Canoe Camping

Experience Canoe Camping

Ottawa is in the middle of a canoeing paradise! Beautiful lakes and rivers are within a short drive. Enjoy a range of relaxed evening paddles, day trips and weekends, to extended wilderness expeditions. Come and explore these and other wonderful wilderness areas with us!

Everyone is welcome!
Individuals wishing to experience Canoe Camping may:

Join the RA Canoe Camping Club.
Club Members enjoy a number of benefits including friends to paddle with, organized, volunteer led day-trips, camping trips and year-round social events, preferred member pricing on training and clinics, discounts at retailers and outfitters, plus access (while on club trips) to the RACCC fleet of whitewater and flatwater canoes, touring kayaks and camping equipment.

- OR -

Register for Training & Courses – Open to everyone – No membership required.
For skills, fun, safety and friends to paddle with! Amazing training programs and courses for beginners to accomplished paddlers and campers/trippers. Whether you have little or a lot of experience, there are affordable courses to help you learn new or to refine and update your skills. And, it is a great way to meet other paddlers! Open to Club Members and non-members.

RACCC Website

Please visit www.raccc.ca for detailed information on the RA Canoe Camping Club's activities and programs.

RACCC Website

RACCC website is maintained by Club volunteers.

Join the RA Canoe Camping Club

The RA Canoe Camping Club (RACCC) is all about friendship, paddling and exploring our amazing Canadian lakes and rivers. We have over 270 members including adults and families of all ages and abilities. Their skills range from novices to advanced paddlers, from beginner campers to expedition leaders. The Club offers both flatwater and whitewater programs, with tandem and solo boats.

Club members enjoy evening outings, day trips, weekend trips or extended wilderness expeditions. RACCC offers a wide variety of recreational trips organized under flatwater, whitewater programs, complemented by a well-rounded training program. Club members collaboratively host hundreds of trips, training and social events during the paddling season and throughout the year, offering an opportunity to participate in recreational canoeing and canoe tripping in a safe, well organized environment. The co-operative trips involve everyone which keeps costs down. RACCC trips and training are for beginners through advanced paddlers interested in both flatwater (lake) and whitewater (river) paddling.

We look forward to welcoming you to our family.

RACCC Annual Membership
Twelve (12) months from date of purchase

Fees: $59 + $5.61 FRF* = $64.61 (plus tax)
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.

How to buy your membership:

Online via PlayRA here. Please note: you will be required to sign in and select the RA Centre as your location prior to choosing your desired membership option.

In-person at the East Guest Services desk.
By phone at 613-733-5100 (ext. 360).

Stay in shape with an annual RA Member LifeFIT Upgrade!

Members of the RA Canoe Camping Club can purchase an annual LifeFIT Membership and save over 22%!

Canoe Camping Club Member Rate: $391.68 + $37.21 FRF* = $428.89 (+HST)
Buy or renew your membership through Guest Services at the East Entrance! Learn about membership benefits here!
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.

The "Canoeing Across Canada" video (above) is part of the Club's Winter Seminar Series. The complete series from this year as well as past seasons are available to view on the RACC YouTube channel by clicking here.

Summer Training & Courses

Registration now open!

No membership required - Open to everyone.
RACCC offers Paddle Canada Certification Courses and non-certification Skills Coaching Sessions.
All our Paddle Canada Certification Courses are taught by our nationally certified Instructor Team. We are fortunate to have assistance from other club members with extensive knowledge and experience allowing a low instructor-student ratio and maximizing instruction and learning.

Registration may be done on-line through PlayRA, the RA's on-line registration system (please follow the directions on the site to activate your account), in person at the RA's East Guest Services desk or by phone with RA Guest Services at 613-733-5100 (360).

Please note: When registering on-line through PlayRA, the non-member price will initially appear in your basket. If you are eligible for the RA Canoe Camping Club member discount, the price will be automatically adjusted at check out. If the fee does not discount as expected, please contact RA Guest Services at 613-733-5100 (360) or [email protected].

