[quote author=jjjds1999 link=1293715453/0#8 date=1293729952]LOL, I didn't try that, maybe next time!  I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to get in from the end, which is what I tried to do.  :-[/quote]
Oh dear, that's where it's the tippiest!  I bet you were in the bow too, which often feels much tippier than the stern.
You'll see videos of folks launching with one foot in the end and a push and step, step and away they go.  Takes a little practice.
Canoes are much more stable when they're moving.
Hands off the gunwales.  Actually, hands off the canoe.  Hands on the paddle.  Paddle across the canoe.Mind your head.  Where your head goes, your body is sure to follow.  Keep your head between the gunwales and you'll be fine.

Agree with grizzlylarso.  Tipping is the first thing (water temps permitting) someone should do.  Learn how to tip, that way you know what it takes and what not to do.  Like driving a car.  How can you control a skid without knowing what skidding is like?

You might find sections of the Trans-Canada Trail to hike.

The best part of canoeing is that you can see more, go further, work less.