Gear & Equipment Requirements

Transport Canada Minimum Requirements:

Transport Canada has set out a set of MINIMUM equipment requirements pertaining to canoes and kayaks that should be carried with you at all times on the water in accordance with Canadian laws and regulations.

1 Canadian approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) of the appropriate size for each person on board.

1 buoyant heaving line (Throw Bag) of not less than 15 meters in length.
North Water makes a variety of nice throw bags. northwater.com

1 spare paddle per vessel. (Not a legal requirement but CERTAINLY recommended)
A 2-piece break-apart works great. Check out the Aqua Bound link below.

1 sound signaling device...my recommendation is the Fox 40 Whistle, available at most outdoors shops.

1 Bailer or manual water pump.

Suitable lights if the craft is to be paddled before sunrise or after sunset. For canoes and kayaks a headlamp works great. Also, chemical light sticks work quite well and are very inexpensive...and look cool too!

North Water has a safety package consisting of a Paddle Float, Fox40 Whistle, Kayak Pump,  and a Small Regulation Throw Bag. Just so you have an idea on what's needed, not that the Paddle Float is needed, unless you paddle alone, far from shore.

Transport Canada
Aqua Bound Paddles
Mountain Equipment Co-Op
North Water Rescue and Paddling Equipment