VCKC Big Canoe Event Calendar

    • 11 Mar 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Gorge Waterway and VCKC Clubhouse

    Big Canoe social paddle is back on!!


    • 14 Mar 2026
    • 8:00 AM
    • Meet at VCKC Clubhouse

    2026 Paddle for the Kids - #5 Paddle - Cattle Point

    Please note: Location is weather-dependent and may change on very short notice.

    This event is open to all members. Key reminders!

    • Meet at the VCKC clubhouse at 8:00 am to sign in, pay your $5.00 gas money for the transportation of canoes, be assigned to a specific canoe and organize ride sharing. Please be ready to depart from the clubhouse no later than 8:30 am.
    • Bring proper clothing - e.g., rubber boots or neoprene footwear, merino wool or synthetic quick drying underlayers, rain gear, waterproof gloves (rubber dish gloves work in a pinch) and a toque/hat. Bring an extra layer to put on during the lunch break to avoid getting chilled.
    • Bring a complete change of clothes and extra layers in a drybag, just in case. No capsizes are expected (they never are), but we always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Safety first!
    • Bring sufficient water/snacks for the day and a packed lunch (in your dry bag). A thermos of a warm drink/soup can be a welcome treat as part of your lunch.
    • Ride sharing is encouraged. Those not driving should park vehicles on the side streets near the clubhouse rather than in the parking lot. No parking is permitted in the Il Greco restaurant parking lot. If you are ride-sharing, please help to cover the fuel expense of your driver.
    • Most importantly - meet at VCKC at 8:00 am sharp!

    For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.

    If you haven’t already, please register here.

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    • 18 Mar 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Gorge Waterway and VCKC Clubhouse

    Big Canoe social paddle is on in March!!


    • 19 Mar 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck

    VCKC Dragonboat Team Meeting 

    • 22 Mar 2026
    • 8:00 AM
    • Meet at VCKC Clubhouse

    2026 Paddle for the Kids - #6 Paddle - Crofton & Wallace Island

    Please note: Location is weather-dependent and may change on very short notice.

    This event is open to all members. Key reminders!

    • Meet at the VCKC clubhouse at 8:00 am to sign in, pay your $5.00 gas money for the transportation of canoes, be assigned to a specific canoe and organize ride sharing. Please be ready to depart from the clubhouse no later than 8:30 am.
    • Bring proper clothing - e.g., rubber boots or neoprene footwear, merino wool or synthetic quick drying underlayers, rain gear, waterproof gloves (rubber dish gloves work in a pinch) and a toque/hat. Bring an extra layer to put on during the lunch break to avoid getting chilled.
    • Bring a complete change of clothes and extra layers in a drybag, just in case. No capsizes are expected (they never are), but we always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Safety first!
    • Bring sufficient water/snacks for the day and a packed lunch (in your dry bag). A thermos of a warm drink/soup can be a welcome treat as part of your lunch.
    • Ride sharing is encouraged. Those not driving should park vehicles on the side streets near the clubhouse rather than in the parking lot. No parking is permitted in the Il Greco restaurant parking lot. If you are ride-sharing, please help to cover the fuel expense of your driver.
    • Most importantly - meet at VCKC at 8:00 am sharp!

    For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.

    If you haven’t already, please register here.

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    • 25 Mar 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Gorge Waterway and VCKC Clubhouse

    Big Canoe social paddle is on in March!!


    • 28 Mar 2026
    • 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    This is what we have been practicing for since the Kick-Off on February 8. THE MAIN EVENT!  A long day paddle from Brentwood Bay to the VCKC Clubhouse on the Gorge Waterway. 

    For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.

    If you haven’t already, please register here.

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    • 11 Apr 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse, 355 Gorge Road West, Victoria
    Register

    Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader Course

    This course is $100 for non club members/ $50 for club members. Please register online now to secure your spot. If you withdraw after paying you may 1.) request payment to be kept on your account for later use or 2.) pay a $5 administrative fee to request your money back.

