Northern River Running Preparation – 2-Day Whitewater Canoe Course

Get ready for your Northern whitewater canoe trip with expert coaching and hands-on river running practice.

Planning a Northern river canoe adventure and want to build confidence before the big trip? Paddler Co-op’s Northern River Running 2-Day Course is designed to help paddlers refresh essential whitewater skills, refine technique, and get expert coaching to prepare for paddling continuous, higher-volume rivers like those found in Northern Ontario and beyond.

What to Expect

Day 1 – Technique & Skill Development at Palmer Rapids

• Safety briefing & gear outfitting

• Intensive review of whitewater canoe strokes

• Practice tandem maneuvers: eddy catching, ferries, and using river features

• Instruction on paddler dynamics, river communication, and scouting

• Self-rescue & swimming techniques

• Hydrology workshop: reading the river & choosing lines

• Expert feedback and one-on-one coaching throughout the day

Day 2 – 12km River Trip on the Lower Madawaska

Put your new skills into action on a guided trip through 10 sets of Class 2–3 rapids on the scenic and remote Lower Mad.
Your guide will:

• Expand on strategies for running continuous whitewater

• Reinforce safety, scouting, and group travel practices

• Coach you in real-time through each rapid

• Support you in pushing beyond your comfort zone safely
  We’ll wrap up with a Q&A session and personal goal recap—leaving you more confident, capable, and ready for the river.

Who This Course is For

• Beginner & intermediate whitewater paddlers prepping for a Northern expedition

• “Park & play” paddlers looking to transition into multi-day wilderness river trips

• Canoe North Adventures clients who want to feel ready, capable, and clear on what’s expected during their guided trip

• Paddlers wanting targeted coaching, technical refinement, and a deeper understanding of industry safety standards

What You’ll Learn

• Effective tandem paddling technique & river communication

• River reading, line selection, and scouting skills

• Strategies for group travel on continuous whitewater rivers

• Reinforced eddy catching, ferries, and working with river features

• Self-rescue practices and how to stay safe during a capsize

• Your current comfort zone—and how to grow it

• What guides expect from you on Northern-style trips

• How to paddle with more ease, confidence, and enjoyment

How to Prepare for Your Whitewater Course

• Paddle beforehand: A short lake paddle before the course will help warm up your stroke muscle memory

• Review past trip notes or previous instruction

• Bring your gear: Drysuit or 2–3mm+ wetsuit, fleece base layers, paddling jacket/drytop

• Fuel up: Pack hearty snacks, lunch, and water

• Set goals: Pick 2–3 personal goals to share at the briefing so instructors can tailor support

• Have fun: You’ll be in the hands of certified, passionate instructors who are there to support your growth and ensure your safety

Schedule Summary

Day 1: Skills & Technique at Palmer Rapids
Day 2: 12km River Trip on Lower Madawaska

Questions? Ready to Book?

We’re happy to help you decide if this course is the right fit for your adventure goals.
📧 [email protected] | ☎️ 613-758-2772

Note: A booking fee applies when booking online.