Back to the Big Canoe Program
Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.
2026 VCKC/TRIP Annual David Thompson River Trip
The dates for this year’s trip are Friday September 11 to Sunday September 13:
Pre-requisites: This trip is on a large volume river with class 2 rapids. Members wishing to participate must have big canoe and/or moving water experience. Participation in Paddle for the Kids, paddling in a brigade, or tandem whitewater experience may be enough. Contact the BC director if you are not sure. Members need to be 12 or older to paddle on this trip.
Registration and expenses: VCKC will collect $130 per paddler to cover the cost of towing the canoes. Each paddler is responsible for their own travel, camping, and food expenses.
Optional extra day: Last year, there was an extra practice day before the trip and it was well received. If you would like to add a day this year, please contact the director.
Travel: If you plan on doing this trip, have a suitable tow vehicle, and are willing to tow the canoes, please contact the BC director.
Please note that this is an RCABC event.
Go to https://www.bccanoe.com/events/rcabc-big-canoe-rendezvous for more information or contact Walter Wright,
Big Canoe Directorbigcanoe@vckc.ca
***POSTPONED TO Saturday, 19 Sep 2026***
Save this date to learn and review safety skills necessary for paddling on water!
More details will follow closer to this event date.
Each program area is being asked to participate. Programs are encouraged to use this day to practice team and individual rescues. There will be safety clinics and activities for members and the general public.
The Safety Committee ,
Claire Harder, safety@vckc.ca
Safety Director
(Ellie James Cel: 250-885-8030 elliej6172@gmail.com)
Outdoor and Recreational Council of BC Annual River Day
Dragon boat team social and Race debrief-Videos. Post FGPC Gorge-Fest Slalom Regatta.
This course is $100 for non club members/ $50 for club members. Please register online now to secure your spot.
Big Canoe Leader Skills: October 24 and 25, 2026
Candidates will maneuver a Big Canoes. learn precise control, crew commands, inside turns, outside turns, working with currents and waves. This course will be delivered at VCKC (355 Gorge Road West, Victoria) on October 24 and will be offsite October 25, likely on open ocean water with currents.
Topics to include equipment and trip planning, team management, risk assessment/avoidance and sterning Big Canoes in more difficult settings.
Candidates for the Big Canoe Leadership level must have tandem canoe experience and training, and preferably have some experience in a Big Canoe. Less experienced candidates may earn a Big Canoe Paddler certificate.
Prerequisites can be earned by completing tandem canoe courses. See the VCKC calendar to available dates and to register.
For more help please contact Joe Boyd joeboyd@telus.net or 250-882-6033
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
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
We will be paddling on the Sooke River.
VCKC Dragonboat Team Meeting
Member Profile
355 Gorge Road West Victoria, BC, V9A 1M9
Tides & Currents
Inner Harbour / Local Marine
