paddling excursions. Our small sheltered lakes provide the ideal setting for learning the basics of these adventurous pursuits.

Through our partnership with Paddle Manitoba, all our courses use the nationally recognized instructional and safety standards of Paddle Canada. Participants may recieve Paddle Canada certification after completing their courses.

These courses will introduce you to the basics of canoeing. In addition to safety training and equipment education, you will be taught the strokes and manoeuvres that will help you to enhance your on-water experience and confidence. All necessary equipment is provided. Ages 12 and up.

All paddling courses are taught at  the FortWhyte Outdoor Adventure Centre, 2505 McGillivray Blvd.

Download registration form here - PDF

Canoe Courses 

Have you ever longed to follow in the footsteps of the Voyageurs or simply to spend a quiet evening gliding along on mirrored waters, alone with the solitude? Maybe your spirit longs for greater adventures – dodging boulders in white-water or spending weeks in the wilds following some remote river. It all starts here with ‘Canoe Basic Skills’.

Paddle Canada has replaced the former Flat Water Program with this new course. It is designed for the novice or someone wanting to relearn the fundamentals. Your certified Paddle Canada instructor will lead you through the basics from learning the parts of a canoe and paddle, to the basics of canoe stability, and on to the elementary paddling strokes. Of course, safety is always foremost in the Paddle Canada program. By the end of the course, you will be able to paddle a canoe wherever you like over flat calm waters and safely return to your starting point. Once you have completed this course, the way is open to more advanced programs in Lake Canoe, Moving Water, and Canoe Tripping, all available through the Paddle Canada.

Canoe Basic Skills – 4 hours

Ages 12 and up
Program Fees: Members $55.00, Non-Members $75.00 plus GST

Canoe Basic Skills is a 4-hour course for ages 12 and up. Classes are taught either as a half day course on Saturday or on Monday or Wednesday evenings. Consult the schedule for course dates and times. All courses will be taught at the FortWhyte Alive Adventure Site which has sheltered waters, a dock and sandy beach, and a fully equipped indoor teaching facility. Boats, paddles and PFDs are supplied. Hope to see you there.
 

May 2010

1. May 19, Wednesday, 5 - 9 pm
2. May 31, Monday, 5 – 9 pm

June 2010

3 June 7,  Monday,  5 – 9 pm
4. June 9,  Wednesday,  5 – 9 pm
5. June 14,  Monday,  5 – 9 pm
6. June 16,  Wednesday,  5 – 9 pm
7. June 21,  Monday,  5 – 9 pm
8. June 23,  Wednesday,  5 – 9 pm
9, June 28,  Monday,  5 – 9 pm
10. June 30,  Wednesday,  5 – 9 pm

July 2010

11. July 12, Monday, 5 – 9 pm
12. July 28, Wednesday, 5 – 9 pm

August 2010

13. August 7, Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm
14. August 21, Saturday, 1 pm – 5 pm

September 2010

15. September 11, Saturday ,1 pm – 5 pm

Lake Canoe Skills Introduction Tandem – 8 hours

Ages 12 and up
Program Fees: Members $95.00, Non-Members $115.00 plus GST

Lake Canoe skills Introduction Tandem is the first course in the Lake canoe paddling series offered by Paddle Canada. This course builds on the fundamentals that were learned form Canoe Basic Skills. During this course paddlers will increase their safety and theory knowledge, hone their paddling skills to encounter paddling in calm to light wind conditions and larger water crossings. Pre-requisite: Canoe Basic Skills or Instructor approval.
 

June 2010

1. June 12, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm

July 2010

2. July 24, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm

August 2010

3. August 8 & 10, Monday/Wednesday, 5 pm – 9 pm

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Kayak Courses

Does the idea of sliding along a remote coastline in kayak have its appeal? Maybe you’ve dreamed of learning how to paddle down wild rivers like those crazy people in the wilderness films. Perhaps you just want to spend a few evenings paddling with friends at the cottage. Whatever your ambition, this is where your training starts, with the fundamentals.

Kayaking is become more and more popular. Paddle Canada’s kayaking program will teach you the basics, starting with equipment and moving on to the basic strokes and techniques you will need to kayak safely on flat water. Paddle Canada, as always, has thrown in a good measure of safety training so you will be confident but also know your limits. This course starts your kayaking experience. Once you graduate, you can move on to more advanced training in Sea Kayaking and River Kayaking.

Introduction to Kayaking – 8 hours

Ages 12 and up
Program Fees: Members $95.00, Non-Members $115.00 plus GST

Introduction to Kayaking is an 8-hour course for ages 12 and up. Classes run either a full day on Saturdays or two evenings during the week, Tuesday and Thursday. Consult the schedule for course dates and times. All courses will be taught at the FortWhyte Alive Adventure Site which has sheltered waters, a dock and sandy beach, and a fully equipped indoor teaching facility. Boats, paddles and PFD’s are supplied. Always wanted to try kayaking? Join us this summer!


May 2010

1. May 18 & 20, Tuesday/Thursday, 5 – 9 pm
2. May 25 & 27, Tuesday/Thursday, 5 – 9 pm
3. May 29, Saturday, 9 am- 5 pm

June 2010

4. June 1 & 3, Tuesday/Thursday, 5 – 9 pm
5. June 5, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm
6. June 8 & 10, Tuesday/Thursday, 5 – 9 pm
7. June 15 & 17, Tuesday/Thursday, 5 – 9 pm
8. June 19, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm
9. June 22 & 24, Tuesday/Thursday, 5 – 9 pm

July 2010

10. July 6 & 8, Tuesday/Thursday, 5 – 9 pm
11. July 17, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm
12. July 20 & 22, Tuesday/Thursday, 5 – 9 pm

August 2010

13. August 3 & 5, Tuesday/Thursday, 5 – 9 pm
14. August 14, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm
15. August 28, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm

September 2010

16. September 18, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm

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Paddling Open Houses

Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, June 1–August 26, 6:30 - 9:00 pm

In partnership with Paddle Manitoba and its corporate members, Winnipeg’s best selection of kayaks will be available for you to enjoy. These evenings are supervised by the paddling pros from Mountain Equipment Co-op, The Wilderness Supply Co. and Wave Track and offer the perfect chance to sample kayaking in a safe environment. Bring your own boat or try out one of ours. (Canoes are also available) 

$5 admission (per person, ages 11 and under are free) in support of FortWhyte’s environmental education programs. 

Held at the FortWhyte Adventure Site, 2505 McGillivray Blvd. (not the main FortWhyte Centre on McCreary Rd.)

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Wednesday Evening Nature Paddles

Join Paddle Manitoba for Wednesday evening paddles on the La Salle River at La Barriere Park. These evenings offer an excellent opportunity to meet other people with similar interests, practice new skills, prepare for an upcoming trip or just enjoy a quiet paddle on one of Winnipeg’s wonderful rivers. Canoeing equipment is supplied.

Time:
May 6:30–8:30pm
June & July 7–9pm
August & September 6:30–8:30pm 

Location:
La Barriere Park on the La Salle River. The park is located 5km south of the perimeter highway on Waverly Street.

Contact:
Charles Burchill (204) 453-5374

Register:
Advanced registration is requested as equipment availability may be limited.

Cost:
$5 admission (per person, ages 11 and under are FREE) in support of Paddle Manitoba’s educational programs. Free if you bring your own equipment