Camping - Canoeing Guidelines

Mary Murray: Water Activity Adviser

If you're planning any water activities, please send your questions and paperwork to assessor(@)albertagirlguides(dot)com (subject line: water activities)

The Coast Guard's Safe Boating Guide sets out the following rules on use and required equipment for a canoe.

People in charge of canoes and users need to ensure the following:

  • operating the canoe in a safe and competent manner
  • ensuring it is in a seaworthy and reliable condition
  • equipping it with approved (by Transport Canada) safety equipment that is in good operating order and easily accessible

Minimum Required Equipment in a Canoe:

  • one Canadian approved personal flotation device or lifejacket of the appropriate size for each person on board
  • one buoyant heaving line of not less than 15 meters in length
  • one manual propelling device (extra paddle) or an anchor with not less than 15 meters of cable, rope or chain in any combination
  • one bailer or one manual water pump fitted with or accompanied by hose of a sufficient length to enable a person using the pump to pump water from the bilge of the vessel or side of vessel
  • a sound signaling device or a sound appliance (ex. Whistle)
  • navigation lights if vessel is being used at night. For a canoe a single light is sufficient (ex. Waterproof flashlight, lantern or torch)

Please make sure all regulations are followed when using a canoe!

Happy Paddling!