TOURING THE COASTAL WATERS OF THE SAUGEEN PENINSULA 

This course is run from a base camp. Camping is Included in the Price!

Course Overview

Tobermory has become the course many paddlers choose for their Level 2. The clear water, shipwrecks, sheltered basecamp format, and consistent coastal conditions make it one of the best places to build skills with confidence. Here we focus on the essentials — strokes, rescues, navigation, and gear — while still giving you access to some of the biggest water in the Great Lakes. It’s water we know better than anyone, and with our facility based here, you’ll always have support if questions or doubts come up. 

Many of our 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. More paddlers have been trained here than anywhere else, and for good reason.

This course is designed for paddlers who hold a Level 1 or equivalent certification. You should be comfortable with wet exits, basic re-entries, and a full day on the water. If you want to develop in a true coastal environment, this course is for you. 

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 some fun pubs and food trucks for dining options if time permits.

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:

Here’s a look at what your course schedule will look like:

• Day 1 - Lion’s Head: Safety debrief, skill reviews, and Level 2 rescue exercises.
• Day 2 - Tobermory: Navigation, seamanship, and weather forecasting in action.
• Day 3 - Lyle Island: Coastal touring, kayak handling with Level 2 strokes, and an introduction to towing.
• Day 4 - Cape Croker: Rescue and towing scenarios, rolling, and course wrap-up.
  

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: Four nights of camping are part of the course fee; participants are responsible for parking permits at launch sites.
• Food Not Included: Participants will need to bring their own food, but we’ll enjoy some fun meals out at local spots along the way.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that our courses in Tobermory take place on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabewaki, the Odawa, and the Mississauga peoples, as well as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation — the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. This land is covered by Treaty 45 ½, signed in 1836.

We are especially grateful to spend part of this course in Neyaashiinigmiing, home of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, whose deep connections to these lands and waters continue today.

This acknowledgement, accompanied by action, includes contributions to Indigenous-led organizations that make a lasting impact.