Over 130 paddlers from six provinces have signed up for the 41st Annual Mattawa River Canoe Race on July 29, presented by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.
Families and youth looking for a taste of the Mattawa River Canoe Race can still register for the 13 km portion of the race. Registrations for the 64km leg of the race have now closed, but a record number of 70 boats are signed up.
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.
“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,” Paula Loranger, Community Relations Coordinator, NBMCA.
“At 13 km, the family and youth races are perfect opportunities for younger paddlers to experience the thrill of the race and the history of the area,” she added.
The family and youth race participants can register until July 28 or at 11:30 am at the race registration tent in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park on July 29. The 13 km race starts at 12 noon.
The general public can join in the excitement during a pre-race public hike on Friday, July 28 at 9:30 am at Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area. A bus will be available from North Bay at 8:15 am from New Ontario Brewery, 1881 Cassells Street. Call NBMCA at 705 474-5420 to reserve a seat.
Guiding the 1.5 hour hike is Liz Lott, local photographer and visual artist. The theme of the hike is "Nature and Photography". Discover nature through the camera lens. Bring your camera, phone, DSLR or manual camera.
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