Flatwater Courses

Flatwater courses are taught by certified Paddle Canada instructors. Successful participants receive Paddle Canada certificates.

Introduction Tandem
Saturday June 6 to Sunday june 7 & Saturday July 4 to Sunday July 5

Ages 16 and up.
Minors require a parent or guardian to be present throughout the course.  

The Tandem introductory canoe training course is for paddlers new to canoeing or those who have not taken any training and/or would like to update their skills. Successful participants receive Paddle Canada certificates.

Course participants learn:

How to safely get in and out of canoes.
How to paddle straight, turn and stop from the bow and stern.
Additional paddling techniques for those who are ready to learn more
How to rescue canoes and their occupants.
Safety precautions related to weather, water conditions, etc.

The course includes canoes and gear for the lessons, (including PFD and paddle if participants don't have their own). Lunch, change of clothing, sunscreen/rain gear as required, etc. are not included in the course and must be supplied by participants.

Participants will meet at the RA Centre Boathouse at 8:45am on Saturday and Sunday and return to the boathouse at 5:00pm each day. Carpooling to the training site will be arranged

Fees:
RA Canoe Club Member: $150 + $14.25 FRF* = $164.25 (plus tax)
Non-Member: $250 + $23.75 FRF* = $273.75 (plus tax)

Sessions:

SOLD OUT Saturday June 6 to Sunday June 7
Barcode: 607816
Saturday July 4 to Sunday July 5
Barcode: 607817
REGISTER

Introduction Solo
Saturday June 20 to Sunday June 21

Ages 14 and up.
Minors require a parent or guardian to be present throughout the course.  

This Paddle Canada course introduces paddlers to solo canoeing in calm water. Successful participants receive Paddle Canada certificates.

Course participants learn:

Solo paddling positions and how to tilt the canoe to one side
Paddling techniques specific to solo paddling.
Solo rescue techniques.
Safety precautions specific to solo paddlers

Prerequisites: 

Paddle Canada Lake Canoe Skills Introduction Tandem or equivalent skills (familiar with draw, pry, forwards, backwards, stop, J stroke and canoe transportation).

Participants must be able to carry and transport a canoe and your own equipment.

The course includes canoes and gear for the lessons, (including PFD and paddle if participants don't have their own).  Lunch, change of clothing, sunscreen/rain gear as required, etc. are not included in the course and must be supplied by participants. Participants will meet at the RA Centre boathouse at 8:45am on Saturday and Sunday and return around 5:00pm each day. Carpooling to the training site will be arranged.

Fees:
RA Canoe Club Member: $150 + $14.25 FRF* = $164.25 (plus tax)
Non-Member: $250 + $23.75 FRF* = $273.75 (plus tax)

Sessions:

Saturday June 20 to Sunday June 21
Barcode: 607819
REGISTER

introduction / Intermediate Tandem
Saturday jUNE 13 TO Sunday June 14

Ages 16 and up.
Minors require a parent or guardian to be present throughout the course.  

The course combines the Paddle Canada introduction tandem and intermediate tandem courses. On the first day participants will evaluated and given either the intermediate course or the introduction course based on their abilities.

Introduction Tandem is for paddlers new to canoeing or those who have not taken any training and/or would like to update their skills. Successful participants receive Paddle Canada certificates.

Introductory Course participants learn:

How to safely get in and out of canoes.
How to paddle straight, turn and stop from the bow and stern.
Additional paddling techniques for those who are ready to learn more
How to rescue canoes and their occupants.
Safety precautions related to weather, water conditions, etc.

Intermediate Tandem expands of the paddlers canoe experience through skill refinement, additional skill development and awareness of environmental hazards. Participants will learn how to avoid and react to those hazards. Successful participants receive Paddle Canada certificates.

Prerequisites: 

Paddle Canada Lake Canoe Skills Introduction Tandem or equivalent skills (familiar with draw, pry, forwards, backwards, stop, J stroke and canoe transportation).

