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

20 Fall Views Away from the Crowds

Embrace adventure—it’ll be worth it.

Best Northern Lights Destinations

6 places in Ontario for incredible Aurora Borealis viewing.

Agawa Falls Trail

Hike to Agawa Canyon's deepest secret.

Winter Romance

Fall in love with these exciting getaways.

Ontario's Best Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Explore beneath the waves at these incredible destinations.

Take Your Dog on Vacation

Find the best pet-friendly trip ideas in Ontario.

Best Trail Running in Ontario

From forest paths to coastal routes.

7 Reasons to Explore Ontario This Winter

Grab your parka—it’s time to plan a snow-filled adventure.

5 Trails Less Travelled

Amazing day hikes in Northwest Ontario.

16 Perfect Fall Hikes in Ontario

Add these trails to your bucket list.

Adventure Races Ontario

Find out where to go and why you’ll love it.

Vacation Hotspots

5 budget-friendly destinations for kids.

Canada's Largest Hiking Festival

"Shake your boot-eh" in the Haliburton Highlands in September

Boreal Backcountry

Explore Wild Wabakimi

WANT A PERFECT CANOEING COMPANION?

These tips will make your pup canoe-ready.

13 strangers, 1 big canoe

Find out what happens.

Like cycle touring?

Our top 3 must-do picks are ...

History, Art, kindness & Adventure

A meaningful journey on the Missinaibi River.

Want to take a pic like this?

You can at Red Rock Eagle Photo Safari in October

Want to Roll A Whitewater Kayak?

Watch this video