NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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Select Grand River Parks are offering the opportunity for local residents to experience a bit of Canadian heritage for Canada 150 – by taking Canoeing 101 in May or June.
This two-hour introduction to canoeing will be offered at four locations and will help local residents become comfortable in one of Canada’s very first modes of transportation — the canoe.
The program includes instruction in canoe safety, paddle strokes and basic manoeuvres. This is geared towards new paddlers, or paddlers who would like to refresh their skills and get some help with their strokes. Register with a partner, or by yourself. It starts at 6 p.m., but plan to arrive early to pick up your equipment and meet up with your paddling partner. Pre-registration is required and can be done online.
The dates and locations are:
- Shade’s Mills Park, Cambridge: Monday, May 29, Tuesday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 28
- Rockwood Park, east of Guelph: Tuesday, May 30 and Wednesday, June 14
- Laurel Creek Park, Waterloo: Wednesday May 31 and Friday, June 30
- Pinehurst Lake, east of Ayr: Friday, June 9 and Monday, June 26
“We have taught kids to paddle at our summer camps for years. When we offered a few introductory canoeing sessions last year, we were very pleased with the result. This program has been expanded to give people in more communities a chance to learn some paddling skills at a reasonable price early in the season. Canada 150 is a great time to develop this new skill,” said Tracey Ryan, manager of environmental education and restoration.
The $20 per person fee includes everything you need to get comfortable in a canoe – two-hour canoe rental, life jacket, paddle and basic instruction. Admission to the park is not included in this price, but Grand River Parks Membership pass holders will get in for free.Participants must be 10 years old and up to participate and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The canoe has a special place in Canadian culture and identity as it was one of the very first means of transportation, providing the route for early explorers. It is also the way many people “get away from it all” by letting their canoe carry them across a lake during the summer. Canoeing is an excellent way to experience nature and get some exercise outdoors.
Many Grand River Parks offer canoes for rent, including those where this program is offered. Learn more about other GRCA events
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