ORCKA Canoe Tripping Level 1, 2 OR 3

Program Overview

Master Your Canoe Tripping Skills with MHO Adventures

Looking to improve your paddling skills or lead your own wilderness expeditions? With over 15 years of experience delivering professional canoe instruction in Canada, MHO Adventures is proud to be a leader in wilderness education. We specialize in high-quality canoe instruction and wilderness leadership training. Our ORCKA Canoe Tripping Level 1, 2, and 3 certification courses are immersive 6 day training expeditions, where participants gain hands-on experience in backcountry travel, skill development, and leadership — all within a supportive and educational environment. Whether you’re a new paddler or an experienced trip leader, our expert instructors will help you take your canoeing and guiding skills to the next level.

Course Overview 

This combined course allows participants to work toward the certification level that matches their skills and experience. Day one begins at our Huntsville base, where we’ll prepare for the expedition as a group, and complete a few pre-trip lessons, including the opportunity to teach your own lesson if you are completing Canoe Tripping Level 3. The following five days are spent on a canoe expedition on the French River which provides the ideal setting for skill development, and leadership training in a real-world backcountry setting.

• Location: Huntsville & French River, ON
• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
• Suitable for: Beginners to advanced paddlers (Levels 1-3 combined)

LEVEL 1: Introduction to Canoe Tripping 

Designed for those with little or no canoe tripping experience, this level introduces participants to the fundamentals of safe and enjoyable wilderness travel by canoe.

Focus Areas:

• Trip planning, packing, and preparation
• Basic navigation and route finding
• Camp setup and meal planning
• Safety awareness and teamwork

LEVEL 2: Skill Development 

This level is for experienced trippers looking to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of group dynamics, risk management, and expedition organization. This course will build confidence and comfort with leadership in a wilderness setting.

Prerequisite: ORCKA Basic Canoeing, ORCKA Tripping Level 1 or comparable skills and experience

Focus Areas:

• Paddling and rescue techniques
• Trip leadership and decision-making
• Risk management
• Group travel and environmental stewardship

LEVEL 3: Canoe Trip Leader

Level 3 prepares participants to lead and guide wilderness canoe expeditions with confidence and professionalism. Participants will demonstrate advanced leadership, safety, and trip planning and management skills.

Prerequisites:

• ORCKA Canoe Tripping level 2 or equivalent certification or comparable skills and experience
• ORCKA Canadian Style Paddling Level 1a or equivalent certification or comparable skills
• Minimum 25 nights of wilderness canoe tripping experience (500+km total)
• At least one trip of 5 days or more
• At least 6 canoe trips in which candidate was responsible for some of the organization and leadership
• Minimum 17 years of age

Additional Requirements:

• Submission of a Canoe Trip Log prior to course
• Completion of written pre-trip assignments prior to course

Focus areas:

• Advanced paddling and rescue techniques
• Crisis management and group safety
• Navigation skills
• Case studies
• Competence with all aspects of trip planning and execution

Course Fee Includes:

• Certified ORCKA Instructor
• ORCKA Canoe Tripping 1, 2 OR 3 Certification
• Paddle Canada Intro Moving Water Tandem Certification
• ORCKA Basic Canoeing 3 or 4 Certification
• Group Equipment (tarps, kitchen, bathroom set up)
• Canoes, Paddles, PFD’s, Helmets
• All Safety Equipment (SAT phone, SPOTX, first aid kit, rescue kit)
• Interior Camping Permits
• Shuttles and Logstics
• All meals from Lunch Day 1 to Lunch Day 6 (Level 3 participants must plan and prepare one group meal)

Does Not Include:

• Transportation to and from Huntsville, ON
• Personal Gear

Upcoming Training Dates