Victoria Canoe & Kayak Club (VCKC) upcoming events

LGBTQ+ & Nonbinary Basic Tandem October Lakewater Canoe Course (29 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Canoe Lakewater - Basic Tandem

This course is being taught by and for self-identified LGBTQ+ & nonbinary people

This course is $30. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice. If you withdraw after paying you may 1.) request payment to be kept on your account for later use or 2.) pay a $5 administrative fee to request your money back.

There will be a theory session on the Thursday night in the clubhouse followed by a water session on the Gorge Sunday beside the clubhouse.

Start all your paddling adventures with this introductory course. Whether you are a first-time paddler or with some prior experience, discover the essential skills, manoeuvres and knowledge to safely paddle a tandem (two-person) canoe, either from the bow (front) or stern (back).

Capsizes and rescues are part of the course. All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit, these can be rented in town. Sports Rent Coastal or dive shops have rentals available.

Topics include:

• Canoes, paddles, PFDs and other gear

• Paddling positions and boat trim

• Launching and landing

• Forward, stopping and reverse paddling

• Basic turns while paddling forward

• Spins and sideslip manoeuvres

• Storing and waterproofing gear

• Canoeing safety guidelines and equipment

• Handling waves and wind

• Capsizes and rescues

Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Basic Tandem course in a full-day session held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.

All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are encouraged to bring your own equipment if you have it.

PREREQUISITE –
You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor before the course.

Course Instructor: Katia, she/her bannister.katia@gmail.com

Michael Donaghy, they/them

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Director - canoe@vckc.ca

LGBTQ+ & Nonbinary Basic Tandem October Lakewater Canoe Course (31 Oct 2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Canoe Lakewater - Basic Tandem

This course is being taught by and for self-identified LGBTQ+ & nonbinary people

There will be a theory session on the Thursday night in the clubhouse followed by a water session on the Gorge Sunday beside the clubhouse.

Capsizes and rescues are part of the course. All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit, these can be rented in town. Sports Rent Coastal or dive shops have rentals available.

Topics include:

• Canoes, paddles, PFDs and other gear

• Paddling positions and boat trim

• Launching and landing

• Forward, stopping and reverse paddling

• Basic turns while paddling forward

• Spins and sideslip manoeuvres

• Storing and waterproofing gear

• Canoeing safety guidelines and equipment

• Handling waves and wind

• Capsizes and rescues

Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Basic Tandem course in a full-day session held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.

All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are encouraged to bring your own equipment if you have it.

PREREQUISITE –
You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor before the course.

Course Instructor: Katia, she/her bannister.katia@gmail.com

Michael Donaghy, they/them

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Director - canoe@vckc.ca

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (04 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

House and Grounds Fall Clean-Up (07 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Come join us for the annual Fall Clean-up at the clubhouse. Tasks include smartening up the outdoor spaces of the clubhouse, deck washing, BBQ cleaning, gutter cleaning, window washing and more. In addition we will be doing a thorough cleaning of the interior including meeting rooms, kitchen and storage areas.

This is a great way to meet other members of the club and put in your volunteer hours. The more people that show up the quicker things get done!

A reminder email will be sent out closer to the date. If you have any questions, contact by email to: clubhouse@vckc.ca

2026 Remembrance Day Paddle on the Cowichan River (11 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Remembrance Day Paddle on the Cowichan

The VCKC Canoe program will be participating in the annual community event - Remembrance Day Cowichan River Paddle on Wednesday November 11 with participation from the South Island Whitewater and UVic Paddling Clubs.

There may be some short speeches and a reading of “Flanders Field” before a minute of silence at the Burma Star Memorial at Stolz pool at 11AM sharp. The Memorial is at Stolz Pool in Cowichan River Provincial Park dedicated in memory of all who lost their lives in the WW11 Burma Campaign. It is known as the “Forgotten Army”. Many paddlers leave a poppy at the Memorial.

Interested VCKC paddlers are required to have RCABC Moving Water 1 or equivalent (must confirm with the event organizer), James McBeath at canoe@vckc.ca or 250-208-1216

VCKC members may book a canoe@vckc.ca if a canoe is needed. Everyone who books a canoe must assist in outfitting the canoe with proper safety gear and floatation. A time will be scheduled before the event.

Although there will be individual volunteers who will lead groups down the river, each canoe is expected to be responsible for outfitting their canoe and be comfortable with their paddling skills on Grade 1-2 water.

Car shuttles will be setup first and arranged at Allenby Bridge 9:30AM on the morning of the 11th.

