Ontario Wilderness 14-day
Whitewater Canoeing

IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?

This 14-day course is rated level 3 in social-emotional challenge and level 3 in physical challenge. Click here to learn more about the levels of difficulty. This provides a solid introduction to paddling a canoe in whitewater. This course is best suited for those with a positive attitude and an open mind, who are keen to take on a challenge and build new skills. Participants can expect to push their limits, boost self-confidence, gain new independent skills and learn the importance of teamwork involved in winter expeditions. Those who apply should be well prepared for the rigours and challenges that the course will present, while still having tons of fun! Ideally, participants have  previous camping and paddling experience however, our instructors can support students with all different levels of experience.

Do you have questions about this course? Click here to register for our Ontario Wilderness information session on April 25. 

AREA & ACTIVITIES

Your course will begin at our Ontario Wilderness base in Minden where you will be introduced to your instructors and they will ensure you have the necessary equipment for your adventure. Your journey will include the Temagami River, an area has been home to Teme-Augama Anishnabai Peoples for time immemorial. Navigate the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield as you venture through lakes and rivers lined with dense boreal forest and rocky shores.

During the course, you will progress from navigating calm flat water to more lively whitewater. Everything needed for the expedition will be packed away in your canoe. From the moment you arrive, this course will be teaching you skills that will range from paddling strokes, navigation, camp craft, and how to read a river. If rapids are deemed unnavigable by the group, there is always the option to portage around, which involves working as a team to carry your equipment to the next accessible area down river. Teamwork and leadership skills will be developed through shared experiences and natural challenges. 

Learning Outcomes

Our expert instructors will lead participants through novel, real-life experiences that require groups to collaboratively problem-solve through challenge, failure, and success. This course is designed to have a lasting and measurable impact in three key areas:

1. Improved sense of resiliency

• OBC is building a generation of physically and mentally healthy citizens
• Participants choose to improve their physical and mental health

2. Greater leadership skills and social connectedness

• OBC is teaching the skills needed to succeed at school, work and in life
• Participants become more confident, collaborative and respectful team members

3. Stronger connection with nature

• OBC is promoting greater levels of environmentalism
• Participants develop stronger life-long connections to the natural world

One of the highlights of an Outward Bound expedition is to participate in a solo camping experience and on this course, you will have the opportunity to spend 24-48 hours sleeping alone in nature. You will be placed in a secluded spot where you will set up a shelter and take time for self-reflection. You will have all the supplies you need to stay safe and comfortable, and your instructors will be close enough to offer support if needed and will check in regularly. The solo is not a challenge of survival in the wilderness but rather a supportive environment to take time for yourself, away from the distractions of everyday life. While it may seem like a daunting challenge at first, it is often the most impactful part of the course, as you get an opportunity that few others will ever experience – being with your own company in nature.