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The 8th Annual Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival

Registration fees

Family Guided Shore Lunch Closed

  1. $30.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

3 Person YMCA Sprint Closed

Individual

  1. $20.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

3 Person YMCA Sprint Team Closed

Team

  1. $60.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Elite Closed

At approximately 32 km in length, the Elite Challenge is the most physically demanding course in the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival. This challenge requires participants to paddle both the Mattagami and Mountjoy Rivers and incorporates one 100 metre portage. Kayak carts may be used but will not be supplied. Carts will be available for purchase. Open to all age groups, 3-4 hours estimated duration. Boat restrictions: Any length of kayak. Kayaks must have internal storage compartments (bulkheads), storage deck rigging or storage compartments to carry all the gear required for the race.

  1. $110.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Elite Recreational Closed

The Elite Recreational Challenge will take place on the Mattagami River. This course is 16 km in length with no portages. Open to all age groups, 2 hours of less estimated duration. Boat restrictions: 10.65:1 ratio, any construction

  1. $75.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Recreational Closed

The Recreational Challenge will take place on the Mattagami River. This course is 16 km in length with no portages. Open to all age groups, 2-3 hour estimated duration. 14’4″ and under, any construction

  1. $60.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

The Open Long Boat Closed

At 6.5 km in length, the Open Long Boat Challenge takes place on the Mattagami River only. There will be no portages in this division. You may enter the Open Challenge even if you have participated in other divisions. Open to all age groups, 45 minutes to an hour estimated duration. Boat restrictions: 10.65:1 ratio, any construction

  1. $30.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Novice Closed

At 5 km in length, the Novice Challenge, which takes place on the Mattagami River only, is perfect for those who kayak casually or are new to the sport. There will be no portages in this division. Open to all age groups with less than 2 years of kayak paddling experience, 1-2 hour estimated duration. Boat restrictions: 14’4″ and under, any construction

  1. $30.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Seniors/Masters Elite Closed

Paddling the Mattagami River only, this challenge is 6.5 km in length with no portages. Open to those 55 and over, 1-1.5 hour estimated duration. Boat restrictions:Kayaks must have internal storage compartments (bulkheads), storage deck rigging or storage compartments to carry all the gear required for the race

  1. $30.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Youth Closed

Paddling the Mattagami River only, this challenge is 3 km in length with no portages. Open to those age 14 and under, 1-2 hour estimated duration. Boat restrictions: 14’4″ and under, any construction

  1. $20.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Kayak Marketplace Exhibition with electrical Closed

This applies to exhibitors selling goods or services from the park or promoting a product or service for profit. Each exhibitor will receive a 10' x `10' space and must provide their own tables and chairs. Displays must be professional in appearance and staff/representative must be present for the duration of the event. Note that this option provides electricity at an added cost of $15.00.

  1. $75.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Kayak Marketplace Exhibition Closed

This applies to exhibitors selling goods or services from the park or promoting a product or service for profit. Each exhibitor will receive a 10' x `10' space and must provide their own tables and chairs. Displays must be professional in appearance and staff/representative must be present for the duration of the event. Note that this option does NOT provide access to electricity.

  1. $60.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Kayak Marketplace Exhibition NFP w Electricity Closed

This applies to exhibitors who are non-profit organizations or service clubs. Each exhibitor will receive a 10' x `10' space and must provide their own tables and chairs. Displays must be professional in appearance and staff/representative must be present for the duration of the event. Note that this option provides electricity at an added cost of $15.00.

  1. $40.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Kayak Marketplace Exhibition NFP no Electricity Closed

This applies to exhibitors who are non-profit organizations or service clubs. Each exhibitor will receive a 10' x `10' space and must provide their own tables and chairs. Displays must be professional in appearance and staff/representative must be present for the duration of the event.

  1. $25.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Celebrity Closed

By invitation only

  1. Free
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

The Open Little Boat Closed

At 6.5 km in length, the Open Little Boat Challenge takes place on the Mattagami River only. There will be no portages in this division. You may enter the Open Challenge even if you have participated in other divisions. Open to all age groups, 45 minutes to an hour estimated duration. Boat restrictions: 14'4 and under, any construction.

  1. $30.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

*New* Plastic Kayak Challenge Closed

At 10km in length, the Plastic Kayak Challenge takes place on the Mattagami River only. Open to all age groups. Boat restrictions: any length of plastic kayak.Kayaks must have internal storage compartments (bulkheads), storage deck rigging or storage compartments to carry all the gear required for the race

  1. $40.00
    Feb. 29 - Aug. 25

Festival Events

The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival

From paddling events, kayak sprint events to Arts & Culture Routes Vendors, kayak celebration is in the air and you cannot miss it in Timmins, Ontario. And even if you are not into kayaking competition, there is still something for everyone.

The City of Timmins is a sophisticated and thriving municipality surrounded by pristine forests and over five hundred lakes, rivers and streams. The community has a rich and vibrant history, and it is strategically located in the heart of Northern Ontario. The City of Timmins is not only a center for industry, commerce, distribution and finance, but also considered to be the hub for culture and healthcare in the region.

As a regional centre, Timmins provides services and opportunities to approximately 45,000 local citizens and 118,000 regional residents. Kayaking in Timmins Ontario is a tradition. This unique destination provides for Canada’s best kayak vacations and trips.

If you love paddling, consider Timmins for your canoe trips in Ontario. You will find comprehensive kayaking and canoeing guides for all the leisure events and competitions.


We’ve had visitors coming for kayaking in Timmins from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, London, sudbury and even from the US. These visitors left great feedback and were pleased with their trip quality as attested by the genuine testimonials received.

For kayaking holidays packages, car rentals, fishing and boating programs and contact number, check Travel Planner 2015. It has helpful information if you want to explore the city, find a hotel, flight, stores and shops where you can buy kayak accessories, gear, etc. Of course, you can always buy Canoes, Kayaks & SUP’s from Walmart Canada in Timmins, Ontario.



Event schedule

  • Sat., August 27, 2016 9:00 a.m. - The Elite Challenge
  • Sat., August 27, 2016 10:00 a.m. - The Elite Recreational Challenge
  • Sat., August 27, 2016 10:15 a.m. - The Recreational Challenge
  • Sat., August 27, 2016 11:00 a.m. - Plastic Boat Challenge
  • Sat., August 27, 2016 12:00 p.m. - The Celebrity Challenge
  • Sat., August 27, 2016 12:30 p.m. - The Seniors/Masters Challenge
  • Sat., August 27, 2016 12:45 p.m. - Open Little Boat Challenge
  • Sat., August 27, 2016 1:00 p.m. - The Youth Challenge
  • Sat., August 27, 2016 2:00 p.m. - The Novice Challenge
  • Sat., August 27, 2016 3:15 p.m. - The Open Long Challenge
  • Sun., August 28, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 3-Person Kayak
  • Sun., August 28, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 5 km Guided Family Leisure Paddle and Shore Lunch

Contact information

Event contact
Marnie Lapierre
Email
marnie.lapierre@timmins.ca