100 Wild Islands, Nova Scotia
The 100 Wild Islands on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore is one of the most spectacular sea kayaking environments in Atlantic Canada: a labyrinth of exposed granite islands, sheltered passages, and open Atlantic crossings that reward every skill you've built. This course runs out of Norse Cove, right on the water, with the islands as your classroom from day one.
If you've been waiting for a reason to get to Nova Scotia, this is it. Same certification and curriculum quality as our Ontario locations, in an environment that's in a different league entirely.
| PC L2 Paddle Canada Level 2 | CK1 Coastal Kayaking Level 1 | 1:4 Instructor Ratio | 4 Days of Coaching |
One course, two awards. This is a Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level 2, and that's the standard the course 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.
What You'll Learn
Full days of hands-on training, backed by theory in your online learning dashboard. Four skill domains across four days of Atlantic coastal paddling.
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.
Together, the dashboard and on-water instruction create a learning path that is unique in paddlesports: structured, supportive, and designed to keep you growing long after the course ends.
- ★ 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
- ✔ Expert coaching at 1:4 instructor ratio
- ✔ On-site camping at Norse Cove for the duration of 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: available to book with your course. Own your boat? Bring it. Rental drysuits have latex seals, so if you have a latex allergy, talk to us before you book.
- — Course manual: full-colour workbook with step-by-step breakdowns and diagrams
- — Navigation and safety kit: order from our Level 2 Gear collection at least two weeks ahead, so it reaches you before you travel
Good to Know
- — Norse Cove has graciously allowed us to camp on their land for the duration of the course.
- — Participants are responsible for meals. We'll visit local spots when time permits, plus camping meal prep is part of the experience.
- — Participants are responsible for parking permits at launch sites.
- — The course runs rain or shine, though we reschedule for prolonged thunderstorms.
Equipment Needed
Rent the two big items from us and bring the smaller kit yourself. It's the same kit you'll carry on every trip after this one, so it's worth having your own.
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✔ Sea kayak: with two bulkheads
Rentals available -
✔ Dry suit: for cold-water immersion training
Rentals available -
✔ PFD: one that fits snugly for paddling and rescue practice
Yours to bring -
✔ Navigation kit: Chart 4236, deck compass, square plotter, and map case
Yours to bring -
✔ Towline: with a one-handed quick release
Yours to bring -
✔ Safety kit: bilge pump and paddle float
Yours to bring -
✔ Camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, essentials for 4 nights
Yours to bring
New to this kit? Most people are. Once you book, we walk you through what each piece does and why you'll want it, and we're glad to help you choose. Our shop is in Ferndale, on the Bruce Peninsula, so order from our Level 2 Gear collection at least two weeks ahead and it will reach you in good time. The chart is the one piece we don't sell, so order that from a chart dealer. We don't keep loaner sets, so please have yours sorted before you travel.
Prerequisite: Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level 1, or ORCKA Coastal Kayaking Level 1 or Flatwater Kayaking, or equivalent experience. 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?
Where does the course operate from?
How is this different from the Ontario locations?
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?
Norse Cove Sea Kayak Centre is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people, whose traditional lands, known as Mi'kma'ki, span across Nova Scotia, including the Eastern Shore. We acknowledge and honour the enduring presence, knowledge, and stewardship of the Mi'kmaw Nation, past, present, and future, and recognize the ongoing responsibility to build respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous peoples.