Saugeen Peninsula, Tobermory
Tobermory has become the course many paddlers choose for their Level 2. Clear water, shipwrecks, a sheltered basecamp format, and consistent coastal conditions make it one of the best places to build skills with confidence. We focus on the essentials: strokes, rescues, navigation, and gear, while giving you access to some of the biggest water in the Great Lakes.
Many 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. It's water we know better than anyone, and with our facility based here, you'll always have support.
| PC L2 Paddle Canada Level 2 | CK1 Coastal Kayaking Level 1 | 1:4 Instructor Ratio | 0 Gear to Own |
One course, two awards. This is a Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level 2, and that's the standard the four days is built around. Because we deliver both the national and provincial streams, meeting it earns you an ORCKA Coastal Kayaking Level 1 as well. Two cards, one course, one price. Taking them separately would cost you another four days.
What You'll Learn
Full days of hands-on training with evening sessions on theory. Four skill domains across four days of coastal touring, with at least 20 of the 32 hours on the water.
Sample Instructional Progression
Curriculum focus and locations may shift based on weather and conditions. That flexibility is part of the learning.
Built for Lifelong Learning
Every Kayak Ontario course includes access to your personal online learning dashboard, a hybrid system offering clear preparation before the course, structured learning on the water, and continued support afterward. Track your progress, complete short modules on preparation, gear, safety, and theory, and return any time to review lessons.
- ★ Online learning dashboard access included with your course
- ★ Full-colour Kayak Ontario Course Manual available as an add-on: take it to the shoreline, mark it up with notes, and keep as a lasting reference
What's Included
- ✔ Course instruction and assessment across four full days of on-water training plus evening theory sessions
- ✔ Expert coaching at 1:4 instructor ratio
- ✔ Camping at Mountain Trout Camp, our base of operations for the course
- ✔ Online learning dashboard access
- ✔ Assessment and certification for both Paddle Canada Level 2 and ORCKA Coastal Kayaking Level 1
Available to Add
- — Kayak + drysuit rental: Valley sea kayak and Nookie drysuit, available to book with your course. Own your boat? Bring it.
- — Course manual: full-colour workbook with step-by-step breakdowns and diagrams
- — Safety gear: pump, whistle, and 15 metre floating rope available for purchase
- — Camping gear: some rental tents and sleeping bags available if needed
Good to Know
- — Mountain Trout Camp is our base of operations for the course, with space to stage gear, run evening theory sessions, and decompress between days. On-site camping is available. Cabin upgrades are available by booking directly with Mountain Trout Camp.
- — Participants are responsible for meals. We'll visit local pubs and food trucks, plus camping meal prep is part of the experience.
- — Participants are responsible for parking permits at launch sites.
- — Boats are assessed semi-loaded, so you'll carry gear for an unplanned night out in your hatches through the course. We send a list.
- — Wilderness first aid (16 hours) with CPR is strongly recommended, though not required to book.
- — The course runs rain or shine, though we reschedule for prolonged thunderstorms.
Equipment Needed
Don't own a full kit? No problem. Rentals are available for the essentials.
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✔ Sea kayak: with two bulkheads
Rentals available -
✔ Dry suit: for cold-water immersion training
Rentals available -
✔ Towline: with a one-handed quick release
Rentals available -
✔ Safety gear: pump, whistle, 15 metre floating rope
Available for purchase -
✔ Camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, essentials for 4 nights
Some rentals available
Prerequisite: Paddle Canada or ORCKA Level 1 sea kayak certification (or equivalent experience), plus a few day trips under your belt in different locations. You should be comfortable with wet exits, basic re-entries, and a full day on the water. Not sure? Get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.
After your Level 2 → Continue building with the Skill Building Series clinics, explore a Coastal Explorer touring day, or start working toward Level 3. Your coaches already know your abilities, so the progression is seamless.
Questions
Do I need my own kayak or gear?
What certification do I get?
Do I have to roll?
Can I use a paddle float for re-entries?
Where do participants stay?
What if the weather is bad?
I did my Level 1 a while ago. Am I ready?
Can I take my Level 2 somewhere else instead?
What's the online learning dashboard?
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.