Young paddlers from across Ontario to race in Carleton Place Regatta this weekend

Some of Ontario’s top young canoe and kayak athletes will take to the water in Carleton Place this weekend as the Carleton Place Canoe Club hosts its annual Regatta by the River event.

According to Carleton Place Tourism, the regatta will welcome competitors in the U10 to U14 age divisions from canoe clubs across Ontario, giving spectators the chance to watch the province’s next generation of paddling talent compete throughout the day along Mississippi River.

Held every summer, the regatta has become a popular annual tradition in Carleton Place and beyond, drawing in athletes, coaches and families from communities across the province.

As previously reported, the event comes on the heels of an outstanding showing by Carleton Place Canoe Club athletes at the ICF Junior and U23 Sprint Canoe World Championships in Halifax, where two local paddlers returned home with gold medals for Team Canada.

Spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy the races from the shorelines of Riverside Park, where they can spend the day cheering on competitors.

A barbecue and canteen will be available throughout the event, and visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in a 50/50 draw.

Whether you’re a longtime paddling fan or discovering the sport for the first time, organizers say the annual regatta offers residents an immersive opportunity to experience one of town’s proudest sporting traditions.

The event will take place Saturday, July 18, at Riverside Park, with races running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.