ABOUT THE CLUB

OUR PURPOSE

At Rideau Canoe Club, our purpose is creating a strong community centered around the joy of paddling. Through our programs and events, we aim to inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to connect with the water, embrace a healthy lifestyle, and build lasting friendships. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to the sport, we're here to provide a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their paddling goals. Join us as we create unforgettable memories on the waterways of the Rideau Canal.

OUR PROGRAMS

SPRINT CANOE KAYAK
​Sprint is the competitive program where athletes train to race in Olympic style canoes and kayaks. From the Intro to Sprint summer camp to youth training and high performance programs, the RCC is leading the country. The masters program offers opportunities for adults to be active on the water and compete at a high level. Programs for people with physical and mental disabilities have been a staple of the club for more than 10 years.

PADDLING PROGRAMS
​Get active on the water with sea kayaks, pleasure canoes and stand up paddle boards. Fitness paddling programs for adults and seniors are our most popular programs. Community groups are welcome to the club for paddling instructions.

SUMMER CAMPS
Our Canoe Kids Summer Camps are one of the best summer camps in the city. Hundreds of kids come every summer to learn about safe paddling while making new friends in a safe and fun environment.

DRAGON BOAT
​Dragon Boat Racing is one of the most up-and-coming sports in the world. The Rideau Dragon Boat Program offers coaching for beginner to expert crews. Meet new people, have fun and get a great workout!

OUR STORY

5th Ave in the Glebe

In the 80s

Today

The Rideau Canoe Club is a non-profit organization located in the City of Ottawa with over 100 years of history. Founded in 1902, the club was originally located on the Rideau Canal at the foot of Fifth Avenue in the Glebe. The original clubhouse was a picturesque Victorian-style, three story frame building with turrets at each corner. During the 1920's and 1930's, the club was known as the Rideau Aquatic Club and was a focal point for athletics and recreation. Success was achieved, not only on the water (three overall championship burgees in four years - 1924 to 1927), but off the water at provincial and national championships in sports such as hockey, football and basketball. 

In 1946, the club reorganized as the Rideau Canoe Club and in the following year, relocated to its current location at Mooney's Bay. In 1980, construction was completed on the clubhouse with cooperation of the City of Ottawa, the National Capital Commission, the Province of Ontario and Parks Canada. In 2010 the current building, built on the same foundation with the cooperation of the federal government, the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program and funds raised by the Rideau members.

The Rideau Canoe Club is consistently among the top canoe clubs in Canada. After winning the Canadian Championships in 1923, 1925, 1927, 1973, 1985 and 2002, the club won at home in 2015 then again in Sherbrooke, QC in 2018 and Regina, SK in 2019 for back to back wins. At home on Mooney's Bay in 2015 the club took the overall burgee with 26 gold, 21 silver and 15 bronze medal and 743 points. At Sherbrooke in 2018 the RCC medal count was 21 gold, 24 silver and 22 bronze and a record setting 892 points. In Regina in 2019 the club smashed the record set the previous year by tallying up an astounding 1016 points in earning 32 gold, 21 silver and 13 bronze medals.​

In 2015, in partnership with the Eastern Ontario Division, the Rideau Canoe Club hosted the Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships and CanMas. The club is proud to be hosting the Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships and CanMas once again in 2021.