What to Bring for a Canoe Tour

A canoe tour needs more than canoes and paddles. Pack equipment that keeps route information, phones and food dry, and prepare enough safety gear for every participant and canoe. Waterproof barrels, phone cases, throw lines and spare paddles are easy to overlook until you are already on the water. This checklist also covers the start area, drinks, serving equipment and lighting if the tour runs into the evening.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Canoesqty 20
Paddlesqty 42
Life jacketsqty 45
Whistlesqty 45
Throw linesqty 4
Waterproof barrelsqty 20
Waterproof phone casesqty 10
Route mapsqty 12
Compassqty 4
Flashlightsqty 8
Spare paddlesqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Phone chargersqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Cooling matsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 8
Bread basketsqty 6

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 3
Spongesqty 8
Towelsqty 12
Dustpans and brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 50 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Chicken soup - 8 liters
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Soup sticks - 6 packs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 5 packs
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Spa Blauw - 80 bottles
- Spa Rood - 30 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Coffee cups - 100 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Coffee filters - 2 packs

Tips

Plan one life jacket and one whistle for every participant, plus at least one throw line for each canoe group. Check the fit and condition before participants arrive.
Use at least one waterproof barrel per canoe for maps, food, spare clothing and other essentials. Give every participant a waterproof phone case instead of relying on a sealed bag.
Bring one spare paddle for every three to four canoes, and keep the spare paddles at the start area or in a support vehicle where they can be reached quickly.
For a group meal or drinks stop, provide one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per person, plus at least 10% extra. Prepare serving spoons, cutting boards and knives before chilling the food and drinks.
If the tour may finish after dark, take one flashlight or battery lantern per canoe and add extra lighting at the registration point. Extension cords and power strips are only useful where a safe power connection is available.

Frequently asked questions

How many life jackets do I need for a canoe tour?: Buy or hire one correctly sized life jacket for every person in a canoe, including guides and passengers. Bring at least two spare sizes if participant details are not final 48 hours before departure.
How many canoes should I arrange for a group?: Allow one canoe for the number of people that the selected canoe type safely carries, then add one spare canoe if the rental provider permits it. Confirm the final count at least 7 days before the tour.
What should I pack to keep things dry on a canoe trip?: Take at least one waterproof barrel per canoe, plus one waterproof phone case for each participant. Put route maps, spare clothing, food and emergency items in waterproof storage before launching.
How much drinking water do I need for a canoe tour?: Plan at least 2 litres of drinking water per person for a full-day tour, and bring extra for warm weather or strenuous routes. Use water jugs at the start and refill them before participants register.

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