Lessons & Tours

Let us share our expertise and love of the water with you. In addition to our memberships and drop-in programs, we can offer special bookings to suit your needs and interests. See below for some of the standard booking packages we can offer, but don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s something else you’re interested in setting up.

For inquiries about custom lessons, tours, group activities, or other bookings, contact our Community Programs Coordinator.

16 Mile Creek Group Tour

Have you always wanted to check out the 16 Mile Creek? Are you looking for an outdoor experience in the heart of Downtown Oakville? Would you like to get out on the water with some friends or family?

Our 1.5 hour canoe tour will take you and your group up the 16 Mile Creek with an experienced guide who can show you this amazing park-like setting at your own pace, and provide basic canoe instruction as needed to help you get the most out of your experience. See Oakville Harbour from the water side, head upriver to the base of the rapids, or explore the smaller side-channels—we want to make your tour uniquely your own.

The tour will use our 14’ rec canoes, the kind you might see at the cottage. 2 people per boat is recommended; using boats solo is optionally available for those comfortable with the skills to do so. Children under 12 can usually accompany adults in the same boat, subject to the safe carrying weight for the canoe. Please note that the paddles we use might look a little different than you’re used to—that’s because Burloak is primarily a sprint racing club, so we have the wider, square-ended blades used for flat water racing. Don’t worry, they work very well in a regular canoe, especially with the calm conditions on the 16 Mile Creek.

Tours can be run with up to 5 canoes. We recommend signing up with a group who will be happy paddling at roughly the same pace, as there is only one guide and we’ll keep all the boats close enough to be supervised. If you’d like to explore other boat options for a Creek Tour contact our Community Programs Coordinator.

Private Lessons

Let’s get you set up with exactly what you’re looking for. Private lessons are a flexible option that let you work with a coach specifically to get the content and schedule that you want. Burloak has some exceptional coaches and many Canadian Champion canoe and kayak racers ready to work directly with you at any level with a variety of boats or interests.

General instruction is available for any boats that we have at the club. Popular options that are immediately accessible include our 510 Nelo surfskis, and our 14’ rec canoes. If you are interested in instruction with your own boat we’re happy to arrange that as well. Sprint racing boats are available from an introductory to expert level for those that want to try tackling the very fastest canoes and kayaks on the water. Our highest level coaches have sent athletes to the World Championships, so they can offer the most specialized flatwater canoe and kayak racing techniques.

Cost for private lessons depend on how many people you are bringing, typically 2-8 people but some activities can accommodate more. Individual sessions can be arranged subject to some schedule restrictions: our safe-space policies require private 1-on-1 to be run only during another active program time with other paddlers and coaches around, but feel free to contact our Community Programs Coordinator, and see what we might be able to arrange for you.

Learn to Paddle (Canoe / Kayak Lessons)

90 Minute Canoe / Kayak Lessons (All ages)
Come as a family, bring a friend or sign up solo. Each class has a maximum of 6 participants and a designated coach so you're sure to see improvement every session no matter your experience level.

Boats provided for the Session:
- Recreational Canoes
- Nelo 510 Surfski (Kayak)
- Pelican (Sit on top Kayak)
- Select Sprint boats

Sessions: 6:30pm on Monday and Tuesday, May - August

Ongoing Classes

Have a group interested in doing a regular series of classes together? No problem! Class content can be customized to your interest, on a short- or long-term schedule. We have coaches experienced in groups of all ages and experience levels. A class series is the perfect way to prepare for a trip or project, do team building, or just have an excuse to get out on the water.

Any style of boats that we have at the club are available for classes. Popular options that are immediately accessible include our 510 Nelo surfskis, and our 14’ rec canoes, but other options may be available. You can pick a particular boat-type for your full set of classes, or arrange to try some different options week to week if you’re looking to try some new things.

Classes run with groups of 4+, the maximum being determined by what you’d like to do—there are limits on availability for some equipment, and safety will always be a primary consideration. Larger classes may need multiple instructors. We’ll let you know the safe and functional size limits based on what you’d like to do in your class.

Classes will typically be set up for a minimum of 4 sessions, spread however you like (weekly or bi-weekly are most popular). For one-time bookings, we’d be happy to set up Private Lessons for your group.

Team Building

Getting on the water together makes the perfect bonding and team building experience for your business, team, or other group. With crews ranging in size from two to twenty people in the same boat, the concept of “everyone pulling together” takes on a new literal meaning!

A variety of options and session lengths are available, from one hour to multi-day, for groups up to 80 people. Our instructors have experience getting people started from scratch in an environment that encourages and requires cooperation. Indoor space rental may be available if you’re planning activities in addition to your paddling time. Let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll be happy to work out details with you and put together a custom quote for you.

Dragon Boat

Interested in booking dragon boat sessions for your crew? We have several boats available, with experienced coaches and steerspersons if you need them. See our Dragon Boat page for more details.

General Information

• Bringing your own PFD is strongly recommended. We have a limited supply of them at the club, and will be limiting their use to allow full cleaning between groups. If you need a PFD provided please contact us early to reserve one in the right size, if available. Please note that our PFDs are in adult sizes; children’s sizes may be limited or unavailable.

• All of our lessons, tours, etc. will be run entirely outside, so dress appropriately for the weather. There are public washrooms on site.

• In the event of storms or other bad weather we may cancel activities. We will always try to give as much notice as possible, however weather can change quickly and safety will be our primary consideration. If we can’t begin on-water activities due to storms or other bad weather you’ll be able to transfer your registration to another day, or get a full refund. We will run activities in light rain or cloudy and cool conditions, so plan accordingly.