Back to the Big Canoe Program
VCKC Members - Would you like to get out on the water in a social paddle with Sea Kayak, Canoe or other paddling crafts? Perhaps practice some of your skills?
Join us on Wednesday evening for a social paddle. No need to register, just show up, making sure you've reserved your boat if necessary etc.
Aiming to get on the water at 530pm.
Note - this is not a formal instructional event. But typically senior experience or instructor level paddlers will be on hand, happy to support skills practice etc.
PFTK Kickoff is Sunday, Feb 8th at 9:30am.
Register here to help us plan for food and confirm your spot in a big canoe.
An approximate schedule for the day is as follows:
More Good News - This event is a unique fundraiser benefitting children and adults with disabilities who attend Easter Seals Summer Camp at Shawnigan Lake. Make the most of it with DONATIONS!
Start Paddling & Fundraising Now!
For more information check out VCKC's PFTK page
We look forward to seeing you out for fun, fitness and fundraising for Easter Seals.
See you on the water!!
Joe Boyd, Big Canoe Director, bigcanoe@vckc.ca
2026 Paddle for the Kids - #1 Paddle - Location Sooke Basin
Please note: Location is weather-dependent and may change on very short notice.
This event is open to all members. Key reminders!
For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.
If you haven’t already, please register here.
2026 Paddle for the Kids - #2 Paddle - Sidney & Rum Island area
2026 Paddle for the Kids - #3 Paddle - Ladysmith area
2026 Paddle for the Kids - #4 Paddle - Portland Island
2026 Paddle for the Kids - #5 Paddle - Cattle Point
VCKC Dragonboat Team Meeting
2026 Paddle for the Kids - #6 Paddle - Crofton & Wallace Island
This is what we have been practicing for since the Kick-Off on February 8. THE MAIN EVENT! A long day paddle from Brentwood Bay to the VCKC Clubhouse on the Gorge Waterway.
Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader Course
This course is $100 for non club members/ $50 for club members. Please register online now to secure your spot.
This one-day course covers basic and intermediate Big Canoe stern, bow, and leadership skills as per Paddle Canada's criteria.
More information on the curriculum:
https://www.paddlecanada.com/levels/canoeing/big-canoe/intermediate-big-canoe-leader-skills/
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.
Participants must have:
This is a leadership course. Participants will be vetted by the instructors before course commencement for suitability as per course requirements. There may be space for newer candidates to take part in the course by helping power the Big Canoes.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Big Canoe Director - bigcanoe.vckc@gmail.com
Advanced Big Canoe Leader Skills:
Candidates will learn advance maneuvers in the Big Canoe such as inside turns, outside turns, working with currents and waves. This course will be delivered offsite, likely on open ocean water with currents.
Topics to include equipment and trip planning , team management, and leading Big Canoes in more difficult settings.
Candidates must have successfully completed the RCABC or Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader course.
Come join us for the annual Spring 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.
We will also be making an effort to gather up abandoned member items from around the clubhouse and put them in a central area for reclamation. Items such as: hats, gloves, shoes, boots or whatever isn't owned by VCKC. If these items go unclaimed after 30 days we will donate or dispose of them. More information to follow about what to bring. If you have any questions, contact Gord Evans by email to: clubhouse@vckc.ca
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
Member Profile
355 Gorge Road West Victoria, BC, V9A 1M9
Tides & Currents
Inner Harbour / Local Marine