WIC includes a 14-day wilderness canoe trip in a beautiful and remote part of Canada few people are lucky enough to explore. During the river trip students will be traveling on the Missinaibi and Moose Rivers North to James Bay at historic Moose Factory before catching the Polar Bear Express from Moosonee to start the return journey south. After the trip students partake in a co-op placement in our Quest, GAP or Outreach programs.
Students earn two 1.0 high school credits as well as ORCKA Canoe Tripping 2 and Canadian Style Paddling 1 certification.
2026 cost is $1,450.00
Brochure
Schedules
Equipment/Gear List
Maps
Bus Schedules
"Barn Days" Bus Pick Ups
8:30 a.m.: Centennial PS
8:45 a.m. Elginburg & District PS
9:00 a.m.: Loughborough PS
"Barn Days" Bus Drop Offs
3:30 p.m.: Loughborough PS
3:45 p.m. Elginburg & District PS
4:00 p.m.: Centennial PS
Pre-Course Assignments
- WIC 2025 Assignments
- Lesson Plan Example and Template
Student Manual
2025 WIC Student Manual
2025 WIC Student Placement Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to do OP and OS before doing WIC?
It is highly recommended that before doing WIC you have completed both OP & OS. In OP, you are taught your canoe tripping skills to allow to you effectively work towards being an instructor on WIC. In OS, you spend four days at Palmer Rapids learning the skills necessary to travel down the Missinabi River. Students with OP and OS comparable experience and certification may also apply for WIC.
Are the bugs as bad as everyone says?
The WIC trip runs right at the beginning of July. In northern Ontario, this is the season which is high for some bugs such as mosquitoes and blackflies. For this reason, students need to bring a bug jacket for when they are not on the water. We also bring along a bug tent to allow the group to relax together in the evenings without the bugs bothering them.
What certifications do I get when I do WIC?
Through completing WIC, you have the opportunity to acquire a Canoe Tripping level 2 ORCKA certification.
What assignments do I have to complete before the course starts?
Both the Trip Plan and Theory Lesson must be completed before the course starts. These are similar to what you completed for OS and OP.