All VCKC Hosted Events

      Only future VCKC events appear on this page.  To see all events - past & future - view the complete Club Calendar or visit our Program specific calendars.

All Upcoming Events

    • 13 Jan 2026
    • 08 Dec 2026
    • 10 sessions
    • VCKC Clubhouse, 355 Gorge Rd W, Victoria BC

    VCKC Executive Board meetings are held 7-9 pm, the second Tuesday of every month (except July, August), at the VCKC Clubhouse.

    To put forward an item to be considered for the agenda, please email both president@vckc.ca and secretary@vckc.ca at least one week prior to the meeting.

    All members are welcome to attend the monthly Executive Board meetings, and are asked to RSVP (register) one week in advance.


    • 02 Sep 2026
    • 02 Jun 2027
    • 10 sessions
    • Clubhouse

    First Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. - noon except the summer months of July and August. A social event - time to meet up with retired Club members. Coffee/tea provided plus muffins, whatever. 

    No need to register. If you have any questions, contact:

    Alan or Linda Thomson 250-812-3799 or torquil2@outlook.com. 

    • 16 Sep 2026
    • 15 Sep 2027
    • 53 sessions
    • Gorge Waterway and VCKC Clubhouse

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

     

    • 01 Oct 2026
    • 25 Mar 2027
    • 25 sessions
    • VCKC Dock and Gorge Waterway

    Meet up at 6:00 pm to warm up and get ready to paddle.

    Winter Paddling. Boat size based on attendance.

    • 29 Oct 2026
    • 31 Oct 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    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


    • 03 Nov 2026
    • 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • VKC Clubhouse, 355 Gorge Rd West, Victoria
    Register

    New Member Orientation

    Have a tour of the clubhouse, learn about the different paddling streams including how to book boats and sign up for teams and special events. Bring your questions. Stay for the speaker/social starting at 7:00 pm. 

    Please pre-register. 

    Questions? Please contact membership@vckc.ca.



    • 03 Nov 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • VKC Clubhouse, 355 Gorge Rd West, Victoria

    Beyond the Footprint: Searching for Sasquatch on Vancouver Island.

    Is Dave Hill crazy? Come find out as he presents his hobby of searching for Sasquatch on Vancouver Island. Dave is a member and investigator with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO.net). He attended his first BFRO expedition here on Vancouver Island in 2007. His background in geography, forest science, and remote sensing, brings a unique perspective to Sasquatch research. From footprints to Environmental DNA (eDNA) come take a journey through the “science” of Sasquatch.

    The image depicts a cartoonish figure, likely a police officer, examining a shoeprint, with a humorous tone suggesting that there are few clues to solve a case. AI-generated content may be incorrect.

    Come at 6:30 pm to help set up, meet people, ask questions.

    New Members Orientation at 6:30 pm. (please pre-register)

    Be here by 7:00 for the main event.

    Be on time or risk standing room only and no parking. 

    Got a good story to tell? Contact Shelley and get on the calendar.

    Questions? Comments? Shelley is at director1@vckc.ca.



    • 07 Nov 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse, 355 Gorge Rd. West

    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

    • 11 Nov 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Cowichan River
    Register

    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.

    • 14 Nov 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    VHF Maritime Radio Operator Certificate Course “ROC-M”

    Join us for the day to learn how to use a VHF (Very High Frequency) marine radio and become certified. Course will be led by Adrian Lee and entail: pre-reading the supplied manual; passing a multiple-choice test; making simulated oral radio calls for both routine & emergency paddling situations; receiving marine weather reports. To be able to effectively operate a marine radio, you’ll need to undergo some fun training.  

    The Maritime Radio Course teaches emergency radio procedures and everyday operating techniques. Learn all about the uses of marine radios, proper selection of channels radio spoken alphabet, professional procedural words and useful technical jargon, as well as the latest digital radio features which facilitate rapid search & rescue.  

    BYO Working Lunch and snacks.

    Course will cost $140 and a maximum of 8 students may register. Because of upfront costs, we will not be able to offer refunds after course materials have been purchased, unless we can sell your spot to someone on the waitlist. 

    Adrian has been paddling since Woodstock & Neil Armstrong’s moon landing and has served with the Canadian Coast Guard.  He’s a Transport Canada Marine Safety & Paddle Canada instructor; ex-rescue auxiliary training officer.


    For more information, contact Shelley is at director1@vckc.ca.



    • 21 Nov 2026
    • 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Clubhouse
    Register

     Come help our oldest paddler, Ken Gibbard, celebrate 95 years of life. Ken will supply burgers. Please bring a side or dessert to share.

