Coming Events.

ORCKA Program Changes in 2026 - Webinar

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

The purpose of the webinar is to explain the important changes to the ORCKA program thanks to the Program Committee, supportive BCI proponents, and other interested instructors.

registration form

Get Kids Paddling - Webinar

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Two amazing BC educators

  • Rennae Pillipow

    • Rennae’s work as an outdoor educator began in Australia’s Snowy Mountains early 1990’s, where she discovered how canoeing and wilderness travel can transform young people through challenge and connection. From Aussie whitewater and lake canoe journeys to multi-day expeditions in BC’s Nechako watershed, she’s spent more than two decades building outdoor programs filled with canoeing opportunities for students in Grades 6–12. Today, as an RCABC Paddle and Tripping Instructor trainer, she continues this endeavour in an Alternative Community Program school, guiding senior students and other educators through progressive canoe training and meaningful adventure experiences.

  • Ian Lietch

    • Ian is a passionate paddler, explorer, educator, and storyteller based in Castlegar, British Columbia. He coordinates an experiential, place-based Outdoor Educational Program that inspires others to connect with nature through hands-on learning. Ian finds peace and rejuvenation while paddling clear waters or navigating the twisty mountain roads of the Kootenays, always seeking new adventures and stories to share.

registration form

Stand Up Paddling Bridge Course

May Long Weekend - May 16-18, 2026

  • ORCKA offers Bridge courses occasionally when program uptake is needed.

  • ORCKA really needs more SUP Instructors!

  • If you are an instructor in any other discipline, you can quickly earn your SUP Instructor Certification in this shortened Instructor 1 course at a reduced fee.

  • Please contact Wally Van Dyke for more information.

CSP 1, 2 or 3

Solo Canoe Coaching

May 26-28th 2026

  • Bon Echo Prov Park, Mazinaw Lake Paddling, Campsite 139 or other

  • Tuesday – arrive after 3 pm with canoe, tent, food etc all you need for 2 nights in May.

  • Paddling sessions offered, Tues. evening, Wed. Early morning, later morning and evening, Thursday early and later morning

  • Wed pm – relax , hike , visit

  • Depart Thursday 11 to 1 pm, May stay in park later.

  • Cost: $100 paid to Margaret Harper plus your vehicle, food and another site if wished

  • Information and other forms margharper61@gmail.com

  • Margaret Harper , Lindsay ON, CSP Instr 2 Trainer

Rideau Paddlefest -

DATE CHANGE:

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Smith’s Falls, ON

Celebrate the river’s nature, history, culture and benefits with the Rideau Roundtable’s Paddlefest and Voyageur canoe races and tours. Kinsmen’s Lower Reach Park in Smiths Falls, ON.

Unfortunately, because this event now coincides with the OSCR (below), ORCKA and WCHA will not be able to officially attend.

Photo credits: L. Benson (top-left) and Chris Uhlrig

THE ONTARIO SOLO CANOEING RENDEZVOUS:

THE “OSCR” OF CANOEING EVENTS!

Off the water:

  • Watch Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) members from the Ontario Northern Lakes Chapter restoring a cedar-canvas 14’ Huron solo canoe.

  • Tour the CCM at a discounted rate.

  • Enjoy a potluck dinner and canoeing show ‘n’ tell talks

  • Stay at Beavermead Campground or Peterborough’s many hotels. We’re awaiting news about group camping, and we’re working on discounts at a couple of hotels.

On the water - Share, play, learn:

  • A fun weekend (Friday afternoon to Sunday) of skill-building in a non-competitive, non-course environment.

  • Clinics (Saturday) with famous and not-so-famous awesome paddlers.

  • Group paddling demonstrations at the Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM).

  • Lift-lock paddle (ride up and down! 😊).

Who’s it for?

  • There’s brute force…and then there’s finesse. If you’re a style paddler, intermediate canoeist, white-water paddler or tripper from 16 to 100+ you’ll learn some efficient solo functional paddling with flair.

How do I sign up?

  • While we await some administrative news, please join the mailing list to get an update when registration is open.

  • Pre-registration will be required.

  • For more information and to join the mailing list, please email Lee at environment@orcka.ca.

Note: Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

ORCKA’s Adaptive Paddling Train-the-Trainers Workshop

  • From/To:

    • 9:00 am, Thursday June 25, 2026

    • 4:00 pm, Saturday June 27, 2026

  • Canadian Canoe Museum

  • Registration - Spring 2026.

  • Please contact Wally Van Dyke for more information.

Public Regatta

Saturday, August 22, 2026