paddling courses
Why choose us?
We've been experts in paddlesports instruction for over 14 years. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned paddler, our year-round programs prioritize safety, skill development, and fun. Our mission is to make paddlesporting enjoyable for everyone.
where we operate
find the perfect fit
custom programs available
Whether you're a business, part of a private group, or just doing your own thing, we've got you covered. We can mix and match sessions to fit your vibe, whether you're keeping it local, going overseas, or landing somewhere in between. We'll make it your kind of program – because why settle for anything less?
participant testimonials
Meet your instructors
Simon coward
Simon began instructing around 1997 or 1998 after completing a two-year Polytech course in New Zealand, where he first learned the trade. He’s been teaching in some capacity ever since.
He gravitates toward the technical and foundational aspects of paddling instruction, believing that a few core skills form the base for all paddling and help accelerate learning.
From a progression standpoint, Simon’s favorite teaching river is the Kananaskis, though he enjoys applying those skills on many rivers—too many to name.
Diver relph
Diver has been sharing his passion for paddling for over four years with AQ Outdoors, after first leading trips with Paddle Junkies.
For Diver, teaching isn’t about one specific skill—it’s about those magical “aha” moments when something clicks and a paddler suddenly levels up. That shared stoke is what keeps him inspired on the water.
His favourite spot to teach is on the Crowsnest River below Lundbreck Falls.
jay isaak
Jay began her instructing journey in 2023, making this her fourth season on the water. As Program Coordinator, she plays a key role in shaping and supporting the experience for both participants and instructors. She primarily teaches youth and loves watching their progression unfold over the course of a season.
A highlight for her is Youth Weekends, when young paddlers bring their families along to share in the fun. Whether she’s working with beginners at Harvie Passage or coaching on the Kananaskis River, Jay brings energy, organization, and enthusiasm to every session.
take the quiz
Which course should I take?
We run over 20 courses for different ages, skill levels, and paddling goals, from your very first time on flatwater through to progressing in whitewater.
If you are not sure which course is right for you, take the quick quiz and we will help you figure it out.
Course Prep & resources
Course Packing Lists
Select your specific course type below to find out what gear we supply and what you need to bring along.
Catered Multi-Day Raft-Assisted Courses (Includes: Kootenay River Raft-Supported Kayak Trip)
Meals and water are included from Lunch on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 4. We provide all kitchen equipment, including plates and eating utensils. We also provide toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a trowel for the washroom. You will camp in a new spot each night along beautiful springs, waterfalls, beaches, or mossy treed sites.
Gear We Can Provide
- Wetsuit and splash top
- Neoprene booties
- PFD
- Helmet
- Throwbag
- Paddle
- Kayak
- Skirt
- Large Dry Bag for your camping equipment and clothing
What You Need To Bring: Clothes
- Any personal paddling gear you plan to use
- Long underwear tops and bottoms for under your suit (no cotton!)
- Multiple pairs of long underwear and socks (no cotton) as nights can be cold
- A swimsuit if you are wearing a wetsuit
- Closed-toe shoes for kayaking and walking
- Dry warm clothes for the evenings suitable for mountain camping (rain jacket, gloves, hat)
- Extra evening shoes (must be different from your kayaking shoes)
Camping Equipment
- Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow
- A mug for hot drinks
- A water bottle that can fit in a kayak and a small dry bag for lunch
- Personal medications and toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer)
- Camp chair
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm
- Bear spray (optional)
- Book, games, or evening entertainment
Full Day Whitewater Kayaking Courses (Intro to Whitewater, Beyond the Intro, Next Step, etc.)
Gear We Can Provide
- Wetsuit and splash top
- Neoprene booties
- PFD (Life Jacket)
- Helmet
- Throwbag
- Paddle
- Kayak
- Skirt
What You Need To Bring
- Any personal paddling gear you plan to use
- Kayak, paddle, PFD, skirt, helmet, throwbag or drysuit (Available to borrow if needed)
- Closed-toe shoes good for walking (or borrow neoprene booties)
- Long underwear tops and bottoms (no cotton!)
