Well, we like to paddle real hard to get the canoe about 2/3 on shore, so we don't get our feet wet.  Then we get out and drag the canoe up another 10 yards before we unload...
   OK, not really.  Usually tandem and do one trip on the short ones (one guy gets food pack and canoe; other guy gets big gear pack and "day pack" slung on front; hand carry or bdb paddles and rods) or leapfrog stuff on the longer ones.  Have not been efficient or light enough to single trip when soloing, but that is OK, I enjoy the walk backs.