The Fox Islands, Killarney
Killarney is one of the most striking paddling environments in Ontario: quartzite cliffs, clear Georgian Bay water, and the kind of coastal exposure that teaches you things a lake session never could. The Fox Islands deliver real conditions, open crossings, variable winds, and the seamanship decisions that define a Level 2 paddler.
This is a Level 2 skills course delivered as a backcountry wilderness expedition. You'll camp out of your kayak, plan your own routes, and work as a group through whatever Georgian Bay throws at you. By the end, you'll be ready to organize and lead your own overnight trips with confidence.
| PC L2 Paddle Canada Level 2 | CK1 Coastal Kayaking Level 1 | 1:4 Instructor Ratio | 5 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.
Want a purely trip-focused course? This is a skills certification that happens to run as an expedition, so the assessment is on your paddling, navigation, and rescue ability. If what you're after is the tripping and guiding stream, where the focus is planning and leading multi-day journeys, that's a different path. See our ORCKA Kayak Tripping and Guiding courses.
What You'll Learn
Full days of hands-on training, backed by theory in your online learning dashboard. Four skill domains across the course, assessed in real coastal conditions.
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 the full expedition
- ✔ Expert coaching at 1:4 instructor ratio
- ✔ Crown land field base within Killarney Provincial Park, no camping permit required
- ✔ 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
- — The course operates from a Crown land field base within Killarney Provincial Park, so no camping permits are required. We arrange parking at the launch for the group and invoice you for it later.
- — Participants are responsible for meals. We'll visit one of the most legendary fish and chip spots in Ontario, plus camping meal prep is part of the experience.
- — 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: Adventure Map (Philip Edward Island), 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. 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?
Is this the same as the Kayak Tripping course?
Where does the course operate from?
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 Killarney take place on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabewaki and the Mississauga peoples. This land is covered by the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, while Wiikwemkoong remains unceded.
Communities throughout the Georgian Bay region, including Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, continue to hold deep connections to these lands and waters. We are grateful for their enduring care and support. This acknowledgement, accompanied by action, includes contributions to Indigenous-led organizations that make a lasting impact.