Canadian Canoe Foundation
The Canadian Canoe Foundation: Inspiring Youth Through Watershed Projects
The Canadian Canoe Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to developing watershed-health projects that empower youth through environmental leadership canoe trips. The goal of the Foundation is to cultivate Water Leaders who return to their communities ready to educate and motivate others about local environmental issues and solutions.
Partnerships for Healthy Watersheds
The Foundation actively partners with environmental organizations focused on protecting the lakes and rivers navigated during their programs. Youth participants gain first-hand experience on the water, learning about ongoing conservation efforts and discovering ways to get involved. These collaborative projects help ensure the protection of Canada’s vital water resources.
Youth Environmental Education
Each year, the Canadian Canoe Foundation organizes transformative canoe trips that serve as immersive environmental education opportunities. Participants not only learn about watershed health, but they also develop leadership skills, resilience, and a deeper connection to nature.
Summer 2025 Projects
In summer 2026, the Foundation will partner again with the Ayalik Fund to offer life-changing canoe trips for Inuit youth from Nunavut. Unique to these trips, a mental health counsellor and a resilience-building program manager join each expedition to help the youth process emotions, overcome challenges, and build confidence during their wilderness experience. Ongoing support is provided when the youth return home to ensure a lasting positive impact.
Continuing Charitable Partnerships
The Canadian Canoe Foundation is proud to serve as the partnering charitable organization for the Bill Mason Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Paddle Canada Youth Paddling Grant, supporting youth involvement and leadership in paddlesports across the country.
How to Support
The Foundation is continuously working to secure funding for future projects. Community support and tax-deductible donations make it possible for more youth to experience the transformative power of canoe tripping and environmental education. Your contribution can help inspire the next generation of Water Leaders.
Past Projects
Since 2010, the Canadian Canoe Foundation has completed numerous watershed and youth leadership projects. For more information about previous expeditions and a visual summary, visit the Foundation’s Picture and Video Gallery.
Get Involved
Explore the Canadian Canoe Foundation's website to learn more about current programs and discover how you can experience Canada by canoe this summer, support youth leadership, or become a conservation partner in protecting Canada's waterways.