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• Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle - all craft welcome!

  • Start
    07 May 2025
  •  
  • End
    24 Sep 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    21 sessions
  • Location
    Gorge Waterway and VCKC Clubhouse

  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. 

  
  

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• Gorge Waterway Action Society (GWAS) Meeting

  • When
    07 Jul 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Clubhouse Main Floor

  For more information, please contact:

  Stephanie Gurney (she/her)
  Director of Operations
  stephanie@gorge.ca
  250-889-7088
  Gorge Waterway Action Society

  
  

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• July Canoe Lakewater - Basic Tandem

  • Start
    10 Jul 2025
  •  
  • End
    13 Jul 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    VCKC Clubhouse

  Register

  Canoe Lakewater - Basic Tandem

  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.
  

  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. Please bring drinks, snacks, lunch and a change of clothes to the course. 

  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.

  
  

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

  
  

  Show details
• Big Canoe Gulf Island Brigade 2025

  • Start
    26 Jul 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    01 Aug 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    VCKC

  Register

  Gulf Island Big Canoe Brigade Saturday 26 July 2025 - Friday August 1 2025

  
  

  The lottery has been held. Everyone will be notified of the results within 24 hours.

  
  

  Do not purchase a CVBS membership until you have been selected through the lottery.

  
  

  1. VCKC members will sign up as individuals and be assigned to canoes later. Use option 1 during registration. This stream will go to a lottery on March 5th, 2025. Two spares will also be pulled. No money will be charged until you have been selected. There will be a maximum of 6 crew in canoe. 

  2. Guest canoes will register using option 2. This stream will go to a lottery on March 5th, 2025. Two spare captains will also be pulled. No money will be charged until you have been selected. Once a captain is selected they are guaranteed space for their 5 remaining crew. Cost- $2400 per  canoe with a non-refundable deposit of $200.00 after selection. The remainder will be due in June. Maximum of 6 crew in each canoe.

  3. Individuals hoping to join a crew may sign up using option 3. This is a no cost option until you join a crew. There is no lottery for this stream. Do not purchase a CVBS membership number until you have been selected by a crew.  Due to large registration numbers this stream has now been closed to registration.  

  The current route is: 

  Saturday July 26th- Newcastle Island, near Nanaimo.

  Canoes and crews will need to be at Brechin Ramp, Nanaimo by 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th, 2025. This ramp is close to the Departure Bay ferry terminal. Drivers will take empty vehicles and trailers to a designated parking area in Victoria about 90 minutes away. Transportation back to Nanaimo and Newcastle Island  will be arranged by the brigade. While the vehicle shuttle is underway, the canoes and gear will be paddled the short distance  to Newcastle Island where camp will be set up.  Dinner is provided by the brigade

  Sunday July 27th-  Telegraph Cove, Thetis Island

  Monday July 28th- Osborne Bay Resort, Crofton, Vancouver Island

  Tuesday July 29th- Montague Harbour, Galliano Island

  Wednesday July 30th- Port Browning Marine Resort, North Pender Island

  Thursday July 31st- Island View Beach, Vancouver Island

  Friday August 1st- Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club, Victoria. The brigade will provide a dinner. Transportation will be provided to take drivers back to their vehicles and trailers. 

  
  

  Required for Participants

  Canadian Brigade Voyageur Society Membership number which is  $21.04 for a regular membership. Please make sure to specify Gulf Island Brigade 

  https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=37294&lan=1&cartlevel=1

  Required Gear for Canoes

  Large (20 liter/5 gallon) bailer, 2 small bailers, all with tie cords

  2 x 25' painters

  a righting line

  a rescue throw bag preferably 3/8" or 1 cm diameter

  1 paddle/person plus 2 spares

  PFD safety marine certified, must be worn, Vaikobi NOT allowed

  sounding whistle

  canoes over 18' need a watertight flashlight and flares (VCKC will carry flares)

  
  

  Maps and Charts

  The brigade will provide maps adequate for knowing where you are. If you want to have official charts, Canadian Hydrographic Service Charts 3341, 3342, 3343 cover all the journey except part of the last day. A more expensive spiral bound set of charts 3313 is also available for the Gulf Islands.

  
  

  Meals

  Each team will need to carry food for 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners plus cooking equipment. Water and electricity will not always be available. You will need to carry enough water for 2 days =3 litres/paddler/day = 36 litres. 

  Some of the camping areas will have access to a restaurant for dinner if you want a break from cooking. (at your own cost)

  
  

  Brigade Meals- first and last dinner
  

  A variety of food will be served but we cannot accommodate individual dietary needs. If you wish to invite guests beyond the 6 team members there will be an additional fee. Number of guests will be limited. Please discuss with brigade registration 2 weeks before the start of the Brigade.

