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

Best Waterfalls in Ontario

Discover where they are and how to get there.

Call Us Crazy

23 Adrenaline Rushes Found Only in Ontario

FEEL THE RUSH

At Ontario's dog sled races

Ontario Ski Getaways

5 must-take ski vacations.

All-Season Ontario Camping: 10 Incredible Yurts

Yurt adventures to discover in Ontario!

Bachelor Parties: Boys’ Trips for Outdoor Lovers

Plans for outdoorsy guys and bachelor parties.

Horseback Trail Riding in Ontario

Discover the best horseback riding trails and clubs.

Best Backcountry Camping in Ontario

7 destinations that are wild with beauty and fun.

Get Hooked in Algonquin

Plan the ultimate spring brook trout canoe trip

Adventure Hotspot: Mississagi Provincial Park

Get the lowdown on camping, hiking and paddling north of Elliot Lake, Ontario.

Canoeing in Toronto

Locals share best places to paddle in the GTA.

Insider’s Guide to Neys

How to plan a trip to this under-the-radar provincial park.

Beat the Lines: Tips for 2025 Reservations

Use these best practices to get the sites you want, when you want them.

Backcountry Skiing in Ontario

Here are the best spots to find powder.

Best Small Towns in Ontario

These 9 communities are gateways to outdoor adventure.

Need to Escape?

Wabakimi is your answer.

Kids are Simply Happy in Nature

A family adventure on the French River

White Lake Provincial Park: A Hidden Gem

Camp, paddle, hike and swim in Northern Ontario.

Hike the Pukaskwa Coastal Trail

Discover awe-inspiring waterfalls, beaches and vistas on this epic 60-km trail.

Looking to escape?

Detox from technology in Ontario Parks.