FortWhyte Alive

2012 Course information coming soon!

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.

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.

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 $85.00 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.

Check back for 2012 dates, coming soon!

Lake Canoe Skills Introduction Tandem – 8 hours

Ages 12 and up
Program Fees: Members $95.00, non-Members $125.00 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.

Check back for 2012 dates, coming soon! 

 

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 $125.00 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!

Check back for 2012 dates, coming soon!

 

Paddling Open Houses

Check back for 2012 days and times, coming soon!

In partnership with Paddle Canada 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) 

Admission:
$6/individual
$15/family

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

 

Wednesday Evening Nature Paddles

Join Paddle Canada 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.

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 Canada’s educational programs. Free if you bring your own equipment

Check back for 2012 dates, coming soon!