2026 Paddler's Escape

2026 Paddler’s Escape – Out Tripping Skills Weekend

July 17-19, 2026 – Camp Riverview, Boulter, ON (near Bancroft)

Registration Costs

Paddler’s Escape Weekend registration cost is $295 + HST

Here’s the breakdown and what is Included:

* 6 meals & snacks (Friday dinner thru Sunday Lunch – some camp prepared, some self-prepared)

* 2 nights tent accommodations (one at Camp Riverview, one on a Crown Land Site)

* Out-Tripping Skill based workshops (see sample workshops listed below)

* All main camping equipment, canoes, paddles, life jackets, and safety equipment

* Evening group activities & campfires

* Access to all other camp activities (trails, canoeing, kayaking, archery etc)

Camp Riverview

Welcome to Camp Riverview, nestled in breathtaking Boulter, Ontario, along the serene shores of the Little Mississippi River. This hidden gem spans hundreds of acres of pristine wilderness, surrounded by thousands more of untouched crown land — a tranquil haven where water, forest, and sky meet in perfect harmony.

Your weekend begins right here at Riverview, where you’ll settle in and spend your first night learning essential paddling and wilderness skills. As the sun sets over the river, you’ll practice on calm waters, preparing for the adventure that awaits.

The next morning, your journey unfolds as you paddle upstream along the Little Mississippi, winding through quiet bends and forested shorelines before joining the Madawaska River. Each stroke carries you deeper into nature — through mirror-smooth waters, hidden coves, and stretches alive with birdsong and the whisper of the wind through the trees.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive at your private, off-grid campsite — a secluded haven accessible only by canoe. Here, surrounded by towering pines and the gentle lapping of the river, you’ll set up camp, cook over an open fire, and fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars.

As morning dawns, the mist rises from the river and sunlight filters through the branches, marking the beginning of your return paddle to Camp Riverview. The journey back is quiet and reflective — a time to savour the peace of the water and the confidence you’ve gained along the way.

This experience isn’t just a canoe trip — it’s an invitation to reconnect with the rhythm of nature, to find freedom in simplicity, and to discover just how capable you truly are.

Paddler’s Escape Weekend

🛶 What You’ll Learn

The Paddler’s Escape is a hands-on weekend designed to build your confidence, skills, and connection to the wilderness — one paddle stroke at a time. You’ll learn everything you need to feel comfortable and capable on the water, whether you’re new to canoe tripping or ready to expand your outdoor know-how.

🌅 Friday Evening – Foundations at Camp Riverview

Your adventure begins at Camp Riverview, where you’ll get to know your guides, your gear, and your group. The evening is spent learning the basics and preparing for your journey ahead. You’ll learn:

• Canoe Anatomy & Equipment Basics: Understanding your canoe, paddle, and safety gear.

• Packing for an Out Trip: How to organize and waterproof gear, balance your load, and prepare for efficient travel.

• Paddling 101: Foundational strokes, steering techniques, and communication between partners.

• Trip Planning & Safety: Reading the weather, understanding maps, and prepping for wilderness travel.

🌊 Saturday – Paddle, Portage & Campcraft

After breakfast, you’ll load up your canoe and hit the water for a full day of paddling and adventure. Learn to navigate calm stretches and gentle currents as you make your way to your campsite — your home for the night. You’ll learn:

• Canoeing for Distance: How to find rhythm, conserve energy, and travel efficiently as a team.

• Portaging: Proper lifting and carrying techniques, trail etiquette, and managing gear transitions.

• Site Setup: How to choose a safe, comfortable campsite and set up tents, tarps, and cooking areas.

• Campfire Cooking & Food Storage: Wilderness meal prep, safe storage, and cleanup practices.

• Leave No Trace Principles: Respecting the land and minimizing your impact.

🌄 Sunday – Reflection & Return

Wake to the sounds of nature and the satisfaction of having done it all yourself. After breakfast, you’ll break down camp and paddle back to Camp Riverview, putting your new skills to the test along the way. You’ll learn:

• Site Breakdown & Pack-Up: How to efficiently clean and pack for departure.

• On-the-Water Navigation: Route finding, group coordination, and adapting to changing conditions.

• Confidence & Independence: Building trust in your abilities — and maybe discovering a new passion for adventure.

This immersive weekend is equal parts education, empowerment, and exploration — designed to help you reconnect with nature, build real wilderness skills, and find peace in the rhythm of the paddle.