    This one-day course covers basic and intermediate Big Canoe stern, bow, and leadership skills as per Paddle Canada's criteria. 

    More information on the curriculum:

    https://www.paddlecanada.com/levels/canoeing/big-canoe/intermediate-big-canoe-leader-skills/

    Rescues are part of the course.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit, these can be rented in town. Sports Rent Coastal or dive shops have rentals available. 

    Participants must have:

    • Experience in a Big Canoe, either in a brigade or having completed at least one Paddle for the Kids season. 
    • Successful completion of  RCABC or Paddle Canada Basic Canoeing tandem skills/courses.
    Participants will also be encouraged to gain experience during the shoulder seasons and winter gaining practice as part of their leadership development.

    This is a leadership course. Participants will be vetted by the instructors before course commencement for suitability as per course requirements. There may be space for newer candidates to take part in the course by helping power the Big Canoes.

    For more help please contact Joe Boyd joeboyd@telus.net or 250-882-6033

    If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Big Canoe Director - bigcanoe.vckc@gmail.com


    • 12 Apr 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse, 355 Gorge Road West, Victoria
    Register

    This course is $100 for non club members/ $50 for club members. Please register online now to secure your spot. If you withdraw after paying you may 1.) request payment to be kept on your account for later use or 2.) pay a $5 administrative fee to request your money back.

    Advanced Big Canoe Leader Skills:

    Candidates will learn advance maneuvers in the Big Canoe such as inside turns, outside turns, working with currents and waves. This course will be delivered offsite, likely on open ocean water with currents.

    Topics to include equipment and trip planning , team management, and leading Big Canoes in more difficult settings.

    Candidates must have successfully  completed the RCABC or Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader course. 

    For more help please contact Joe Boyd joeboyd@telus.net or 250-882-6033

    If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Big Canoe Director - bigcanoe.vckc@gmail.com


    • 09 May 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse

    Come join us for the annual Spring Clean-up at the clubhouse.  Tasks include smartening up the outdoor spaces of the clubhouse, deck washing, BBQ cleaning, gutter cleaning, window washing and more. In addition we will be doing a thorough cleaning of the interior including meeting rooms, kitchen and storage areas.

    We will also be making an effort to gather up abandoned member items from around the clubhouse and put them in a central area for reclamation.  Items such as: hats, gloves, shoes, boots or whatever isn't owned by VCKC.  If these items go unclaimed after 30 days we will donate or dispose of them.

    More information to follow about what to bring.  If you have any questions, contact Gord Evans by email to:  clubhouse@vckc.ca

    • 26 May 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck

    Dragon boat team social and Race debrief-Videos. Post FGPC Super Sprints.

    • 28 Jul 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck

    Dragon boat team social and Race debrief-Videos. Post FGPC Vancouver Island Festival.

    • 11 Aug 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck

    Dragon boat team social and Race debrief-Videos. Post Victoria Inner harbour Festival.

    • 11 Sep 2026
    • 8:00 AM
    • 13 Sep 2026
    • 2:00 PM
    • Thompson River

    Thompson River Trip 

    More info to follow

    • 22 Sep 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck

    Dragon boat team social and Race debrief-Videos. Post Comox Harbour Festival.

    • 27 Sep 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • VCKC

    Outdoor and Recreational Council of BC Annual River Day

    • 07 Nov 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse, 355 Gorge Rd. West

    Come join us for the annual Fall Clean-up at the clubhouse.  Tasks include smartening up the outdoor spaces of the clubhouse, deck washing, BBQ cleaning, gutter cleaning, window washing and more. In addition we will be doing a thorough cleaning of the interior including meeting rooms, kitchen and storage areas.

    This is a great way to meet other members of the club and put in your volunteer hours.  The more people that show up the quicker things get done!

    A reminder email will be sent out closer to the date.  If you have any questions, contact by email to:  clubhouse@vckc.ca

    • 22 Nov 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Cowichan River
    Register

    Eddie Hopper!  (Dependent on Water levels.)

    Members must have a Moving Water course or instructor permission to participate. 

