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. 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

Ontario's Best Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Explore beneath the waves at these incredible destinations.

The Best Killarney Hikes

Take to the trails in Ontario’s crown jewel park.

Agawa Falls Trail

Hike to Agawa Canyon's deepest secret.

Windy Lake: Your Travel Guide

Discover year-round outdoor fun in Ontario’s stunning Northeast.

Paranormal Exploration

Visit these 5 haunted hiking trails in Ontario.

Ontario’s Most Stunning Winter Resorts

13 places to book a snow-filled getaway to.

Go Winter Glamping

Get cozy at these 11 snowy Ontario getaways.

Winter Wonderland Fun

The best winter activities in Ontario.

Plan Your Adventure

10 amazing sights you can only see in winter in Ontario.

Hidden Gem: Rainbow Falls Provincial Park

Explore the trails, waterfalls and campsites of this little-known Ontario treasure.

Outdoor Playgrounds

Discover the best Ontario Provincial Parks.

Want to go snowshoeing?

Discover Ontario’s best trails and getaways.

Wildflowers of Ontario

Find out where to see the prettiest blooms in the province.

Best Outdoor Adventure Locations in Ontario

Plan a trip to one of these incredible destinations.

The Best Camping in Ontario

25 of the best car camping and backcountry destinations.

Ontario's Best Family Resorts

Your trip planning starts here.

Top Summer Vacations In Northern Ontario

25 places brimming with outdoor adventures.

Top of the Giant Trail

Get tips on this amazing hike at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Explore Underground: Ontario Caves

Perfect for adventurous couples and families.

Muskoka Outdoor Adventures

Your ultimate guide for things to do year-round.