This event is very dependent on water levels so everyone who registers will be kept informed.

Any questions or concerns please contact James McBeath at canoe@vckc.ca or 250-208-1216.

This is a great river event for both novice and experienced river paddlers alike. If you completed one of our Moving Water courses in the past 2 years, this is a great opportunity to hone your skills while having lots of fun on the river during salmon run. As always, helmets and immersion gear are mandatory for running rivers.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (11 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (18 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Eddie Hopper! Sunday (22 Nov 2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Eddie Hopper! (Dependent on Water levels.)

Members must have a Moving Water course or instructor permission to participate.

We will be paddling on the Cowichan River.

Helmets are required. Drysuits are mandatory.

For further information, contact

James McBeath, Canoe Director

canoe@vckc.ca

‭(250) 208-1216‬

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (25 Nov 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (02 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (09 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Canoe Instructor Planning Meeting for 2027 (10 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Eddie Hopper! Sunday (13 Dec 2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Eddie Hopper! (Dependent on Water levels.)

Members must have a Moving Water course or instructor permission to participate.

We will be paddling on the Cowichan River.

Helmets are required. Drysuits are mandatory.

For further information, contact

James McBeath, Canoe Director

canoe@vckc.ca

‭(250) 208-1216‬

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (16 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (23 Dec 2026)

Thu, 24 Dec 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (30 Dec 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Eddie Hopper! NEW YEARS DAY, Friday (01 Jan 2027)

Fri, 01 Jan 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Eddie Hopper! (Dependent on Water levels.)

Members must have a Moving Water course or instructor permission to participate.

We will be paddling on the Sooke River.

Helmets are required. Drysuits are mandatory.

For further information, contact

James McBeath, Canoe Director

canoe@vckc.ca

‭(250) 208-1216‬

Eddie Hopper! Sunday (03 Jan 2027)

Sun, 03 Jan 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Eddie Hopper! (Dependent on Water levels.)

Members must have a Moving Water course or instructor permission to participate.

We will be paddling on the Sooke River.

Helmets are required. Drysuits are mandatory.

For further information, contact

James McBeath, Canoe Director

canoe@vckc.ca

‭(250) 208-1216‬

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (06 Jan 2027)

Thu, 07 Jan 2027 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (13 Jan 2027)

Thu, 14 Jan 2027 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (20 Jan 2027)

Thu, 21 Jan 2027 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (27 Jan 2027)

Thu, 28 Jan 2027 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (03 Feb 2027)

Thu, 04 Feb 2027 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (10 Feb 2027)

Thu, 11 Feb 2027 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (17 Feb 2027)

Thu, 18 Feb 2027 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (24 Feb 2027)

Thu, 25 Feb 2027 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (03 Mar 2027)

Thu, 04 Mar 2027 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (10 Mar 2027)

Thu, 11 Mar 2027 01:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (17 Mar 2027)

Thu, 18 Mar 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Dragonboat Team Meeting VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck (18 Mar 2027)

Fri, 19 Mar 2027 01:00:00 GMT

VCKC Dragonboat Team Meeting

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (24 Mar 2027)

Thu, 25 Mar 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (31 Mar 2027)

Thu, 01 Apr 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (07 Apr 2027)

Thu, 08 Apr 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (14 Apr 2027)

Thu, 15 Apr 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (21 Apr 2027)

Thu, 22 Apr 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (28 Apr 2027)

Thu, 29 Apr 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (05 May 2027)

Thu, 06 May 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (12 May 2027)

Thu, 13 May 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (19 May 2027)

Thu, 20 May 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (26 May 2027)

Thu, 27 May 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (02 Jun 2027)

Thu, 03 Jun 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (09 Jun 2027)

Thu, 10 Jun 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (16 Jun 2027)

Thu, 17 Jun 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (23 Jun 2027)

Thu, 24 Jun 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (30 Jun 2027)

Thu, 01 Jul 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (07 Jul 2027)

Thu, 08 Jul 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (14 Jul 2027)

Thu, 15 Jul 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (21 Jul 2027)

Thu, 22 Jul 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (28 Jul 2027)

Thu, 29 Jul 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (04 Aug 2027)

Thu, 05 Aug 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (11 Aug 2027)

Thu, 12 Aug 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (18 Aug 2027)

Thu, 19 Aug 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (25 Aug 2027)

Thu, 26 Aug 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (01 Sep 2027)

Thu, 02 Sep 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (08 Sep 2027)

Thu, 09 Sep 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (15 Sep 2027)

Thu, 16 Sep 2027 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.