Welcome to Paddle Canada
Bienvenue au Pagaie Canada

PADDLE CANADA (formerly the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association) was conceived in 1971 as a result of the perceived need that recreational paddling enthusiasts from across Canada required a national body to co-ordinate the efforts of those involved in non-competitive canoeing and kayaking. Today, the Association acts as the national office for ten provincial and three territorial associations, as well as 2.3 million recreational paddlers. OUR MISSION: To promote all forms of recreational paddling to Canadians of diverse abilities, culture or age, to advocate for a healthy natural environment, and to develop an appreciation for the canoe and the kayak in our Canadian heritage.

THE 4 PILLARS OF PADDLE CANADA'S MISSION Paddle Canada promotes: Safety We promote and teach the safe use of canoes and kayaks. Educational Programs We train our instructors to certify people in the knowledge & skills of safe and enjoyable canoeing and kayaking. Environmental Awareness We help develop a love and respect for our natural resources. Heritage We nurture understanding of the place of the canoe and the kayak in our Canadian heritage Non-Discrimination Policy: No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any educational program or activity available at Paddle Canada, on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, creed, political belief, age, national origin, linguistic and language differences, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, height, weight, marital status, or disability.

In the 1950s, the paddling scene in most parts of Canada was very disjointed and uncoordinated. Isolated groups, particularly organized camps and some national agencies, were involved and a few individuals wrote instruction and general interest materials on canoeing and kayaking. For the next 20 years, there was no formal organization in any jurisdiction of Canada.  Consequently, the objective of Paddle Canada was a unique initiative intended to bring together the paddling fraternity so as to make agreements on paddling programs, environmental conservation and awareness, maps and codes, instructional materials, and a host of other areas of interest to paddlers. The publications of the Paddle Canada from 1975 to the present have made a profound difference in the available material to individuals as well as provincial organizations in the development of the body of knowledge provided to canoeists, river kayakers, sea kayakers and the general public. The national office of Paddle Canada acts as a resource centre for inquiries from across Canada, the United States, and internationally on matters pertaining to paddling. An increasing number of paddlers and canoe activities stimulated an updating of the approach necessary in organized canoeing and canoemanship. In its formative years, Paddle Canada established as one of its priorities the development of national awards for various levels of achievement in recreational canoeing. As part of the teaching format, students not only are taught technical canoeing skills, but also active environmental awareness and protection that improves the environment on an ongoing basis in all regions of Canada. Paddle Canada has also developed recreational river kayaking and sea kayaking standards on a national basis and has implemented an instructor base to deliver certification programs nation wide.