Intermediate Course participants learn:

Efficient paddling strokes and more precise boat control.
New strokes and skills
More safety and rescue techniques.

The course includes canoes and gear for the lessons, (including PFD and paddle if participants don't have their own). Lunch, change of clothing, sunscreen/rain gear as required, etc. are not included in the course and must be supplied by participants.

Participants will meet at the RA Centre Boathouse at 8:45am on Saturday and Sunday and return to the boathouse at 5:00pm each day.  Carpooling to the training site will be arranged. 

Fees:
RA Canoe Club Member: $150 + $14.25 FRF* = $164.25 (plus tax)
Non-Member: $250 + $23.75 FRF* = $273.75 (plus tax)

Session:

Saturday June 13 to Sunday June 14
Barcode: 607818
REGISTER

Whitewater Courses

Whitewater courses are taught by certified Paddle Canada instructors. Successful participants receive Paddle Canada certificates.

Introduction Tandem
Friday May 29 to Sunday May 31 & Friday June 5 to Sunday June 7

Ages 13 and up.  
Minors require a parent or guardian to be present throughout the course.

The Introduction to Whitewater Tandem course is designed to bring paddlers with some flatwater paddling experience up to the level required for admission to the Whitewater List and participation in club trips. The courses consist of one half-day in town segment to practise basic skills to move the boat, to learn about particular whitewater gear requirements and to plan the logistics for the weekend segment of the course. This half day will be followed by a full weekend at Palmers Rapids.

Successful participants will receive Paddle Canada Introduction to Moving Water certification and may be also admitted to the club Whitewater List which will allow them to join club whitewater trips. A partner is not required; pairs will be arranged by certified instructors.

There will be an in-town session May 16, 2026, from 10:00 to 4:00 to familiarize participants with boats, transporting boats on their personal vehicles, personal equipment choices for whitewater, and organizing travel to the training site. This may also include an in-town on-water practice
session.
In town preparatory session - May 16, 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: RA Centre boathouse
AND
2-night camping weekend and course

Friday (no later than 4pm) - leave the RA Centre for campground*

Saturday course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm, AND

Sunday course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

* Participants will be responsible for travel, camping gear (and campground fees) and meals as coordinated by the course instructor. Carpooling will be arranged.

Fees:
RA Canoe Club Member: $232.50+ $22.09 FRF* = $254.59 (plus tax)
Non-Member: $332.50 + $31.59 FRF* = $364.09 (plus tax)

Sessions:

SOLD OUT Friday May 29 to Sunday May 31
Barcode: 607811
Friday June 5 to Sunday June 7
Barcode: 607812
REGISTER

Introduction Solo
FRIDAY MAY 29 TO SUNDAY MAY 31 & FRIDAY JUNE 5 TO SUNDAY JUNE 7

Ages 13 and up.  
Minors require a parent or guardian to be present throughout the course.

This Paddle Canada certified course is specifically designed for paddlers who are new to Solo Whitewater canoeing. A heavy emphasis is placed on safety, canoe skills, and river reading.

Successful students will also acquire the set of basic skills and techniques needed to manoeuvre through white water and a Paddle Canada Introduction to Moving Water certification and may be also admitted to the club Whitewater List which will allow them to join club whitewater trips. 

Each of the following weekend sessions consists of an in town preparatory session as well as an out-of-town, 2-night camping weekend and course. The course includes canoes and gear for the lessons, (including PFD and paddle if participants don't have their own).

In town preparatory session - May 16, 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: RA Centre boathouse
AND
2-night camping weekend and course

Friday (no later than 4pm) - leave the RA Centre for campground*

Saturday course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm, AND

Sunday course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Friday May 29 to Sunday May 31
Barcode: 607809
REGISTER
Friday June 5 to Sunday June 7
Barcode: 607810
REGISTER

Intermediate solo
FRIDAY JUNE 5 TO SUNDAY JUNE 7

Ages 13 and up.  
Minors require a parent or guardian to be present throughout the course.

