| Membership | Price (+HST) |
|---|---|
| Single | $85/year |
| Single Plus | $120/year |
| Family | $130/year |
| Family Plus | $175/year |
| Contributing | $300/year |
| Supporting | $600/year |
| Sustaining | $1,000/year |
| Benefactor's Circle | $2,500/year |
| Director's Circle | $5,000/year |
| President's Circle | $10,000/year |
Paddling in Paradise: Spring Canoe Tours
Date & Time:
Select weekend mornings, May & June
- Length: 2 hours
- On Cootes Paradise (meet at the Arboretum trailhead, 16 Old Guelph Rd. Hamilton)
- $45/session + $2 service Fee & HST (Members 10% off)
Registration opens April 14 at 11 a.m.
Explore Cootes Paradise by canoe to get a glimpse of the astounding life that depends on a healthy marsh for survival.
Led by one of our experienced and knowledgeable canoe guides, you’ll enjoy a few hours on the water learning about the history of Cootes Paradise introducing you to the wonders of exploring the natural world by canoe. These programs will explore Cootes Paradise by canoe to get a glimpse of the astounding life that depends on the health of the marsh for its survival. Participants will have the opportunity to view wetland plants and wildlife, and hear about some of our restoration efforts that help keep Cootes’ a Paradise. We supply canoes, paddles, and life jackets, you bring your camera, binoculars and curiosity!
2026 Spring Sessions
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, May 24 | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Arboretum (16 Old Guelph Rd. Hamilton) |
| Saturday, May 30 | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Arboretum (16 Old Guelph Rd. Hamilton) |
| Sunday, June 7 | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Arboretum (16 Old Guelph Rd. Hamilton) |
| Saturday, June 13 | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Arboretum (16 Old Guelph Rd. Hamilton) |
| Sunday, June 21 | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Arboretum (16 Old Guelph Rd. Hamilton) |
| Saturday, June 27 | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Arboretum (16 Old Guelph Rd. Hamilton) |
Program Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about one of our courses and workshops? See below for a list of common questions or get in touch online.
Participation Agreement
By enrolling in and participating in RBG educational public programs you agree to the following statements:
Classroom and Outdoor Programs Etiquette
RBG programs are educational in nature and everyone in the class or outdoor program deserves respect and the right to learn for the program they have paid for in a distraction-free environment;
Respect for the instructor and other registrants is required and expected;
Cell phones and other electronic devices should be muted or turned off prior to class / program start time. If you are waiting for an important phone call (e.g.: from a doctor) please let the instructor know before the commencement of the program and distance yourself from others when the call comes in;
If you disagree with what is being said or done in the program, please express yourself politely and considerately without using derogatory language. If an issue arises, please speak with the instructor before or after the program or communicate with the RBG directly.
If possible, arrive a few minutes before class begins. Have your supplies (if using supplies) and notebook ready and use the restroom prior to start time. Once the program starts, please stop having personal conversations. If you arrive late, quietly take your seat or place in the group;
You are not permitted to be in the classroom or program area until the designated start time of your program; please do not enter until a previous program has concluded.
Please wait until the end of the program to put supplies/notebooks away or to start up personal conversations.
Do not dominate other students’ opportunities to learn. Allow others to contribute comments and questions, and the instructor to reply without interruption.
Violence and Harassment
Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is committed to building and preserving a safe and healthy environment for its employees, volunteers, visitors and program participants. RBG does not condone and will not tolerate harassment or acts of violence against, or by any RBG employee, volunteer, visitor or program participant. RBG will take every reasonable precaution and implement measures to prevent, investigate and correct harassment and violence and protect all from potentially violent situations.
Filming/Photography Release
Please be advised that all photos, audio-video, and static images taken at this experience may be used for exhibit, reproduction, and/or distribution for RBG related promotional use, including all forms of print, television advertisement, social media and /or website display. In consideration of your participation as a guest or attendee of this experience, you authorize Royal Botanical Gardens, its legal representatives, suppliers, invited media and assigns unrestricted right and permission to copyright and use such photos and images under their sole discretion. Royal Botanical Gardens, its legal representatives, suppliers, invited media and assigns are released without limitation of any claims for libel or invasion of privacy.
Thank you for enjoying programs and classes at Royal Botanical Gardens and allowing other participants the same opportunity.
Cancellation Policy
Royal Botanical Gardens reserves the right to cancel any program if the minimum number of participants is not reached. Should RBG cancel a program, registrants are notified by email, and registrants are fully refunded.
We do not accept responsibility for inconvenience caused to those we cannot contact, whatever the reason.
10 business days prior to the registered program is the cut-off date for program refund requests by purchasers. Program registration changes or modification requests will be put in sequence to be processed. All changes to program registration are subject to a non-refundable administration fee:
More than 30 business days before the start of the registered program: Full refund or account credit less 10% of the registration fee.
30-11 business days prior to the start of the registered program: Full refund or account credit less 25% of the registration fee.
Within 10 business days prior to the start of the registered program: No refund or account credit provided.
Health and Safety Protocols
Royal Botanical Gardens understands and respects the rights of all staff, volunteers, and program participants to be protected from infectious diseases. Royal Botanical Gardens follows the public health and workplace safety measures and regulations as indicated by local public health units, local municipalities, and the Province of Ontario. As such, program participants are mandatorily required to adhere to the processes and policies that are put in place to mitigate the effects of infectious diseases. Such processes and policies may include, but are not limited to: face coverings, daily medical screening, and social distancing. It is the right of Royal Botanical Gardens to restrict access to or remove from its programs and propertiesnany individual who does not adhere to such processes and policies.