    We will be paddling on the Cowichan River.

    Helmets are required. Drysuits are mandatory.

    For further information, contact

    James McBeath, Canoe Director

    canoe@vckc.ca

    ‭(250) 208-1216‬


    • 13 Dec 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Cowichan River
    Register

    Eddie Hopper!  (Dependent on Water levels.)

    Members must have a Moving Water course or instructor permission to participate. 

    We will be paddling on the Cowichan River.

    Helmets are required. Drysuits are mandatory.

    For further information, contact

    James McBeath, Canoe Director

    canoe@vckc.ca

    ‭(250) 208-1216‬


    • 01 Jan 2027
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Sooke River
    Register

    Eddie Hopper!  (Dependent on Water levels.)

    Members must have a Moving Water course or instructor permission to participate. 

    We will be paddling on the Sooke River.

    Helmets are required. Drysuits are mandatory.

    For further information, contact

    James McBeath, Canoe Director

    canoe@vckc.ca

    ‭(250) 208-1216‬


    • 03 Jan 2027
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Sooke River
    Register

    Eddie Hopper!  (Dependent on Water levels.)

    Members must have a Moving Water course or instructor permission to participate. 

    We will be paddling on the Sooke River.

    Helmets are required. Drysuits are mandatory.

    For further information, contact

    James McBeath, Canoe Director

    canoe@vckc.ca

    ‭(250) 208-1216‬


Past events

08 Mar 2026 2026 Paddle for the Kids -#4 Paddle - Portland Island
28 Feb 2026 2026 Paddle for the Kids - #3 Paddle - Ladysmith area
22 Feb 2026 2026 Paddle for the Kids - #2 Paddle - Sidney & Rum Island area
14 Feb 2026 2026 Paddle for the Kids - #1 Paddle - Sooke Basin
08 Feb 2026 2026 Peninsula Paddle for the Kids Kick-off
14 Jan 2026 Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle - all craft welcome!
07 Jan 2026 Paddle for the Kids 2026 Planning
04 Jan 2026 Eddie Hopper! Sunday
01 Jan 2026 Eddie Hopper! NEW YEARS DAY, Thursday
25 Dec 2025 Christmas Day Paddle and Sweet Treats
11 Dec 2025 Canoe Instructors Meeting
10 Dec 2025 CANCELLED DEC 10th Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle
07 Dec 2025 Eddie Hopper! Sunday
06 Dec 2025 Eddie Hopper! Saturday
23 Nov 2025 Eddie Hopper/Moving Water Clinic, Sunday
19 Nov 2025 Riptide Outrigger Potluck
16 Nov 2025 RCABC Advanced Big Canoe Leader Course, Day 2
15 Nov 2025 Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader Course Day 1
08 Nov 2025 House and Grounds Fall Clean-Up
24 Oct 2025 Scouting Eddie Hopper! Friday
18 Oct 2025 Big Canoe Day Trip Cole Island, Saturday 18th Oct, 2025
20 Sep 2025 Dragon Boat Team Social
04 Sep 2025 Big Canoe Thompson River Trip
26 Aug 2025 Dragon Boat Team Social
03 Aug 2025 Symphony Splash in a Big Canoe
02 Aug 2025 Butchart Fireworks in a Big Canoe
26 Jul 2025 Big Canoe Gulf Island Brigade 2025
09 Jul 2025 Gulf Island Brigade Planning
01 Jun 2025 Safety Day
27 May 2025 Dragon Boat Team Social
15 May 2025 Dragon Boat Team Social
10 May 2025 Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader Course
