Quick Details
Rates are per person
Group Courses - 3+ participants
CA$ 444
Solo Whitewater Canoe Courses in Ontario
Beginner & Advanced Instruction on the Madawaska River
Discover the freedom and challenge of solo whitewater canoeing on the Madawaska River. Paddler Co-op’s two-day courses help you build confidence, develop your technique, and learn to navigate moving water independently.
Whether you’re new to whitewater or looking to refine your solo paddling skills, our experienced instructors provide hands-on coaching in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Who Are These Courses For?
Our solo whitewater canoe courses are designed for paddlers who want to develop their skills, explore moving water, and gain confidence paddling independently.
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- Beginners interested in learning whitewater canoeing.
- Lake paddlers ready to explore moving water.
- Paddlers with some whitewater experience but no formal instruction.
- Recreational paddlers looking to refresh their skills and build confidence.
- Canoe trippers interested in developing their solo paddling abilities.
- Adventurers looking to learn new techniques and take on a new challenge.
What Will I Learn?
Build a strong foundation in solo whitewater canoeing through practical instruction, on-water practice, and personalized coaching tailored to your experience and goals.
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- Gear and safety: Proper equipment fitting and essential whitewater safety practices.
- Self-rescue: Whitewater swimming and self-rescue techniques.
- Solo canoe techniques: Essential strokes, manoeuvres, and boat control.
- River reading: Understanding currents, identifying hazards, and scouting rapids.
- Safe navigation: Learning to assess river features and make informed decisions on the water.
- On-water practice: Developing your skills with guidance and feedback from experienced instructors.
- Responsible paddling: Building good judgment and habits for enjoying whitewater responsibly.
Choose Your Experience Level
Beginner Solo Whitewater Canoeing
New to solo whitewater? Start here. Our beginner courses introduce you to the fundamentals of controlling a canoe on moving water while developing the skills and confidence to paddle independently.
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- Learn the fundamentals of solo whitewater canoeing.
- Practise essential strokes, steering, and boat control.
- Develop an understanding of currents and river features.
- Learn essential whitewater safety and self-rescue skills.
- Gain practical experience on the Madawaska River with instructor guidance.
- Build confidence at a pace suited to your experience and ability.
Intermediate & Advanced Solo Whitewater Canoeing
Already have some solo paddling experience? Build on your existing skills with focused instruction designed to improve your technique, control, and confidence on the river.
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- Refine your strokes, steering, and boat control.
- Develop more advanced solo canoe manoeuvres.
- Improve river reading and decision-making.
- Build confidence navigating more challenging water.
- Refresh existing skills and work toward your personal paddling goals.
- Receive personalized coaching in a supportive, fun-focused environment.
What’s Included?
Your course combines two days of instruction with practical river experience to help you develop your solo whitewater canoeing skills.
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✓ Two days of whitewater solo canoeing instruction.
✓ Coaching from experienced instructors.
✓ Hands-on practice on the Madawaska River.
✓ Instruction adapted to your experience level and goals.
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- × Camping or overnight accommodations (these can be added onto your booking)× Meals, snacks, and drinks.
× Transportation to and from Paddler Co-op.
× Paddling equipment, boat rental, & gear (these can be added onto your booking)
- × Camping or overnight accommodations (these can be added onto your booking)× Meals, snacks, and drinks.
Make It A Paddling Getaway!
Camping is available on-site, or you’re welcome to book a room at a nearby accommodation.
Have Questions? We’re Happy To Help!
Not sure if this course is the right fit for you?
Give us a call or send us an email. We’re happy to help you figure out where this course fits into your paddling journey.
Please Note: A minimum of three participants is required for group courses. Paddler Co-op reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses if minimum enrolment is not met. A booking fee applies to online reservations. Only one discount code may be applied per program.