    • 22 Nov 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Cowichan River
    Register

    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


    • 01 Dec 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • VKC Clubhouse, 355 Gorge Rd West, Victoria

    Let's Celebrate the Season

    Come celebrate the season with your friends at VCKC and let's decorate the Clubhouse at the same time. Bring something sweet or savory to share and a beverage to toast to the holidays. 

    The fun all starts at 6 pm! Come when you can. 

    Got a good story to tell? Contact Shelley and get on the calendar.

    Questions? Comments? Shelley is at director1@vckc.ca.



    • 10 Dec 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • VCKC


    • 13 Dec 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Cowichan River
    Register

    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


    • 01 Jan 2027
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Sooke River
    Register

    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


    • 03 Jan 2027
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Sooke River
    Register

    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


    • 16 Jan 2027
    • 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    • 6
    Register

    VHF Maritime Radio Operator Certificate Course “ROC-M”

    This is for the November class waitlist only.

    Join us for the day to learn how to use a VHF (Very High Frequency) marine radio and become certified. Course will be led by Adrian Lee and entail: pre-reading the supplied manual; passing a multiple-choice test; making simulated oral radio calls for both routine & emergency paddling situations; receiving marine weather reports. To be able to effectively operate a marine radio, you’ll need to undergo some fun training.  

    The Maritime Radio Course teaches emergency radio procedures and everyday operating techniques. Learn all about the uses of marine radios, proper selection of channels radio spoken alphabet, professional procedural words and useful technical jargon, as well as the latest digital radio features which facilitate rapid search & rescue.  

    BYO Working Lunch and snacks.

    Course will cost $140 and a maximum of 8 students may register. Because of upfront costs, we will not be able to offer refunds after course materials have been purchased, unless we can sell your spot to someone on the waitlist. 

    Adrian has been paddling since Woodstock & Neil Armstrong’s moon landing and has served with the Canadian Coast Guard.  He’s a Transport Canada Marine Safety & Paddle Canada instructor; ex-rescue auxiliary training officer.


    For more information, contact Shelley is at director1@vckc.ca.



    • 18 Mar 2027
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck

    VCKC Dragonboat Team Meeting 

    • 03 Apr 2027
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • VCKC, 355 Gorge Rd W, Victoria, BC

    Wake Up the Gorge 2027

    Wake Up The Gorge (WUTG) is the VCKC club's annual weekend of racing for OC6 Outrigger canoes. It kicks off the racing season for many of the Victoria and area paddling clubs who use the Gorge Waterway for racing.

    Objectives: To unite the Outrigger and Paddling community through Racing, Competition and Friendship.

    Where: At the Victoria Canoe & Kayak Club, 355 Gorge Rd W, Victoria, BC V9A 1M9 (see map). We are located on the beautiful Gorge Waterway.

    When: April 3, 2027

    Time: Clubhouse opens 8am, Races start 9am, (ends before 5pm)

    OC6:
    FEES $30 per/paddler

    Registration fee includes lunch tickets

    Registration

    Online registration for the OC6 (Saturday) race will be closed as of midnight May 27th. Please contact the registrar after that: wutgregistrar@vckc.ca

    OC6 teams should be able to Huli and self rescue. If there is a novice team who has not done a Huli, or participants are not able to re-enter the boat, then the racing organizer and the safety boat must know ahead of time

    CORA OC6 definition of Open “Open” shall be those paddlers who are of any age. (note that this is different for small boat races)

    Waivers:  All team members must sign the VCKC waiver form.  Click here to review and print the required form. Completed waivers can be scanned and emailed to wutgregistrar@vckc.ca or handed to the WUTG registrar at the event. It helps to speed up the registration process if all team members have signed a waiver prior to race day.

    *Notes:

    1.  Our insurance requires that all participants must be CORA members. Membership is available via the CORA website.  An annual membership ($40 for adults and $10 for juniors) is valid for all races in the current year.  You must register with CORA in advance of the race. Please show proof of CORA membership at the onsite registration desk.

    ONE DAY CORA REGISTRATION can be purchased in advance by going to website   CORA - Canadian Outrigger Racing Association - Share our passion for outrigger canoe racing. clicking on the JOIN US TAB  , and then ONE DAY MEMBERSHIP from the dropdown.

    CORA race rules

    1.   Individuals may participate on only one team within a race type (i.e. one senior woman's team, one senior men's team).  Exception:  A paddler is allowed to be on a mixed team and a single-gender team within one race type; separate registrations are needed for this.

    2.   Teams must include a qualified steersperson, who has experience with buoy turns, and must attend a WUTG Safety Briefing.

