SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PADDLE

August 26 to 28, 2016 in Timmins, Ontario

The countdown is on for kayaking event of the year. No, it’s not the Rio Olympics – it’s the one that you can compete in.

Last year, kayakers from Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo, Montreal, the U.S. and more flocked to Timmins to The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival.

"John and I came up to your race from northeast of Toronto and were astounded by the phenomenal job the organizers did to provide a first class venue. The race and all events were so well planned out and ran so smoothly. Thank you to all who were instrumental in making this event so fantastic! We will be back next year for sure."   - Gail Bailey

New this year is The Elite Challenge – a physically demanding 32-km race on the Mattagami and Mountjoy Rivers with two 100-metre portages.

Other challenges include:

  • The Elite Recreational Challenge is 16 km in length with no portages.
  • The Plastic Kayak Challenge – a 10-km race using a plastic kayak.   
  • The Open Long Boat Challenge – a 6.5-km race with no portages

  • The Open Little Boat Challenge – a 6.5-km race in a boat 14’4” and under
  • The Novice Challenge – a 5-km race for people with less than 2 years of kayak experience
  • The Seniors (Masters) Challenge – a 6.5-km race for paddlers aged 55+
  • Youth Challenge – a 3-km race for paddlers aged 14 and under
  • The Celebrity Challenge – 3-km race open to invited participants only

Race registration is closes at 4 pm on Thursday August 25, 2016.

In addition to watching you compete, your family and friends can enjoy a mighty Mattagami pontoon boat ride, stand-up paddleboard demonstrations and fun challenge, arts, music, dance, kids fun, leisure tours, amazing fireworks and more.

Take the challenge and sign up today.

About Trish Manning

Trish Manning is an adventure travel writer and the content coordinator for Ontario Outdoor Adventures. She is an avid outdoor person who loves to hike, paddle, SUP, snowshoe, cross-country ski and explore Ontario's great outdoors with her golden retriever, Daisy.

Recommended Articles

Where to See Ontario's Coolest Wildlife

Get expert tips on how to spot these iconic species.

11 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes

Don't miss the splendours of Northern Ontario

Your Outdoor Adventure Vacation Starts Here

10 best activities in Lake Superior Provincial Park.

Outdoor Playgrounds

Discover the best Ontario Provincial Parks.

Best Cross Country Ski Spots

Explore the top trails this season.

Bundle up for Snowy Horseback & Sleigh Rides

Ontario’s best winter equine adventures.

Ontario Old Growth Trails

Tall trees await: Ontario’s best old growth trails.

Paddling "the Pet"

Why it's her favourite Algonquin trip.

Belay On!

Ontario ice climbing tours, courses and clinics.

Agawa Falls Trail

Hike to Agawa Canyon's deepest secret.

POWERFUL ENERGY

Explore Temagami's spiritual sites with the utmost respect.

Take a ruff ride

Dogsledding adventure at Haliburton Forest

Big views, no big backpack

Lake Superior's 10 best hikes you can do in a day

Can't-Miss Skating Trails & Outdoor Rinks

15 best places to lace up.

Top of the Giant Trail

Get tips on this amazing Sleeping Giant hike.

Pancake Bay: Ontario’s Ultimate Beach Escape

Discover the shores of an inland sea.

After the Storm

Cleanup continues at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park

Hike the Lake Superior Coastal Trail

Discover beaches, lookouts, and sacred sites on this 65 km trail.

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

7 multi-day hiking trips to the province’s most beautiful places.

Ontario’s National Parks

Protected for posterity. And deservedly so.