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2025

Welcome to Kirkwood Canoe

We offer canoe instruction for all age groups.

Muskoka is our home since 1982.

View our pages for upcoming ORCKA canoeing courses as well as recreational workshops.

ORCKA Canoe Skills Courses for all ages:

ORCKA Basic Canoeing Levels 1-2-3-4
ORCKA Basic Canoeing Level 1 Youth
ORCKA Canoe Tripping
ORCKA Canoe Day Trip Leader
ORCKA River Running
ORCKA Canadian Style Paddling
Recreational Canoeing Clinic in Additional Canoeing Non-Certification Clinics
ORCKA Safe Canoe Tripping Clinic in Additional ORCKA Non-Certification Clinics

ORCKA Canoe Instructor Courses:

over 16 years of age, and meeting course prerequisites

Canoe Tripping Instructor 1 or 2
Basic Canoe Instructor
Camp Canoe Instructor
CCI Bridging to Basic Instructor
Instructor Re-Certification Clinics

If the course dates don’t fit your schedule, contact us and we will quote you a private or semi-private course. If you have any questions complete the “General Inquiry” form found on the Contact Us Page.

Kirkwood Canoe will continue to follow any COVID-19 Protocol from:

Ontario Government Ontario COVID19
Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit (SMHU) Simcoe Muskoka Public Health Measures
Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA) Board of Directors COVID-19 Updates

Our canoeing season begins in early May. Wearing masks is optional.

Testimonials

Judy was an awesome instructor! I will be back for all of my future canoe courses. I highly recommend her and her team of instructors.

Jason Brown Basic Canoeing Levels 1-2-3-4

I had such a wonderful experience with Kirkwood Canoe this summer. Judy (and John and Patrick) was so patient, fun and knowledgeable! She was flexible and able to adapt her instructing to different learning styles, weather/water conditions and personalities. I will take all my courses with Kirkwood Canoe in the future - it's worth the drive!

Rebecca BCI, CS1AB

I take all my canoeing and paddling courses with Judy at Kirkwood Canoes. Professional, so educational, fun, relaxed and serious at the right times, patient and an absolute joy to learn from her experience.

Baseer Baig Baig canoe tripping 3, basic canoe instructor, moving water A, Canadian style paddling

I have done 3 courses with the Kirkwoods and all of the instruction has been top notch. Judy and D'Arcy are great people and canoe instructors who will open your mind to the endless possibilities in a canoe.

Ethan G Basic Canoe Instructor

My son and I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Both Judy and D'Arcy were great roll models for my son. Teaching us not just paddle strokes but how to work together.

Brian G Basic 1 to 4

Judy and D'Arcy's approach was practical, fun and flexible. We had a range of beginners to more seasoned paddlers on our course and everyone learned so much in a warm, positive environment. I can't wait for my next course with them!

Kelly Canoe Basic

Judy and John's approach is informative, practical, and innovative. Instruction is delivered in a very relaxed and supportive manner with plenty of opportunity to refine skills and adapt to different conditions. As long as Judy continues to instruct, Kirkwood Canoe is where I will go to get my qualifications!

Jeff CT3

Judy and her team of intructors are awesome. They take their time and explained in practical terms. Thanks!

JTQ RR level1

Incredible level of instruction, The Kirkwood's make you feel like one of the family, while imparting a lifetime of canoe tripping skills, knowledge and experience. Make sure you ask to learn the Kirkwood roll.

Toby Tripping Level 3

Completed CCI with Kirkwood Canoe - Great course, awesome instructor!

Jim T cci

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2025 courses now available