    3.   All team members must have submitted a signed waiver in order to paddle.

    4.   Parking is limited: Please park only in designated areas. Please DO NOT park directly in front or behind the commercial establishments on the NW corner of Gorge and Tillicum.  Parking Map

    5.   Food will be available for all competitors. Additional food will be available by donation: home made chilli, soup, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, fruit, baked goods.

    Saturday APRIL 3 - OC6 Races  

    OC6 races start at 9am.

    Two heats of 1000 meters in two lanes around buoy at 500 Meters (one turn (this is a change!). Each team's time total will result in awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the following categories.

    Categories: Women, Men, Mixed and Junior

    Divisions of:

    Juniors - paddlers who are under the age of 18 at the time of WUTG and who will not turn 19 in 2027.

    Open (any age) 

    Age 40-49

    Age 50+ (Paddlers who are at least 50 years of age in 2027, or who will turn 50 within this calendar year)

    Age 60+ (Paddlers who are at least 60 years of age in 2027, or who will turn 60 within this calendar year)

    Click here to view the April 3th race schedule (when it's ready.)

    • 04 Apr 2027
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse

    Join us for a day in honour of Norm MacDonell

    Registration

    5km Race: open to small boats (1-2 paddlers).

    10km Race: open to outrigger canoes which are provided (spec only) or big canoes (more than 3 paddlers)

    20km Race: open to small boats (1-2 paddlers)

    Note: Race course may be subject to change at the Race Director’s discretion on race day. A mass start is planned (all race distances running simultaneously) however, this may change depending the number of boats registered by race day.

    Registration is open online.  Big boat registrations must be complete by March 28, 2027, and small boat registrations by April 3, 2027, by 7:00 pm.

    NOTE - when registering a team that has more than one person, you must go to the bottom of the registration form "Additional Guests" and add the number of additional paddlers on the team.  For example OC2 would be 1 additional guest, OC6 would be 5 additional guests.  

    Registration desk opens at 8:30 am. Race Briefing 9:00 am. Race Start 9:30 am.

    Questions? For more information:

    Contact Mhairi - email: mmacdonell78@gmail.com 

    Information Required with Registration:

    Team name, #of paddlers, boat type, boat description, 5/10/20km, mens,  womens or mixed 

    Fees:

    Small boat (solo) $30

    Small boat (tandem) $60

    Big boats $20 x (# of paddlers in boat)

    *Fees include light lunch - registration deadline: March 27, 2027, for big boats and April 3, 2027 by 7 pm for small boats. 

    Race Rules:

    • 1.     All racers must be CORA members.
    • 2.     CORA race rules apply.
    • 3.    All racers must sign a waiver. Download the waiver here, and hand in the signed waivers on race day - all team members must sign.
    • 4.     All racers (or team captain) must pick up race package and check-in at registration desk at 8:30 to 8:45 am race day.
    • 5.     Numbers to be worn on bow paddlers chest and stern paddlers back. Solo paddlers wear number on chest and back.
    • 6.     All racers must attend the race briefing at 9:00 am race day.
    • 7.     All racers supply or arrange for their own boat/PFD/paddle.  Note - OC 6 are provided.  

    Awards:

    Prizes for top solo, tandem and big boat

    To qualify as a women(s) boat, all paddlers must be women. A team qualifies as men(s) when one or more paddler(s) is male.  A mixed team must be even between men and women or it is a men's team. 

    Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (The number of prizes is one less than the number of boats competing in the race. Eg. if there are three boats in the race, 1st & 2nd place prizes will be awarded.)

    Parking:

    Please be aware that parking is limited on site and is not available in the adjacent parking lot (this must remain available for the public using the park). Please plan accordingly to allow time to drop off boat and find parking. Parking is available on some side streets and at Esquimalt Gorge Park. (Please do not park in the Il Greco parking lot).

    Thank-you

    Stormin' Norman Race Map

    Stormin’ Norman Canoe Race Course Descriptions

    5km – race is one loop: from Start Line proceed to marker B for a counter clockwise turn, then proceed to Finish Line.

    10km – race is 2 loops: from Start Line proceed to marker B for a counter clockwise turn, then to marker A for a counter clockwise turn, then to B for a counter clockwise turn, proceed to Finish Line.

    20km – race is 3 loops: from Start Line proceed to marker B for a counter clockwise turn, then to marker A for a counter clockwise turn, then proceed to marker C for a counter clockwise turn, then to marker D, pass with marker on left, then to marker E for a counter clockwise turn, then to marker D, pass with marker on right, then to marker C for a clockwise turn, then to marker F for a counter clockwise turn, then to marker C for a counter clockwise turn, then to marker A for a counter clockwise turn, then to marker B for a counter clockwise turn, then proceed to Finish Line.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software