We are vigilant in our concern for the health and safety of all participants. Participants are required to wash their hands frequently. If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
Up-to-date health and safety guidelines: Our staff and volunteers will comply with all organization, municipal, and provincial health guidelines, and will update guidelines as needed. Royal Botanical Gardens will make aware all program participants of required actions and measures in a reasonable amount of time before the start of a program if and as regulations change within a program’s run time.
Missed Session and Late Arrival Policy
The course cancellation policy applies to all sessions. It is your responsibility to ensure you can attend the program dates and times you have registered for.
Royal Botanical Gardens staff are not responsible for waiting or making up time for participants who arrive late after the program’s start time. It is your responsibility to ensure you arrive at the program at or before the advised arrival time.
Liability Policy
Royal Botanical Gardens assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to property, or for personal injury or mishap; all activities are at the risk of the participant. RBG reserves the right to change/cancel events should circumstances beyond our control arise.
Pet Policy
Although we love animals, please leave your pets at home when attending our public programs. Certified service and guide animals are permitted.
What should I expect during the Paddling in Paradise program?
The goal of RBG’s Paddling in Paradise program is to introduce participants to the wonders of exploring the natural world by canoe. These programs will explore the marsh by canoe to get a glimpse of the astounding life that depends on its health for survival. Participants will have the opportunity to view wetland plants and wildlife and hear about some of the restoration efforts that help keep Cootes a paradise. This program is suitable for novice through experienced canoeists. Although we do instruct on the basics of canoeing and will assist novice individuals with skill building, the collective skill set of the groups will set the pace and will dictate route and exploration options.
I have never canoed or been in a canoe, can I still participate?
RBG’s Paddling in Paradise program is not a “Learn to Canoe”. Each participant must be able to demonstrate the following skills with confidence:
- Proper canoe handling and lifting
- Safely enter and exit a canoe without assistance; docking
- Know how to properly hold and use a paddle
- Be familiar with strokes and command calls see Paddle Canada Canoeing Basics requirements
- Portage and carry canoes up to 10 meters
- Maneuver in moving water and winds
- Be able to walk safely over rocky, sandy, wet, or muddy surfaces
- Safely and securely wear a lifejacket and adhere to RBG safety policies
Can children attend?
RBG welcomes children aged 10 and up, accompanied by an adult, to attend this program. Those aged 16 and older may attend without an adult. All attendees, regardless of age are required to register for the program.
How many can fit in one canoe?
RBG owns a fleet of canoes that allows two people per canoe. It is understandable that some participants may prefer to have a party of three in their boat, this setup will be at the discretion of the instructor. Please indicate any notes about your preference at the time of registration. Personal flotation devices (PFD/lifejacket) will be available for participants to borrow. These must be worn during the program.
Can a child sit in the middle of the canoe?
Any decisions will be up to the discretion of the instructor. Children must be aged 10 and up and be registered for the program.
What if I want to sign up solo?
RBG welcomes parties of varying sizes to this program. Single registrants will be paired in a canoe with other single registrants or with a program instructor. Currently RBG does not host solo canoeing.
How do water levels affect this program?
Annual water level cycles may impact the ability to run this program effectively. In the case that water levels are too low to canoe, RBG will cancel or postpone the program.
How do water levels / quality affect this program?
Annual water level cycles may impact the ability to run this program effectively. In the case that water levels are too low to canoe, RBG will cancel or postpone the program.
Cootes Paradise Marsh receives water from 17 different streams. These flow from neighbourhoods, parking lots, agricultural lands and natural areas covering 270 km2. The health of this marsh reflects the conditions of the upstream communities. Recovery of water quality to that typical of natural Ontario conditions is a basic goal for the restoration of Cootes Paradise Marsh. Exclusion of carp and significant improvements to inflowing water have resulted in a much healthier marsh in recent year and much of Cootes Paradise Marsh has fair water quality. RBG water-based programs take place in areas of Cootes Paradise Marsh that have been identified as typically safe for contact. RBG staff monitor water quality and water ingress and will take action to modify, postpone or cancel water-based programs and/or activities if areas identified as typically safe for contact present unfavourable conditions. For more information on RBGs conservation efforts including the work being done in Cootes Paradise Marsh, please visit RBGs Conservation Projects webpage.
Where does the program meet?
This program meets at the RBG Nature Interpretive Centre within the Arboretum at 16A Old Guelph Rd. Dundas, ON. Please arrive 15 minutes before program start time. After a greeting and safety briefings, program instructors will travel with attendees 500m down a steep hill to the boathouse located on the northern shore of Cootes Paradise.
What happens if I arrive late?
This program will start promptly: please arrive 15 minutes early for safety briefings. If you arrive late and you have missed the safety briefing, or the group has departed, then your ticket will be forfeited without refund, and you will not be permitted to join the group on the water. Those who are not present for safety briefings will not be permitted to canoe. This is to ensure the safety of all participants.
What happens in bad weather or if a storm approaches while on the water?
RBG program instructors take precautions to monitor weather conditions leading up to program and will cancel or postpone this program if weather is forecasted
to be unfavourable (eg. high winds, lightning, heavy rain). If unfavourable weather conditions appear during the program, program instructors will modify the program or make the decision to cancel or postpone the program.