This Moving Water Intermediate Solo course introduces the canoeist to more complex solo whitewater river manoeuvres.

Course participants learn:

Boofing, using holes, and rolling.
Rescue techniques at this level incorporate the use of other canoeists and it is essential for all Moving Water Solo certified paddlers to travel on the water with others who have been trained in the techniques of assisted rescues as the rescuers.

Prerequisites

Moving Water Introduction to Solo or permission of Instructor based on proof of prior learning of equivalent skill and knowledge. It is up to the paddler to prove to the instructor by means of evidence, demonstration, or assessment that experience has led to learning. It cannot be assumed that experience has led to learning.

Equipment:

Use of a club boat, paddles, PFD’s and helmet are included in the course fee.
Private boats may be used, but they must be fully outfitted with thigh straps and floatation, and must be pre-approved by course instructor.
On the water, closed toe shoes that will not fall off in rapids / swims, are mandatory. Crocs and flip flops are not permitted.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own personal gear, but they must talk to their instructor prior to the course to ensure their equipment appropriate for whitewater training. If you are considering buying gear prior to the course, you may wish to check with the instructors.

Location: RA Centre boathouse
AND
2-night camping weekend and course

Friday (no later than 4pm) - leave the RA Centre for campground*

Saturday course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm, AND

Sunday course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Friday June 5 to Sunday June 7
Barcode: 607815
REGISTER

Whitewater Clinics

Clinics to not have fixed course curricula. Instead, the instructors will tailor the sessions to the abilities of the participants. The clinics will help participants develop intermediate and advanced skills to the limit of their abilities. No Paddle Canada certifications will be awarded after successful completion of clinics.

Intermediate & Advanced tandem
FRIDAY June 5 TO SUNDAY June 7

Ages 13 and up.  
Minors require a parent or guardian to be present throughout the course.

The Intermediate Tandem part of the clinic introduces the canoeist to more complex tandem whitewater river manoeuvres.
The course will introduce paddlers to;

Controlling speed in fast currents and around tight corners via “back ferrying”,
Super charging their front ferry by leveraging natural river features and the power of big waves (jet ferrying)
Having a blast surfing their canoe with the use of holes
Keeping water out of their canoe (best to leave it in the river) with wave blocking and other key maneuvers
Developing strong rescue techniques to making the river safer for all
Plus, other skills as per Paddle Canada’s intermediate paddling course outline.

The Advanced Tandem part of the clinic builds on all the skills described in the intermediate portion, but in a Class III setting. Additionally, student’s focus will be on greater capability and consistency. Advance paddlers will have sufficient skill to lead a small group of paddlers down Class III rapids. They will also be capable river rescuers – what to prioritize and how.

Prerequisites:

Participants require instructor permission or proof of prior learning to participate in the course.
Intermediate participants should be at the top of the WW Novice spectrum and WW Advanced participants should be at the top of the intermediate spectrum.

Equipment:

Use of a club boat, paddles, PFD’s and helmet are included in the course fee.
However, participants are encouraged to bring their own personal gear, which needs to be checked over by your instructor for suitability. If students are considering buying gear prior to the course, it's wise to check with the instructors.
Personal canoes may be used, but they must be fully outfitted with thigh straps and flotation and must be pre-approved by course instructor.
On the water, closed toe shoes that will not fall off in rapids / swims, are mandatory. Crocs and flip flops are not permitted.

2-night camping weekend and course
Location: Jessup’s Campground at Palmer Rapids

Friday (no later than 4pm) - leave the RA Centre for campground*

Saturday course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm, AND

Sunday course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

* Participants will be responsible for travel, campground fees and meals as coordinated by the course instructor. Carpooling will be arranged.

