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40th annual Mattawa River Canoe Race seeking paddlers

Paddlers will make their way through lakes, rivers, fast moving water and several portages.
BayToday Staff

Join paddlers from across Ontario at North Bay’s Olmsted Beach on July 23 to take part in the 40th Annual 64 km Mattawa River Canoe Race, presented by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.

Canoe, kayak and stand up paddlers will trace the historic route of the Voyageurs, making their way through lakes, rivers, fast moving water and several portages from North Bay to Mattawa Island Conservation Area, passing through Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.

Families and youth can also join in by participating in the 13 km race from Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park to Mattawa Island Conservation Area.

“We’ve had paddlers of all ages participate in the race from 6 years old in the 13 km race to 78 in the 64 km with some participating for 15, 20 and over 25 years.  Whether paddling 64 or 13 km in a canoe, kayak, stand up paddle board or voyageur canoe in a competitive or recreational category, the race has something for everyone,” explains Brian Tayler, CAO of NBMCA.

“At 13 km long, the family and youth races are perfect opportunities for younger paddlers to experience the thrill of the race and the history of the area,” he added.

Public can hear first-hand what the paddlers are saying about the race, check out the video on NBMCA’s You Tube channel - https://youtu.be/ChCdogGdOlM

Online registration for the 64 km race is open until July 22 at www.mattawarivercanoerace.ca.  Paddlers are required to check in at Olmsted Beach on Friday, July 22 from 5:30 to 9 pm to register or confirm their registration, receive their race number and participate in a safety briefing.  Safety briefings are mandatory for paddlers who have not participated in 2014 or 2015 races.  The race starts at 7:30 am July 23.

The 13 km family/youth race participants can register online until July 22 or at 11:30 am at the race registration tent in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park on July 23.  The 13 km race starts at 12 noon. 

Race sponsors include J.S. Redpath Ltd, BDO-North Bay, Slingchoker-North Bay, SeeMore Graphics, Pattison Outdoor Advertising, Giesler Boats, Orchards Fresh Food Market and other prize sponsors and donors.  Proceeds support NBMCA’s stewardship and outreach programs.