Early Saturday morning, Olmsted Beach will be the launching point for 110 paddlers from three provinces on board 68 canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
That’s the location from which participants in the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority’s 43rd Annual Mattawa River Canoe Race will depart.
“We have paddlers from Southern Ontario, Ottawa area, Quebec, BC and even a paddler from Cote D’Ivoire, Africa,” said race coordinator Paula Loranger. “Since a good percentage of paddlers come from across the province, they will be staying in the community throughout the weekend”.
The canoe, kayak and stand-up paddlers in 13 categories will trace the historic route of the Voyageurs, making their way through lakes, rivers, fast-moving water and up to 12 portages from Olmsted Beach on Trout Lake to Mattawa Island Conservation Area, passing through Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.
“With the lack of rain, water levels may be lower than usual in the rapids. Most likely we’ll see a lot more portaging and slower finishing times this year,” added Loranger.
2018 Mattawa River Canoe Race video courtesy of the NBMCA via YouTube
The first flight of paddlers leaves Olmsted Beach at 7:30am Saturday. The categories will then depart every 15 minutes. The final paddlers head off at 8:15am. The public is welcome to attend and cheer on the participants.
“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 20, 25 even 30 years. Whether paddling 64 or 13 km in a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, in a competitive or recreational category, the race has something for everyone,” added Loranger.
