Rideau PaddleFest:

JUNE 20, 2026 at LOWER REACH PARK, SMITHS FALL

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

Paddlefest is an annual event in which teams compete for a championship in Voyageur Canoe races. Meanwhile, their families, friends, and the public celebrate the River—its nature, history, culture, and benefits. It’s a great day on the Rideau at Kinsmen’s Lower Reach Park in Smiths Falls.

A Voyageur Canoe Celebration

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Can't Wait 'Till Next Year!

Countdown to Rideau PaddleFest:

The date is approaching fast, and we’re making preparations. Don’t miss out!

What is there to see and do:

Enjoy a day under the trees and beside the water!

You Will See...

You Can Do...

Get Involved! Join the Races! Everyone is welcome!

Two 34′ long Montreal-style canoes compete over 200 meters, in a straight line, between two buoys. The winners of each of the heats progress towards being crowned the Grand Champion Team.

You don’t have to already be on a team, there are “pick-up” spots available. Our expert organizers will place you where you are needed. If you want to race against or beside friends and family, please note that on your registration form.

Before each race, the professional Gouvernail (which translates from French to literally mean rudder) on board each canoe will give some pointers and tips. Of course, each Gouvernail has different secrets, and the competition between them for bragging rights is intense. So, you don’t need much paddling experience, just a willing spirit and a taste for adventure.

🚨 NEW FOR 2026! 🚨 All Paddlers Welcome!

Love to paddle alone or with a pal? This year PaddleFest is introducing races for kayaks, single and tandem canoes, and paddleboards!

Around lunchtime there will be a separate race for each category. Each race will be 400 meters. Starting at one buoy around the 2nd and back to the finish line—the winner takes the gold medal.

For this new event, the cost is only $25 per watercraft. Bring your boat or board with you to Lower Reach Park!

Think PaddleFest is only for Voyageur Canoes? Think again!

This year, Rideau PaddleFest is expanding the action and introducing races for:
Single Canoes
Tandem Canoes
Kayaks
Paddleboards

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler chasing a personal best or someone looking for a fun challenge on the beautiful basin on the Rideau Canal, there’s now a race category for you!

This is your chance to:
Test your skills
Challenge your friends
Enjoy a day on the water
Be part of an amazing community event.

The Rideau Canal has always brought our community together, and this year we’re excited to welcome even more paddlers to the starting line.

FAQs

What is a Voyageur Canoe Race?

Two teams at a time race against each other in 34’ (almost ten metres long) replica fur trade canoes—the same kind of canoes that used to carry les coureurs des bois up to the wilderness above Lake Superior every year to trade for beaver pelts. Races are 200-meter sprints between 2 markers.

How many paddlers are on a team?

There are usually 12. If you don’t have enough people, we usually have folks around that can help you out.

How much does each team member pay?

For the team members it is $35. That includes the professional gouvernail to help steer you to victory!

When can we practice? Many of us have never done this before.

Of course!

There are 3 opportunities to practice. The 2 evenings before the races—Thursday the 18th and Friday the 19th, from 5pm until 8:30—the canoes will be available. Please send us an email to let us know to expect you. (info@rideauroundtable.ca)

The other opportunity is before the races start. There are 6 “slots”—8:30-9:00 am, 9:00-9:30 am, and 9:30-10:00 am (times 2 canoes).

What do I need?

A pulse and $35 bucks. Previous paddling experience is useful, but not necessary, especially if you have played a team sport. If you have your own paddle and PFD (life jacket), all the better.

We provide everything but a competitive spirit and a touch of luck. The winners of last year’s championship race won by less than a meter.

How do I enter a team?

Don’t delay. Registration is limited to 8 teams. Fill out the form below to sign up. Reserve you teams spot as a captain with a $35 deposit (fully refundable, or we can add you to a pickup team). Then come up with a clever name (there will be a prize for the best name!), crew mates, and challenge “those other guys” to a smackdown for the crown! (which is actually a one-of-a-kind commemorative paddle)

Join the Main Event at Rideau PaddleFest- the Voyageur Canoe Races!

Sign Up a Team!

Are you interested in entering a team to race this year? Just give a (fully refundable) deposit and a few details, and you are in!

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photo contest

PaddleFest is proud to announce the annual photo contest!

CATEGORIES:

All Around the Rideau Canal – photos related to the Rideau Waterway taken during Paddlefest.
Paddlefest Action in Water – the races, tours, tug-of -war and moon shadow paddling
Festival Fun – your photos of entertainment, children’s activities, displays, presentations, etc. at Paddlefest

AGE CATEGORIES:

All ages.

PRIZES:

Prize information to be announced.

DEADLINE:

All entries uploaded through the various contest entry channels outlined above must be received prior to midnight, Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Other Details:

Feel free to submit titles, descriptions, and keyword tags to each image. The more information you include, the easier it will be for others to find your great photos later. Include your contact information and school grade (if applicable) in the body of your email.

past paddlefests