Kayak Ontario Level 2 - The Fox Islands
TOURING THE QUARTZITE LACLOCHE MOUNTAINS
This is a backcountry, wilderness camping-based course.
Course Overview
Kayak Ontario's Level 2 Sea Kayaking Skills course is an intermediate program designed to help beginner kayakers advance to proficient sea kayakers. Set against the stunning backdrop of Killarney’s Fox Islands, part of Georgian Bay’s La Cloche range, this course focuses on refining paddling skills, enhancing navigation knowledge, improving seamanship, and building leadership abilities. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to confidently plan and prepare for your own overnight kayaking trips with friends.
Participants will gain hands-on experience by working on real-life scenarios related to on-water rescues, seamanship, and navigation skills. They can expect full days dedicated to hands-on learning and evening sessions that will focus on theoretical concepts. While meals are the responsibility of each participant, we will visit one of the most legendary fish and chip spots in Ontario!
What You Will Learn
Over four days, you’ll dive into the following topics:
- Navigation & Seamanship: Learn to navigate in coastal waters, handle tides and currents, and understand the art of seamanship.
- Knots, Tarps & Expedition Behaviour: Master key knots, tarp setups, and the skills needed for extended kayaking trips.
- Risk Management & Weather Prediction: Gain the ability to assess risk, predict weather patterns, and respond accordingly on the water.
- Boat Handling & Rescue Techniques: Refine your boat-handling skills with advanced strokes, towing techniques, and on-water rescues.
Built for Lifelong Learning
Every Kayak Ontario course includes access to your personal online learning dashboard. This best-in-class system makes your training hybrid, offering clear preparation before the course, structured learning on the water, and continued support afterward.
You’ll see your course progress, complete short modules on preparation, gear, safety, and theory, and return any time to review lessons after the course ends.
Together, the dashboard and on-water instruction create a learning path that is unique in paddlesports—structured, supportive, and designed to keep you growing long after the weekend.
Alongside your online dashboard, you can add a Kayak Ontario Course Manual. Each manual mirrors the lessons from your course with step-by-step skill breakdowns, clear diagrams, and practical tips. It’s a durable, full-colour workbook you can take to the shoreline, mark up with notes, and keep as a lasting reference on your paddling journey.
Sample Trip Plan:
- Day 1 - Meet at Chikanishing Trail** Safety debrief, skill reviews, and Level 2 rescue exercises. Paddle to the campsite.
- Day 2 - Navigation, seamanship and weather forecasting.
- Day 3 - Coastal touring, kayak handling with L2 strokes and towing introduction.
- Day 4 - Last Campsite:** Rescue and Towing Scenarios, Rolling, and course wrap-up.
- Day 5 - Head home and fish and Chips at Herbert's!
What to Expect
- Hands-On Learning: Full days of practical, on-water training, plus evening sessions focused on theory and discussion.
- Camping: Four nights of camping are included in the price. (Some rental camping gear is available if needed.)
- Meals: Participants are responsible for bringing their own food. We will visit local pubs and food trucks for meals, but camping meal prep is part of the experience!
- Rain or Shine: The course runs rain or shine, though we will reschedule if there are prolonged thunderstorms.
- Community & Fun: Connect with fellow kayakers at a similar skill level, with plenty of opportunities to share experiences and learn together.
Equipment Needed
To participate, make sure you bring the following:
- Sea Kayak with two bulkheads (rentals available)
- Safety Gear: Pump, whistle, and 15-meter floating rope (available for purchase)
- Dry Suit (available for rent)
- Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, etc. (some rentals available)
Other Information
- Camping Included: The course fee includes four nights of camping; however, participants are responsible for parking permits, which will be invoiced at cost closer to the event date.
- Food Not Included: Participants will need to bring their own food.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that our courses in Killarney take place on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabewaki and the Mississauga peoples. This land is covered by the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, while Wiikwemkoong remains unceded.
Communities throughout the Georgian Bay region, including Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, continue to hold deep connections to these lands and waters. We are grateful for their enduring care and support. This acknowledgement, accompanied by action, includes contributions to Indigenous-led organizations that make a lasting impact.
