Welcome to the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia

Abstract pattern with curved lines.

The RCABC has been promoting safe and skillful paddling since 1978.

We are the hub for all things canoeing British Columbia and beyond with active members in the Yukon and elsewhere. We have hundreds of instructors, dozens of guides and over 10 canoe clubs scattered across BC and Western Canada. Our programs are taught by some of BC's leading paddling schools as well outdoor recreation and adventure tourism programs including Strathcona Park Lodge's COLT program, College of the Rockies Adventure Tourism program , and Thompson Rivers University Adventure Guide Training.

We are here to support not only instructors and guides though, but recreational canoeists of all kinds!

We can help you:

Quick-Start Guide

From your first strokes to more advanced skills, find the resources and support you need to keep progressing.

Recreational Canoeing Association of BC logo featuring a stylized canoeist on water.
A paddler in a yellow kayak with a dog sitting in the bow on a calm BC river surrounded by forest.

Learn to Paddle >

Learn the basics, build your confidence, and develop your paddling skills.

Icon of a person in a kayak on water with waves, on a dark blue background.
Icon of a person in a kayak on water.

Find a
Course >

Find a canoe course that matches your interests, experience, and goals.

Paddling Guides >

 Find paddling guides, route information, and helpful resources for planning your next trip.

Icon of a canoe paddle inside a dark blue circle.

For Our Members

Need to manage your account? 

You can log in here to: renew your membership, print your certifications, access pro deals, download the RCABC waiver or instructor manual, advertise courses, and more.

Sign In

Not a member yet? 

Sign up here as a Paddler Member, Instructor Member, Guide Member or Agency Member.

Become a Member

Planning a Canoe Trip?

Check out our trip planning page to learn more about opportunities and support available in BC. Learn more about trip planning, safety, and paddling preparation.

Safety & Trip Planning >

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Upcoming Events 

Check out our calendar of RCABC regional events and trips by our member canoe clubs and agencies.
View our Calendar >

Featured
RCABC Big Canoe Rendezvous
Sep 12
RCABC Big Canoe Rendezvous

The Big Canoe Rendezvous typically occurs on the Thompson River each year on the second weekend of September. It is held on the Thompson River near Savona on high volume class 2 whitewater.

RCABC Rivers Weekend
Sep 25
RCABC Rivers Weekend

The RCABC Rivers Weekend is our premiere inter-club whitewater festival.

RCABC Canoe Fest
Apr 23
RCABC Canoe Fest

The RCABC Canoe Fest and AGM is held each year on the last weekend of April at Kawkawa Lake, BC (Near Hope), within the Chewathil First Nation traditional territory.

Find a local club

Our Canoe Club Page is a great way to find out more about all the amazing opportunities to join a local paddling club in your region and learn to paddle from local experts and enthusiasts.

Find a Club >

People canoeing on a river beneath a wooden footbridge with a chain-link fence, surrounded by lush green trees and a partly cloudy sky.

Join us on the Water

Become part of RCABC and access the resources, connections, and support that help paddlers, instructors, guides, and agencies grow.

Join Us Today

Thank you to our Affiliates

Logo of BC Marine Trails depicting mountains, water, and forest with the text 'BC MARINE TRAILS' underneath.
Logo of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC with stylized mountains, trees, water, and an orange arc.
Logo with mountain peaks and flowing water, with the text 'BBC Whitewater'.
Logo with green background, white spiral and concentric circles, and the words 'Leave No Trace' in dark gray and 'Canada' in light green.

Thank you to our Partners

Logo for Elements Adventure Company featuring stylized mountains, two people kayaking, and text 'ELEMENTS' and 'ADVENTURE COMPANY'.
North Water logo with an abstract water-inspired design and the text 'North Water' and 'Pacific sports equipment'
Text logo reading 'Smiling Otter Canoe & Kayak' with a blue paddle graphic.
Logo of Western Canoe Kayak with teal 'WCK' and black 'Western Canoe Kayak' text
Logo of Hellman Canoe & Kayak with a stylized 'H' on a red background.
Voyageur Adventures logo featuring two green elk standing on hind legs holding a shield with a cross.