SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PADDLE

August 26 to 28, 2016 in Timmins, Ontario
Kayaking_Timmins_DSC0091.jpg

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

Family Day Weekend

The best outdoor activities for adventurous families.

A Whitewater Awakening

Teaming up on the Brightsands River

Wow: Best Lookout Points

Hike to the top.

March Break in Ontario

Discover the best camps, activities and adventures for 2026.

Best Winter Getaways in Ontario

Make the most of the snow in these stunning locales.

Take Advantage of the Staycation Tax Credit

15 incredible accommodations that will save you money.

Love Wildlife?

Must see parks and attractions for animal-lovers.

Want to go snowshoeing?

Discover Ontario’s best trails and getaways.

Adventure Film Festivals

8 can’t-miss film festivals in Ontario for cyclists, hikers and paddlers.

Cold nights

Equals fast trails

Visit Oastler Lake Provincial Park

Everything you need to know to plan a car camping trip to this picturesque cottage country park.

7 Reasons to Explore Ontario This Winter

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

Want a magical family holiday?

Discover Ontario’s enchanted winter wonderland.

Planning a Family Vacation?

Here's how to do it right.

Need an escape?

Go to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park

Paddling "the Pet"

Why it's her favourite Algonquin trip.

Tom Thomson Legacy

Special exhibit at the Algonquin Art Centre

Meet British Celebrity ray mears

At the Temagami Canoe Festival July 2016

SKILLs Video

How to rescue a runaway kayak in whitewater.

Video: Paddle fast, easy & efficiently

Get tips from Ontario Sea Kayak Centre