Stronghold Education offers personal and professional development courses in support of a finding meaningful activity and purpose. Designed by CAF veterans, for veterans who are looking to better understand themselves and develop unique and exciting skill sets.
Come as an individual or bring some friends, groups are prioritized. Private serials are available if you can bring 10 participants together.
All courses are designed to be eligible for Veterans Affairs Canada Education and Training Benefit funding but you do not need to be a veteran - our courses are open to the public.
Tactical Pistol Fundamentals
This progressive pistol course is taught by CANSOF veterans on a private range. You will cover basic fundamentals through dynamic shooting drills with an emphasis on trigger time.
Located in Ottawa, Ontario. Transportation, accommodations, most meals, firearms, pistol belt and ammunition are all included. All skill levels welcome — curriculum scales to the group.
Wilderness Canoe and Backcountry Skills
Develop canoe and backcountry skills in real time, while on a multi-day backcountry canoe and portage course through Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. You will cover foundational canoeing, portaging, wilderness navigation, and backcountry camping competencies through theory and experiential based learning. Built for decompression, real conversation, and the kind of reset that only open water and a campfire deliver.
Led by CANSOF veterans, professionally guided, fully outfitted, tempo is scaled to group fitness levels. Transportation, accommodations, most meals and group equipment provided.
Off Road Motorcycle Fundamentals
The Off-Road Motorcycle Operator Course develops foundational off-road motorcycle operation, rider safety, and hazard management competencies through theory and supervised closed-course practical instruction. Suitable for any skill level.
Led by CANSOF veterans. Transportation, accommodations, most meals and all equipment is provided.
Tactical Pistol Fundamentals
Ottawa, Ontario
Late Summer/ Early Fall 2026
Coming Soon
Wilderness Canoe and Backcountry Skills
Serial 2601
August 30 - Sept 05 - 2026
View Course Outline
Aug 30 - Travel to Ottawa
Aug 31-Sept 4 - Course window
Sept 5 - Travel Home
A multi-day instructional and experiential based course in canoe paddling and backcountry travel, set in one of Canada's most iconic wilderness environments. Participants build the skills needed to plan and execute self-sufficient backcountry trips with confidence.
Curriculum includes canoe technique aligned with Paddle Canada principles, wilderness navigation, safe water travel, portaging fundamentals, backcountry camp setup and breakdown, route and weather planning, and Leave No Trace ethics. Suitable for participants with general fitness and a willingness to learn — no prior paddling experience required. Instructor-led by qualified outdoor educators. Certificate of Completion issued.
Off Road Motorcycle Fundamentals
Ottawa, Ontario
Late Summer/ Early Fall 2026
Coming Soon
About The VAC Education And Training Benefit (ETB)
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Veterans with 6+ years of service may qualify. This benefit expires 10 years after your release, unless you were released between 2006-2018, then it expires April 1, 2028.
6+ years = $50,569.97
12+ years = $101,139.94
This is a taxable benefit.
In 2026, up to $6,321.24 can be used for short courses that support career or personal development in support of a Veteran’s meaningful activity and purpose.
This comes from the total amount based on your 6+ or 12+ years of service
Read more on the ETB Here
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VAC must approve funding prior to the course starting. Plan 8-10 weeks for VAC approvals.
Step 1: Apply to the ETB Program to VAC. Approval takes approximately 4 weeks.
Step 2: Once approved for the program, submit proof of short course enrollment (We provide this to you) along with the ETB Short Course Application to VAC. (Approval takes approximately 4 weeks)
VAC will pay you directly and then you pay for the course, in full, prior to the start date.
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Contact VAC to see what funding you have available.
VAC provides funding directly to the veteran and it is the veterans responsibility to pay the course provider.
You can pay out of pocket for these courses, using the ETB is not a requirement.
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