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

Vacation Hotspots

5 budget-friendly destinations for kids.

Canada's Largest Hiking Festival

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

Ontario Parks 30x30 Nature Challenge

Get inspired with these ways of spending 30 minutes in nature.

explore Toronto by bike

Read about Louisa's top places to visit.

Ray mears on wabakimi

Canadian canoe journeys are always special.

Dreamiest Beaches in Ontario

Plan a trip to one of these incredible stretches of sand.

Paddle to the Trailhead

8 stunning hiking trails to canoe or kayak to.

Why I SUP

15 ways to fall in love with stand-up paddleboarding.

16 Perfect Fall Hikes in Ontario

Add these trails to your bucket list.

Can’t get away this winter?

Discover the best winter vacations for retirees.

Need solitude?

Escape to Quetico

Video

Ontario by Bike

Best Seven Summer Adventures

The Planet D tell all ...

Take Advantage of the Staycation Tax Credit

15 incredible accommodations that will save you money.

9 Reasons To Visit Ontario this Fall

Hello all things autumn.

Skills Video: How to launch & land with style

Get tips from Ontario Sea Kayak Centre

After the Storm

Cleanup continues at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park

Planning a Family Vacation?

Here's how to do it right.

SKILLs Video

How to rescue a runaway kayak in whitewater.

Video: Paddle fast, easy & efficiently

Get tips from Ontario Sea Kayak Centre