It's a Paddlers' Paradise on the Mighty Mattagami!

19 Photos That Prove the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge is the Ultimate End of Summer Celebration

By Jordan Nicksy Staff writer at Northeastern Ontario Tourism and travel enthusiast.

April 12, 2023

The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival is back in Timmins for what has quickly become a Northeastern Ontario staple! Originally launched in 2009, the Festival has grown and become the City's signature event of the season, welcoming guests from all over North America. Visitors of all ages and experience levels come and paddle for a chance to win some serious cash prizes, paddling hardware, or bragging rights at the annual awards ceremony.

More than "just a kayaking challenge," plan to attend this three-day extravaganza where the City of Timmins is offering up its best entertainment, food and beverages, family activites, local culture, and of course, paddling!

The 2016 Festival will be held August 26-28 at the Mountjoy Historical Conservation Park on the Mattagami River.

racers show off their paddle prowess

With up to $15,000 in cash prizes to be won in nine different paddling categories, participants of all ages and experience levels come out to race.

Paddlers will cruise down the Mattagami River, running through the city. Photo: Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival.

They came.

They saw.

They paddled. (Photos: Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival)

take in the sights and sounds

The Festival is about more than just kayaking!

Entertainment of all shapes and sizes will be on display at the Festival. Photo: Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival.

Take in the Highland Dance Competition,

Or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding.

Support the Alzheimer's Society in the Rubber Duck Race on the Mattagami River.

Enjoy Fun for the Whole Family

Kids can play at the specially designed kids' entertainment zone, where Science Timmins, the Kiwanis Club, and the Air Cadet Squadron will be on hand.

Test your limits. Photo: Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival.

Photo: Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival.

Visit the Kids Zone. Photo: Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival.

Learn About Local Culture

The Mattagami River is an important piece of the regions history, as are the First Nations people that continue to call it home today.

Paddling isn't new: see how the Voyageurs did it on the Mattagami River! Photo: Jennifer Massie.

Visit an Aboriginal VIllage. Photo: Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival.

See First Nations dancing and get caught up in the rhythmic beat of the drums.

Photo: Jennifer Massey.

Cap It all off with unforgettable entertainment

After the paddling winds down, take your pick from a full line-up of live entertainment.

A full line-up of bands will be on set Friday and Saturday evening.

Photo: Jack Watson.

Photo: Jack Watson.

Photo: Jack Watson.

Enjoy an unforgettable musical fireworks show Saturday night. Photo: Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival.

Find more things to do and places to stay in Timmins!

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About Jordan Nicksy

Jordan is a writer, digital marketer, amateur photographer, and experiences severe wanderlust. After backpacking parts of Southeast Asia, she knew she wanted to work in travel and tourism, and joined Northeastern Ontario Tourism. She is passionate about food & culinary arts, history, spending time outdoors, photography, and travel.