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

Treetop Trekking

Swing. Climb. Zip. Play in the treetops.

The Best Killarney Hikes

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

Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Ontario

11 places where Fido can join in the fun.

Need to get the wrinkles out of your soul?

Temagami can help.

Dogs Welcome!

Top dog-friendly resorts.

Rock Climbing

You Know Why. Here’s How.

An Adventure Cycling Dream Come True

Explore a new leg of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

A Whitewater Awakening

Teaming up on the Brightsands River

Big views, no big backpack

Lake Superior's 10 best hikes you can do in a day

Dog-Friendly Hikes in Ontario

Check out these stunning on- and off-leash trails.

Best Small Towns in Ontario

These 9 communities are gateways to outdoor adventure.

11 Best Places to Go Rock Climbing

Harness up.

Cold nights

Equals fast trails

Hike the Pukaskwa Coastal Trail

Discover awe-inspiring waterfalls, beaches and vistas on this epic 60-km trail.

Learn to Camp

A beginners guide.

Paddling "the Pet"

Why it's her favourite Algonquin trip.

Hike the Lake Superior Coastal Trail

Discover beaches, lookouts, and sacred sites on this 65 km trail.

Paddle to the Trailhead

8 stunning hiking trails to canoe or kayak to.

Best Cross Country Ski Spots

Explore the top trails this season.

Love Wildlife?

Must see parks and attractions for animal-lovers.