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Calling all paddle enthusiasts, Prince George will be the next destination to blow your mind, we challenge you to #TakeOnPG. You know who I’m talking to. Anyone who paddles 67.5 km in a tandem canoe or solo for 35 km and thinks it’s just another day at the beach - is a canoe-head. Strap the tippy boat, kayak or SUP to the top of the car and head for the banks of Nechako River for the Northern Hardware Prince George Canoe Race for the epic challenge on July 10. Share this page on Twitter.
Having a history that reaches back to 1964, there has been many a hardy paddler ply the waters. Is it your turn? Bring a friend or do the solo race. With over $10,000 there are prizes for winners in every category in both classes. A slick Clipper WWII Ultralight canoe is also up for grabs in the raffle.
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Alexander Mackenzie Class – The Ultimate Canoe Race
The tandem race sees the life vest clad racers starts at 9 a.m. at Isle Pierre on the Nechako River. Since no one can “toe the line” all the boats will be paddled upstream to line up and drift towards the start. There are only two sets of rapids ranked as Class 2 and Class 3 with most of the river rated Class 1 flowing swiftly through beautiful landscapes. The last bend has them merging with the Fraser River to arrive after about 3.5 hours on the shores at Lheidi T’enneh Memorial Park in the heart of Prince George.
The Simon Fraser Class – The Almost Anything Goes Race
As soon as the boats entered in the Alexander Mackenzie Class paddle past Wilkins Reginal Park the entrants in the Simon Fraser Class race enter the water. Any human-powered water craft such as kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards are welcomed. Inflatable rafts, dinghies, inner tubes and inflatable mattresses however are not invited. This race goes 35 kilometres around at least seven major river bends before finishing at Lheidi T’enneh Memorial Park.
Canoeing – As A Spectator Sport
Friends, families and those without a paddle or a boat can line the shores along the way but are invited to the celebrations finish line. Exploration Place will host the awards, music and a barbeque where spectators and paddlers are invited to attend.