07 May 2025 Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle - all craft welcome!
05 May 2025 VYPC Open House Youth Paddle
30 Apr 2025 GWI Meeting
26 Apr 2025 House and Grounds Spring Clean Up
24 Apr 2025 Dragonboat Team social
05 Apr 2025 PADDLE FOR THE KIDS 2025 - THE MAIN EVENT!
30 Mar 2025 2025 Paddle for the Kids - Race Rocks
28 Mar 2025 RCABC River Weekend Vancouver Island
22 Mar 2025 2025 Paddle for the Kids - Thetis & Penelakut Islands
16 Mar 2025 2025 Paddle for the Kids - Maple Bay
13 Mar 2025 Dragonboat Team meeting
08 Mar 2025 2025 Paddle for the Kids - Saanich Inlet
02 Mar 2025 2025 Paddle for the Kids - Sidney - Rum Island
22 Feb 2025 2025 Paddle for the Kids - Sooke Basin
16 Feb 2025 2025 Peninsula Paddle for the Kids Kick-off
30 Jan 2025 Dragonboat winter paddle (drop in)
23 Jan 2025 Dragonboat winter paddle (drop in)
08 Jan 2025 Paddle for the Kids 2025 Planning
01 Jan 2025 Eddie Hopper!
24 Dec 2024 Private Event
21 Dec 2024 Winter Solstice Paddle & Holiday Party
19 Dec 2024 Dragonboat Team Event
16 Dec 2024 Private Venturer Event
10 Dec 2024 VCKC Executive Board Meeting
03 Dec 2024 Kayaking Baja California
27 Nov 2024 OC Riptide Potluck
12 Nov 2024 VCKC Executive Board Meeting
06 Nov 2024 Solo in Nunavut
03 Nov 2024 RCABC Advanced Big Canoe Leader Course
02 Nov 2024 Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader Course
31 Oct 2024 Hallowe'en Paddle & Social
20 Oct 2024 UVic Canoe Course
14 Oct 2024 Private Event
08 Oct 2024 VCKC Executive Board Meeting
01 Oct 2024 Nitinat Triangle Exploration
24 Sep 2024 GWI Event
10 Sep 2024 VCKC Executive Board Meeting
06 Sep 2024 Big Canoe Thompson River Trip
07 Aug 2024 Wednesday Social Paddle - all craft welcome!
30 Jul 2024 Easter Seals - Camp Shawnigan Tour
27 Jul 2024 Butchart Fireworks in a Big Canoe
24 Jul 2024 Level 1 Sea Kayak Theory Class
06 Jul 2024 Piers Island Big Canoe Trip
26 Jun 2024 Solstice Drop-In Paddle
06 Jun 2024 Gulf Island Brigade 2025 -Planning meeting
04 Jun 2024 Barbeque and Potluck
04 Jun 2024 Summer Social BBQ Potluck
30 May 2024 Dragonboat Team meeting
25 May 2024 Safety Day
23 May 2024 Broughton Trip Planning
08 May 2024 Wednesday Social Paddle - all craft welcome!
07 May 2024 Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue
07 May 2024 New Member Orientation
06 May 2024 VCKC Executive Board Meeting
27 Apr 2024 House and Grounds Spring Clean Up
23 Apr 2024 Solo Canoeing Across the Northwest Territories
21 Apr 2024 Earth Day Gorge Clean Up Paddle?
18 Apr 2024 Dragonboat Team meeting
17 Apr 2024 GWI Meeting
09 Apr 2024 VCKC Executive Board Meeting
02 Apr 2024 Social: Big Canoe and PFTK
02 Apr 2024 New Member Orientation
23 Mar 2024 PADDLE FOR THE KIDS 2024
17 Mar 2024 2024 Paddle for the Kids - Sidney - Gulf Islands National Park
12 Mar 2024 VCKC Executive Board Meeting
11 Mar 2024 Canoe Instructor Meeting
09 Mar 2024 2024 Paddle for the Kids - Race Rocks
05 Mar 2024 Tides and Currents
03 Mar 2024 2024 Paddle for the Kids - Maple Bay
02 Mar 2024 Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader Course
01 Mar 2024 Canoe Director Meeting