  
  

  Leave No Trace
  

  https://leavenotrace.ca/the-seven-principles-of-leave-no-trace/

  Have garbage bags for camp sites where we must carry our own garbage out. Where cache lock boxes are provided by campsites you will need to put all food and garbage inside them.

  Extras

  Recommend bringing power banks, not all sites have electricity.

  Recommend extension cord with multiple outlets as places with electricity will have limited outlets.

  All equipment and gear should be in waterproof containers ie dry bags, barrels or large hiking backpacks double lined with garbage bags. It is also recommended that large containers be used to hold multiple small items; not all campsites are immediately beside the beach.

  Bring VHF radios if you have them and know how to operate them.

  Captains will receive packages with more complete details.

  ***Cellular service will mostly be available. It is highly recommended that all participants fill out the emergency medical information screen on their cell phones. Helpful in emergencies and also in returning misplaced cell phones to you.***

  iPhone  https://support.apple.com/en-us/105072#:~:text=Medical%20ID%20helps%20first%20responders,in%20case%20of%20an%20emergency.

  Android https://support.google.com/android/answer/9319337?hl=en#zippy=,use-the-personal-safety-app#zippy=,use-the-personal-safety-app

  
  

  Canoe Rentals

  Contact Ellie James 250-885-8030 or elliej6172@gmail.com if you are looking for information on where you can rent canoes or trailers.

  
  

  Joe Boyd, Big Canoe Director, bigcanoe@vckc.ca

  Linda Allison, registrar, Linda.canoe@icloud.com

  
  

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• Butchart Fireworks in a Big Canoe

  • When
    02 Aug 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

  Register

  Join us for an evening paddling Voyageur canoes in Brentwood Bay and Todd Inlet

  Meet at the clubhouse between 7:30 and 8 PM to load boats

  Bring layers, food and beverage - we will be out past dark

  Butchart fireworks start about 10pm

  Back at the Tsartlip boat ramp by 11 pm, and at the clubhouse by midnight.

  Contact Joe: BigCanoe@vckc.ca if you have questions.

  No experience necessary. Everyone welcome.

  
  

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• Symphony Splash in a Big Canoe

  • When
    03 Aug 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

  Register

  Returning  to Victoria!

  Come on out on Sunday evening for a paddle down to the Inner Harbour to enjoy a concert by the Victoria Symphony. 

  Expect to be back at the clubhouse by midnight.

  Contact Joe: BigCanoe@vckc.ca if you have questions.

  No experience necessary. Everyone welcome.

  
  

  Show details
• Big Canoe Thompson River Trip

  • Start
    04 Sep 2025
  • End
    07 Sep 2025
  • Location
    Savona to Ashcroft, BC
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  Thompson River Trip September 4th to 7th, 2025
  

  VCKC’s annual Thompson River Trip from Savona to Ashcroft, BC will take place again this year on the first weekend after Labour Day (Sep 4to 7). This trip will paddle downstream from Savona to Ashcroft on the Thompson River.

  The 2025 edition of this trip is changed to be one day longer. Expect to travel to Cache Creek on Thursday September 4. On Friday we meet with other Big Canoe clubs from around the province for some moving water training. On Saturday and Sunday we enjoy the river from Savona to Ashcroft. 

  Pre-requisites

  Members wishing to participate must have Big Canoe experience with either previous participation in a Paddle for the Kids season or else participation in a brigade. Moving water experience in tandem canoe is an asset. Members need to be 12 or older to paddle on this trip.

  
  

  Registration 

  The initial cost is  $100 per paddler to cover the cost of shipping canoes off the island. 

  
  

  Camping, travel, and food expenses are not included.

  Outline of the trip is as follows:

  • Thursday September 4: Travel from Victoria to Juniper Beach Provincial Park (just east of Cache Creek)
  • Friday September 5: Meet up with other Big Canoe clubs at Savona community boat ramp for a day of practice, training, and socializing.
  • Saturday September 6: Paddle Big Canoes from Savona to Ashcroft (lunch at Juniper Beach)
  • Sunday September 8: Paddle from Savona to Juniper Beach, load boats at noon and head for a 7pm ferry.

  
  

  For more information contact 

   Joe Boyd, Big Canoe Director

   bigcanoe@vckc.ca 

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Sept. Canoe Lakewater - Basic Tandem

  • Start
    18 Sep 2025
  •  
  • End
    21 Sep 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    VCKC Clubhouse

  Register

  Canoe Lakewater - Basic Tandem

  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.
  

  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. Please bring drinks, snacks, lunch and a change of clothes to the course. 

  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.

  
  

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

  
  

  Show details
• Sept. Canoe Lakewater Basic Solo

  • When
    28 Sep 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    VCKC Clubhouse

  Register

  Canoe Lakewater - Basic Solo

  This course is $35. 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.
  

