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

classic algonquin

3 day guided canoe trip

Celebrating the canoe

Should it be on our flag instead of the maple leaf?

Video: Feel the rush

Learn how to run a waterfall & punch holes

Tips for 2026 Camping Reservations

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

Take Your Dog on Vacation

Find the best pet-friendly trip ideas in Ontario.

Beyond City Limits

Must-see landscapes in Ontario.

Want a magical day?

Fly & hike on the bay.

Destination Dupes

Avoid the crowds at these hidden gems.

Easy Adventure Vacations From Ottawa

6 packages that’ll get you out the door and into nature.

Rise and Glide

X-cross ski races and events this winter.

Best overnight hikes

5 Weekend Adventures To Satisfy Your Soles

Hiking with Kids?

Get tips to avoid tedium

Fall Outdoor Adventures in Ontario

6 ways to enjoy the best of the season.

Dog Sledding in Ontario

Your guide to this exhilarating winter activity.

Birding Hotspots

Spring Migration Festivals

Adventurous Getaways For Couples

16 vacation packages a short drive from Toronto.

Best Weekend Escapes

Discover a wealth of pristine nature, paddling, snowsports and more.

Star Gazing

Gordon's Park Dark Sky Preserve

150 canoes for Canada's 150th birthday

A celebration of Canada and the canoe.

SKILLS VIDEO: canoe essentials

The 7 most important items you'll need.