Hi  @john_preston 
If you go into your course settings and choose "Export Course Content", this will create an export package in the form of a ZIP file that you can download to your local computer. In the unlikely event that your original course is lost, you can then upload the exported content into a new course. You can also use it if you want to create duplicate courses based on the original course. See these pages for details on how to export and import course content:

How do I export a Canvas course?‌

How do I import a Canvas course export package?‌