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

11 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes

Don't miss the splendours of Northern Ontario

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

Natural Highs

7 magnificent mountains in Ontario to climb, hike, ride, ski and more.

2024 Triathalons

Swim, cycle and run your way to triathlete status at these Ontario events.

Ontario Trail Races

Find out where to test your limits and get out in the woods.

Ontario Birding Checklist

Keep an eye on the skies for these 10 incredible species.

Take Your Dog on Vacation

Find the best pet-friendly trip ideas in Ontario.

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

7 multi-day hiking trips to the province’s most beautiful places.

Dogs Welcome!

Top dog-friendly resorts.

Go Foraging in Ontario

Learn the basics of how to harvest wild edibles found across the province.

Ontario’s National Parks

Protected for posterity. And deservedly so.

Explore Ontario’s Hidden Gems

18 destinations you need to visit.

Beach Camping in Ontario

14 sandy places to pitch your tent and swim to your heart’s content.

Hike The Best Trails

Discover your next great adventure.

Vacation Hotspots

5 budget-friendly destinations for kids.

Top of the Giant Trail

Get tips on this amazing Sleeping Giant hike.

Attention Detroit

A short drive gets you a lot of vacation fun in Ontario, Canada

Get Hooked in Algonquin

Plan the ultimate spring brook trout canoe trip

6 Best Places To Camp On Manitoulin

Book a campsite as your base to roam this chill oasis.

The Best Camping In Ontario

Discover the best car-camping and backcountry locations.