29 Feb 2024 Dragonboat Team meeting
24 Feb 2024 2024 Paddle for the Kids - Ladysmith Harbour
18 Feb 2024 2024 Paddle for the Kids - Sooke Basin
13 Feb 2024 Executive Board Meeting
11 Feb 2024 Hunt for Herring!
10 Feb 2024 Private Event
10 Feb 2024 2024 Paddle for the Kids - Saanich Inlet
06 Feb 2024 Herring and Nature in the City
04 Feb 2024 2024 Peninsula Paddle for the Kids Kick-off
27 Jan 2024 Executive Board Retreat
22 Jan 2024 Private Event
21 Jan 2024 RCABC Advance Big Canoe Leader Course
09 Jan 2024 VCKC Executive Board Meeting
04 Jan 2024 PFTK Planning meeting
01 Jan 2024 New Year’s Day Social Paddle
25 Dec 2023 Christmas Day Paddle
21 Dec 2023 Holiday Light Up Paddle Parade and Potluck
30 Nov 2023 BIG CANOE Trip planning discussion
23 Nov 2023 Presentation for the Fort Assiniboine Bicentennial Brigade
14 Nov 2023 Dragonboat Team Dryland training
13 Nov 2023 Fort Assiniboine Bicentennial presentation private planning event
07 Nov 2023 Dragonboat Team Dryland training
05 Nov 2023 Paddle Canada Intermediate Big Canoe Leader Course
31 Oct 2023 Halloween social
24 Oct 2023 Dragonboat Team Dryland training
17 Oct 2023 Dragonboat Team Dryland training
17 Oct 2023 Members interested in having their names on a list for Moving Water Eddy Hoppers!!!
03 Oct 2023 Dragonboat Team Dryland training
29 Sep 2023 Private Event
26 Sep 2023 Dragonboat Team Dryland training
23 Sep 2023 BGCA Gorge Waterway Clean Up - VCKC Member participation
15 Sep 2023 Dragonboat Team Season End Celebration
12 Aug 2023 Dragonboat Team BBQ
08 Aug 2023 VCKC Hats 2023 Edition for purchase
29 Jul 2023 Camp Shawnigan Tour
22 Jul 2023 Dragon Boat Skills Clinic - Event cancelled
19 Jul 2023 Saanich Gorge Waterway Music Concert
19 Jul 2023 Big Canoe Paddle to Concert on the Gorge
16 Jul 2023 Paddle for Norm
12 Jul 2023 CANCELLED: GTCA Event - Open Mic Night
10 Jul 2023 Club Orientation
07 Jul 2023 VCKC Hats 2023 Edition for purchase
01 Jul 2023 Strawberry Tea
19 Jun 2023 Parking Lot Closed until midday Tuesday
13 Jun 2023 Big Canoe Program - Shoreline Middle School
06 Jun 2023 RE-Scheduled! Celebrating Mark Sondheim
04 Jun 2023 Safety Day 2023 Registration
26 May 2023 Riptide OC6 team potluck
16 May 2023 Dragonboat Team BBQ
23 Apr 2023 Private Event
05 Apr 2023 Antarctica! Back-to-back presentations!
01 Apr 2023 Voyageur Paddle for the Kids - The Big Day!
26 Mar 2023 Paddle for the Kids - Discovery & Chatham Islands
18 Mar 2023 Paddle for the Kids - Saanich Inlet
16 Mar 2023 PFTK Final Practice Trip Planning
11 Mar 2023 Paddle for the Kids - Race Rocks
07 Mar 2023 VCKC Brigade Trips Presentation
05 Mar 2023 Maple Bay - Cowichan Bay
25 Feb 2023 Private Event
25 Feb 2023 Paddle for the Kids - Sidney - Gulf Islands National Park
19 Feb 2023 Paddle for the Kids - Ladysmith Harbour
11 Feb 2023 Paddle for the Kids - Sooke Basin
06 Feb 2023 Dragonboat 2023 Season Info Meeting
05 Feb 2023 2023 Peninsula Paddle for the Kids Kick-off
02 Feb 2023 Voyageur Canoe Thursdays - Weekly Paddle
01 Feb 2023 Paddling Presentations - 1) Canoeing the Wind River, Yukon and 2) Canoeing Canada's Historic Rideau Canal Waterway
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