Final answer:
To paddle a canoe upstream, it is best to stay near the shore, while when canoeing downstream, it is best to stay near the middle of the river.
Step-by-step explanation:
When paddling a canoe upstream, it is wisest to travel as near to the shore as possible. This is because the current is typically slower near the shore, making it easier to paddle against the current. When canoeing downstream, it may be best to stay near the middle because the current is typically faster in the middle of the river, allowing you to take advantage of the current and paddle more efficiently.