That sounds like a hefty enough portage. I hate hills.

Another use for having the thwart in front (I forgot about this until
just now) is that its easier to keep the carrying yoke on your
shoulders when going uphill. I find that the canoe tends to slip
backwards and I have to push it forwards, which is easier if pushing
against the front thwart than it is by gripping the rail with sweaty
hands and pushing.

--riverman

You could do that, but first climb into the canoe and try to paddle from
that position. The canoe is pretty wide there and will impede your strokes
some on most canoes. Instead try paddling the canoe backwards from the front
paddlers position. Now the paddling stroke is not impeded by the canoes
width. Put all your gear in front of you and it will balance fairly well.
I have a solo canoe and even on them you're not in the center while
paddling.