April 2, 2026

Paddlers pass under the Lefebvre Road bridge during last year's Canoe Race.

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is anticipating a strong turnout for its 53rd annual Raisin River Canoe Race on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with 311 paddlers already pre-registered as of April 2.
 
“Last year was our biggest event ever, at 498 paddlers and 318 boats registered,” says Claudia Munafo, RRCA’s Public Information Coordinator. “The Race’s popularity continues to grow.”
 
First held in 1973, the Race has become a spring tradition in eastern Ontario. It features a nearly 30-kilometre course from St. Andrews West in South Stormont to Williamstown in South Glengarry, drawing hundreds of participants and enthusiastic spectators.
 
Held during the spring melt for optimal water levels, the Race has seen flow rates ranging from 71 cubic feet per second (ft³/s) in 2012 to 2,649 ft³/s in 2017. Last year’s recorded flow was 380 ft³/s.
 
“Flows as of April 2 are 544 ft³/s,” says RRCA Resource Specialist, Jason Symington. “Forecast precipitation over the Easter weekend may benefit paddlers, but conditions can change quickly.” Final conditions will be shared on RRCA’s social media the morning of the Race.
 
Paddlers looking to participate in this year’s Race can pre-register at rrca.on.ca/CanoeRace until April 8 at 11:59 pm. In-person registration on Race day may be available from 9:00 am on a first-come, first-served basis, cash only, at St. Andrews Catholic School near the start line.
 
Prior to the Race’s start at 10:30 am, paddlers and spectators can fuel up with a hearty breakfast served by the Knights of Columbus, from 7:00 to 11:00 am, at the St. Andrews Parish Hall, just across the street from the start line. A post-race dinner will be served from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at the St. Mary’s Centre, near the Race’s Williamstown finish line. Race results will be announced at 4:30 pm at the Centre. 
 
“Thanks to our dedicated safety crew, volunteers, community partners, and local sponsors, we can look forward to safe and thrilling Raisin River Canoe Race,” adds Munafo.

For more information visit rrca.on.ca/CanoeRace or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.