Day Trips - Kayaking Program

Paddling a kayak lets you feel one with the boat and water. It is such a personal experience that some people even say that you wear a kayak, not just sit in one. If you haven't experienced the joys of kayaking, Algonquin Outfitters offers a variety of low-cost opportunities to test the waters.

For personal instruction on the water, in a friendly casual setting, interested paddlers can visit our Huntsville, Minden, or Haliburton stores and paddle a kayak with our excellent instructors.

Never been in a kayak before? Not a problem, these programs are geared toward all skill levels, including beginners and even the "I've never done this before" group. We offer instruction as required to insure you have a good experience. All equipment is provided at a small cost, or you can bring your own. Private groups can be arranged by contacting each location directly.

Gull River Paddling School - New in 2010
Located at the Minden Whitewater Preserve on the Gull River. Paddling instruction will run the gamut from multi-day whitewater kayak instruction to 3-hour and 6-hour courses, as well as whitewater canoeing, flatwater recreational kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on flatwater and whitewater. Participants can make use of AO Boatwerk's dedicated fleet of instruction boats. For more information call 1-866-KAYAKS-0 and speak with an instructor today, or visit www.boatwerks.net.

Would You Prefer Private Instruction?
Private lessons are available with our professional kayak instructors. If you're building basic skills, perfecting your carving edge, flat water roll or even challenging the rapids in a whitewater boat, we can help you perfect the techniques required to maximize your fun and safety on the water. Either come to one of our stores and rent the equipment needed, or we can arrange to visit your place on the water. This service is available in Haliburton and Muskoka and costs vary depending on the location, gear requirements and group size. Call AO Boatwerks at 1-866-KAYAKS-0 to book an instructor.

Kayaking Program Locations

 
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• Huntsville - The scenic Muskoka River in downtown Huntsville to the mouth of Lake Vernon
• Minden - Gull River Whitewater Preserve in Minden
• Haliburton - Head Lake, Haliburton

Departure Times

• Huntsville, Summer, every Wednesday starting at 5:45pm until approximately 8pm
• Minden, Spring & Summer, every Monday night
• Haliburton, Summer, every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month starting at 6:30pm until 8pm

Included
Everything you will need except personal clothing (bring dry clothes for later, just in case)

• Kayak
• Paddle
• Life Jacket
• Safety Kit
• Skirt for whitewater and some touring boats

What we suggest you bring?

• Quick dry clothing (not jeans or cotton)
• Any personal gear you wish to use. (eg. your own PFD or paddle. If you bring your own personal gear including kayak, there may be a reduced fee or all fees are waived.)
• A bottle of water, mandatory on hot days.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat
• A camera in a waterproof container if you like
• Your enthusiasm and expectation to have a good time with us!

Reservations

• Huntsville 705-787-0262 - This program is a first-come, first-served event.
  Usually if you show up by 5:30pm you can pick the kayak you prefer.
• Minden 1-866-KAYAKS-0 - Whitewater paddling night requires reservations if you need a kayak to rent. If you have your own whitewater boat just show up at the Gull River.
• Haliburton 705-457-3737 - Family kayaking night often fills up early, so reservations are a must call a head to make a reservation.

Make a Reservation Now!