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

Dogs Welcome!

Top dog-friendly resorts.

Top of the Giant Trail

Get tips on this amazing Sleeping Giant hike.

Best Backcountry Camping in Ontario

7 destinations that are wild with beauty and fun.

Your Outdoor Adventure Vacation Starts Here

10 best activities in Lake Superior Provincial Park.

Your Family’s Best Summer Ever

Explore dozens of family-friendly outdoor itineraries.

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

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

Agawa Falls Trail

Hike to Agawa Canyon's deepest secret.

Explore Ontario’s Hidden Gems

18 destinations you need to visit.

Call Us Crazy

23 Adrenaline Rushes Found Only in Ontario

Can’t get away this winter?

Discover the best winter vacations for retirees.

POWERFUL ENERGY

Explore Temagami's spiritual sites with the utmost respect.

9 of the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations

And they’re all in Ontario.

Horseback Trail Riding in Ontario

Discover the best horseback riding trails and clubs.

Attention Detroit

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

Canoeing in Toronto

Locals share best places to paddle in the GTA.

Insider’s Guide to Sleeping Giant

Everything you need to plan a trip to this iconic provincial park.

Where to See Ontario's Coolest Wildlife

Get expert tips on how to spot these iconic species.

Best Cross Country Ski Spots

Explore the top trails this season.

March Break

Everything you need to know

Best Northern Lights Destinations

6 places in Ontario for incredible Aurora Borealis viewing.