Fees:
RA Canoe Club Member: $232.50+ $22.09 FRF* = $254.59 (plus tax)
Non-Member: $332.50 + $31.59 FRF* = $364.09 (plus tax)

Sessions:

Friday June 5 to Sunday June 7
Barcode: 607813
REGISTER

intermediate & advanced solo
FRIDAY JUNE 5 TO SUNDAY JUNE 7

Ages 13 and up.  
Minors require a parent or guardian to be present throughout the course.

The Intermediate Solo part of the clinic introduces the canoeist to more complex solo whitewater river manoeuvres.
The course will introduce paddlers to;

Controlling speed in fast currents and around tight corners via “back ferrying”,
Super charging their front ferry by leveraging natural river features and the power of big waves (jet ferrying)
Having a blast surfing their canoe with the use of holes
Keeping water out of their canoe (best to leave it in the river) with wave blocking and other key maneuvers
Developing strong rescue techniques to making the river safer for all
Plus, other skills as per Paddle Canada’s intermediate paddling course outline.

The Advanced Solo part of the clinic builds on all the skills described in the intermediate portion, but in a Class III setting. Additionally, student’s focus will be on greater capability and consistency. Advance paddlers will have sufficient skill to lead a small group of paddlers down Class III rapids. They will also be capable river rescuers – what to prioritize and how.

Prerequisites:

Participants require instructor permission or proof of prior learning to participate in the course.
Intermediate participants should be at the top of the WW Novice spectrum and WW Advanced participants should be at the top of the intermediate spectrum.

Equipment:

Use of a club boat, paddles, PFD’s and helmet are included in the course fee.
However, participants are encouraged to bring their own personal gear, which needs to be checked over by your instructor for suitability. If students are considering buying gear prior to the course, it's wise to check with the instructors.
Personal canoes may be used, but they must be fully outfitted with thigh straps and flotation and must be pre-approved by course instructor.
On the water, closed toe shoes that will not fall off in rapids / swims, are mandatory. Crocs and flip flops are not permitted.

2-night camping weekend and course
Location: Jessup’s Campground at Palmer Rapids

Friday (no later than 4pm) - leave the RA Centre for campground*

Saturday course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm, AND

Sunday course runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Friday June 5 to Sunday June 7
Barcode: 607814
REGISTER

Canoe Tripping & Camping Courses

SOLD OUT Introduction to Canoe tripping & camping
Friday May 8 to Sunday May 10

Ages 18 and up.  
This Paddle Canada certified course is intended to provide an introduction to canoe tripping for those who have no previous camping experience or who have “car camped” but done little or no backcountry camping. The course will focus on skills and gear suitable to canoe tripping. While there is a considerable knowledge and theory component to the course, the course is very “hands on” and centres on the planning and conduct of a weekend trip in Algonquin Park.

Prerequisites

No tripping or camping experience is required. Participants should have had experience day tripping on sheltered water, but only basic paddling skills will be required to paddle from the put-in to the camp site.

Part one consists of evening sessions dealing with food/cooking and Equipment (May 5, 2026) and Map & Compass (May 13, 2026). Both of these sessions will be at the RA Centre.

Part two will be a camping weekend in Algonquin Park from May 8 to 10, 2026. The first evening session (May 5, 2026) will be about selecting meals, preparing food, packing it and stoves and cooking and the equipment that is required for tripping. The second evening session (May 13, 2026) will be about using a map and compass for navigation. The actual trip itself will be an easy in Algonquin Park. Camp set-up, camp sanitation, cooking, knots and tarps, portaging, risk management and expedition behaviour will all be discussed. Time will be also spent on improving paddling skills as needed.
The trips itself will leave town Friday at 1:00pm and return Sunday evening.

