Saugeen Peninsula, Tobermory

Tobermory has become the course many paddlers choose for their Level 2. Clear water, shipwrecks, a sheltered basecamp format, and consistent coastal conditions make it one of the best places to build skills with confidence. We focus on the essentials — strokes, rescues, navigation, and gear — while giving you access to some of the biggest water in the Great Lakes.

Many alumni later explore Level 2 in different locations for bigger water or new challenges, but starting in Tobermory gives you a strong foundation without the pressure of a backcountry expedition — and at a lower cost than travelling farther afield. It's water we know better than anyone, and with our facility based here, you'll always have support.

What You'll Learn

Full days of hands-on training with evening sessions on theory. Four skill domains across four days of coastal touring.

Sample Instructional Progression

Curriculum focus and locations may shift based on weather and conditions — that flexibility is part of the learning.

Built for Lifelong Learning

Every Kayak Ontario course includes access to your personal online learning dashboard — a hybrid system offering clear preparation before the course, structured learning on the water, and continued support afterward. Track your progress, complete short modules on preparation, gear, safety, and theory, and return any time to review lessons.

• Online learning dashboard access included with your course
• Full-colour Kayak Ontario Course Manual available as an add-on — take it to the shoreline, mark it up with notes, and keep as a lasting reference

What's Included

• Course instruction and assessment across four full days of on-water training plus evening theory sessions
• Expert coaching at 1:4 instructor ratio
• Online learning dashboard access
• Paddle Canada Level 2 or ORCKA Coastal Kayak 1 assessment and certification (you choose which award to challenge)

Available to Add

• Kayak + drysuit rental — Valley sea kayak and Nookie drysuit, available to book with your course. Own your boat? Bring it.
• Course manual — full-colour workbook with step-by-step breakdowns and diagrams
• Safety gear — pump, whistle, and 15-metre floating rope available for purchase
• Camping gear — some rental tents and sleeping bags available if needed

Good to Know

• Mountain Trout Camp is our base of operations for the course — with space to stage gear, run evening theory sessions, and decompress between days. On-site camping is available. Cabin upgrades are available by booking directly with Mountain Trout Camp.
• Participants are responsible for meals — we'll visit local pubs and food trucks, plus camping meal prep is part of the experience
• Participants are responsible for parking permits at launch sites
• The course runs rain or shine, though we reschedule for prolonged thunderstorms

Equipment Needed

Don't own a full kit? No problem. Rentals are available for the essentials.

• Sea kayak — with two bulkheadsRentals available
• Dry suit — for cold-water immersion trainingRentals available
• Safety gear — pump, whistle, 15-metre floating ropeAvailable for purchase
• Camping gear — tent, sleeping bag, essentials for 4 nightsSome rentals available

Questions