  Learn to paddle a canoe by yourself, even in windy and rough conditions. You’ll adapt the paddling stokes learned in the Basic Tandem course to solo paddling while sitting in the centre of a canoe. You’ll gain independence as you enhance your understanding of how a canoe responds to each paddle stroke. By completing this course you’ll be able to branch out to the other courses the club offers, such as ocean tripping and the advanced tandem and solo courses

  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. Please bring drinks, snacks, lunch and a change of clothes to the course. 

  Topics include:

  •    Solo paddling positions and trim

  •    Pivot point

  •    Extending your strokes for better control

  •    Solo spins and sideslips

  •    Self-rescues (Wet/dry suit recommended)

  •    Effective reverse paddling

  •    Introduction to environmental ethics

  •    Access concerns

  Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Lakewater - Basic Solo in a full-day session normally 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 – RCABC Lakewater Basic Tandem or equivalent.  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 one week before the course.

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

  
  

  Show details
• Oct. Canoe Lakewater - Advanced Tandem

  • When
    05 Oct 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    VCKC Clubhouse

  Register

  Canoe Lakewater - Advanced Tandem

  This course is $40. 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 the course is full, add your name to the waitlist. We will add another course when numbers warrant. 

  Refine your skills and teamwork to quickly and efficiently paddle a tandem canoe in any direction. Master linking paddling manoeuvres together smoothly and efficiently to enhance your ability and enjoyment of canoeing. 

  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. Please bring drinks, snacks, lunch and a change of clothes to the course. 

  Topics include:

  •    Running and regular sideslips

  •    Extended straight line paddling

  •    Sharp forward & reverse turns

  •    Bracing strokes

  •    Advanced tandem rescues (Wet/Dry suit recommended)
  

  •    Ropes and knots

  •    Canoe repair

  •    Handling wind and waves

  Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Advanced Tandem course in a full-day session normally 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 – RCABC Canoe Lakewater Basic Tandem.   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 one week before the course.

  If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Program Director

  Canoe Program Director
  

  canoe@vckc.ca 

  
  

  Show details
• Oct. Canoe Lakewater Advanced Solo (THANKSGIVING)

  • When
    12 Oct 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    VCKC Clubhouse

  Register

  Canoe Lakewater - Advanced Solo

  This course is $40. 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.
  

  Take your paddling to the next level. You’ll first learn advanced strokes and maneuvers then practice them on a solo circuit on a fixed course. You will be able to demonstrate mastery via precise maneuvering by perfecting stokes on the circuit.

  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. Please bring drinks, snacks, lunch and a change of clothes to the course. 

  Topics include:

  •    Advanced stokes - box, pitch, Canadian, …

  •    Cross bow draws

  •    Running sideslips

  •    Weight turns

  •    Inside & outside circles and figure eights

  •    Sharp forward & reverse turns

  •    Bracing strokes

  •    Canoe history
  

  Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Advanced Solo course in a full-day session normally 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 –  Lakewater Advanced Tandem and Lakewater Basic Solo
  

  Please register online now to secure your spot. You can delay paying until one week before the course date; a payment reminder email will be sent at that time.
  

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

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

  Show details
• Oct. Canoe Moving Water Basic Tandem

  • Start
    23 Oct 2025
  •  
  • End
    26 Oct 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    VCKC Clubhouse

  Register

  Canoe Moving Water Basic Tandem

  This course is $120. 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.

  There will be a theory session on the Thursday night in the clubhouse. The water session will be on a river away from the clubhouse.

  Become a river canoeist! Learn about the nature of rivers, how to prepare & manage for the challenges of moving water, and what to do when things don't go as planned.
  

  Topics include:

  •    Safety equipment, flotation and outfitting a canoe

  •    Managing river hazards

  •    Advanced strokes & braces

  •    Entering and exiting eddies

  •    Ferrying to cross the river

  •    River reading and group travel

  •    Rescues and swimming in rapids 

  •    Environmental and access concerns

  Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Tandem Moving Water course on a local island river over a weekend.

  All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you have it.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit and a helmet, these can be rented in town.Georgia of Coastal Bliss in the Cowichan Valley, 250-715-0034 or coastalbliss@shaw.ca, has been very available to rent equipment early in the morning.

  PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Basic Tandem (or proof of equivalent). You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

  Please register online now to secure your spot. 

  Note that dates may change to ensure safe water levels.

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

  If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Canoe Program Director.
  

  Regards,
  

  Canoe Program Director

  canoe@vckc.ca 

  Show details
• 2025 Remembrance Day Paddle on the Cowichan River

  • When
    11 Nov 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Cowichan River

  Registration is closed

  Remembrance Day Paddle on the Cowichan
  

  The VCKC Canoe program will be participating in the annual community event - Remembrance Day Cowichan River Paddle on Tuesday 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 Gibs N Dots 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.

  Show details