- Socks (no cotton)
- A swimsuit can be worn, but long underwear is recommended for colder days
- A long-sleeve shirt is great for comfort under farmer-john style wetsuits
- A towel and dry warm clothes for after the course
- Optional: Neoprene gloves/pogies or nose plugs (can be purchased at AQ in advance)
- Optional: Thin neoprene or synthetic/wool hat for under your helmet on colder days
Full Day Rec and Sea Kayaking Courses (Intro to Sea Kayaking, Mountain Lakes Explorer, Intro to Adventure Rec)
Gear We Can Provide
- Wetsuit and splash top
- Neoprene booties
- PFD (Life Jacket)
- Helmet
- Throwbag
- Paddle
- Kayak
- Skirt (Sea Kayaking Courses only)
- Paddlefloat and bailer/pump (Sea Kayaking Courses only)
What You Need To Bring
- Any personal paddling gear you plan to use
- Kayak, paddle, PFD, skirt, helmet, throwbag or drysuit (Available to borrow if needed)
- Closed-toe shoes good for walking (or borrow neoprene booties)
- Long underwear tops and bottoms (no cotton!)
- Socks (no cotton)
- A swimsuit can be worn, but long underwear is recommended for colder days
- Long-sleeve shirt for comfort under farmer-john style wetsuits
- A towel and dry warm clothes for after the course
- Optional: Neoprene gloves, pogies, or thin warm hat (can be purchased at AQ in advance)
Camping Options
Canoe Meadows Campground
Great For: Intermediate/Advanced whitewater courses
Located 88km from AQ Outdoors at the takeout for the Kananaskis River. Offers tent sites, group camping, a shelter, toilets, and water.
View Website →Calaway Park Campground/ RV Park
Great For: Courses closer to Calgary or in Calgary
Located 32 km west of Calgary. Offers tenting sites and full-service RV sites.
View Website →Ghost Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
Great For: Intro to Sea Kayaking and Beyond the Intro single day
Located 65 km west of Calgary.First-come, first-served campground with unpowered tent and RV sites, potable water, and outhouses.
View Website →Bow Valley Campground
Great For: Intermediate/Advanced whitewater courses
Located 91 km west of Calgary. Offers unserviced and serviced sites that must be booked in advance, as well as 6 walk-in tent sites.
View Website →Hotels Near AQ Outdoors
Hotel Blackfoot $$$$
Distance: 1.3 Km away from AQ Outdoors
3-star hotel featuring many amenities, including a year-round hot tub.
Comfort Inn and Suites $$$
Distance: 3.5 km from AQ Outdoors
3-star hotel offering modern rooms, a free hot breakfast buffet, a heated indoor pool with a waterslide, and an exercise room.
Travelodge by Wyndham Calgary South $$
Distance: 4km away from AQ Outdoors
2-star hotel offering casual rooms that include a continental breakfast and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Canada's Best Value Inn Chinook Station $
Distance: 4 km away from AQ Outdoors
1-star motel offering a continental breakfast. Select rooms offer a kitchenette and microwave.
Restaurants and Grocery Stores Near AQ Outdoors
DJ Farmers Market
Distance: 500m from AQ Outdoors
Local produce market.
Jane Bond
Distance: 1.3km from AQ
A modern family-friendly BBQ joint serving smoked meat and comfort food.
Reds Diner 58th
Distance: 2.5km from AQ
Casual breakfast and lunch restaurant with vegan and gluten-free options available.
Annex Ale Project and Lil Empire
Distance: 2.8km from AQ
Local brewery serving seasonal taps alongside a food counter operated by Lil Empire serving burgers and hot dogs. Vegan and gluten-free options available.
Calgary Farmers Market
Distance: 3km from AQ
Old-school, indoor marketplace with 75+ vendors offering local produce, food, flowers & more.
Superstore, Costco and Walmart
Distance: 3km from AQ Outdoors
All 3 grocery shops are located in the same shopping center.
Transportation & Logistics
Calgary Transit Information
The Calgary transit app allows you to plan your route and provides real-time updates.
- You can buy tickets at train stations using cash or card.
- Buses only take cash.
- You can download the My Fare app to purchase bus and train tickets using a card on the app.
Car Rentals
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
📍 626 58 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0P8(1.7km from AQ)
Hertz Car Rental Calgary
📍 4101 Macleod Trail South, Calgary, AB T2G 2R6(3.1km from AQ)
Taxi Services & Ride-Hailing
| Taxi Company | Phone Number | Additional Options |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary United Cabs | (403) 777-1111 |
• Uber • Lyft • Bird Scooters • Neuron Scooters |
| Checker Cabs | (403) 299-9999 | |
| Associated Cabs | (403) 299-1111 |