Fees:
RA Canoe Club Member: $150 + $14.25 FRF* = $164.25 (plus tax)
Non-Member: $250 + $23.75 FRF* = $273.75 (plus tax)

SOLD OUT Friday May 8 - Sunday May 10
Barcode: 607820

Sea Kayak Courses

SEA KAYAK - LEVEL 1
SATURDAY JULY 4 TO SUNDAY JULY 5

This two-day introductory kayaking course is designed for new kayakers who are looking to learn the required skills to plan and take their own day trips in calm conditions. The paddler should be self-reliant yet an asset to the group and an active participant, willing and able to assist others if they need assistance. Paddlers will learn self and assisted kayak re-entry skills.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to confidently paddle in class-1 conditions (i.e., mild winds (0-22mp/h, little or no current, easy landing sites, calm waters 0.1 -0.5m wavelets) in the company of one or more paddlers with similar skills or knowledge.

Participants will meet at the RA Centre boathouse at 8:30 on Saturday and Sunday and return around 5:00. Carpooling to the training site, Shirleys Bay Boat Launch, Ottawa, ON K2K 2Z3 will be arranged.

Equipment:

Personal sea kayaks must have two bulkheads.

Prerequisites:

Participants should be comfortable swimming while wearing a PFD.
Participants should be comfortable sitting on any type of kayak.
Age 14 and up. Minors require a parent to be present throughout the course.

Fees:
RA Canoe Club Member: $150 + $14.25 FRF* = $164.25 (plus tax)
Non-Member: $250 + $23.75 FRF* = $273.75 (plus tax)
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.

Saturday July 4 to Sunday July 5
Barcode: 638235
REGISTER

1-Day Sea Kayak Clinic
Saturday, June 20

This clinic is for people with kayaking experience and want to improve their skills.

Instruction includes:

Stroke development and blending
Solo and assisted rescues

Equipment:

Personal sea kayaks must have two bulkheads.

Prerequisites:

Participants should be comfortable swimming while wearing a PFD.
Participants should be comfortable sitting on any type of kayak.
Age 14 and up. Minors require a parent to be present throughout the course.

Fees:
RA Canoe Club Member: $75 + $7.13 FRF* = $82.13 (plus tax)
Non-Member: $175 + $16.63 FRF* = $191.63 (plus tax)
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.

Saturday, June 20 from 8:45am-5:00pm
Barcode: 638236
REGISTER

The following courses are open to RACCC Members only.

Rolling Clinic
Saturday, July 25

This 3 hour clinic introduces participants to the Greenland roll (basic back-deck roll).

Equipment:

Personal sea kayaks must have two bulkheads.

Prerequisites:

Participants should be comfortable swimming while wearing a PFD.
Participants should be comfortable sitting on any type of kayak.
Age 14 and up. Minors require a parent to be present throughout the course.

Fees:
RA Canoe Club Member: $35 + $3.33 FRF* = $38.33 (plus tax)
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.

Saturday July 25 from 12:00-4:00pm
Barcode: 638237
REGISTER

ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR SENIOR KAYAKERS CLINIC
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

New for 2026, the RACCC is expanding its offerings to include a Seniors Sea Kayaking Group which aims to meet the needs of older sea kayakers. This is a one-day safety clinic to cover topics such as loading/unloading troubleshooting, paddle fitness, basic rescues, basic manoeuvres, simple navigation, and communication with fellow paddlers and rescuers. This clinic is intended to be a refresher. Those new to kayaking should sign up for the Level 1 skills course instead.

Equipment:

Personal sea kayaks must have two bulkheads.

Prerequisites:

Participants should be comfortable swimming while wearing a PFD.
Participants should be comfortable sitting on any type of kayak.
Age 14 and up. Minors require a parent to be present throughout the course.

Fees:
RA Canoe Club Member: $35 + $3.33 FRF* = $38.33 (plus tax)
*A 9.5% Facility Renewal Fee is applied.

Wednesday, June 17 from 12:00-4:00pm
Barcode: 638234
REGISTER

Experience Canoe Camping

Join the RA Canoe Camping Club

​Stay in shape with an annual RA Member LifeFIT Upgrade!

Summer Training & Courses

Stay in shape with an annual RA Member LifeFIT Upgrade!