"A friendly canoe and kayak race in Eastern Ontario"
Starting in 1971, the Jock River Canoe race has been a rite of Spring and the unofficial opening the canoeing season for paddlers and racers alike for almost 50 years. The 12.5km race through the Richmond Fen is one of the area's great springtime adventures.
Who Is the Race For?
All paddlers including canoes, kayaks, SUPs, voyageur boats and others are welcome to race. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just want to try it out this race is for you. Racing experience is not required, simply a desire to join a fun event and to get an early put-in on the water.
Race Route
The start area for this 12.5 km (7.8 mile) section of the Jock River is on the Munster Rd. about 2 km south of the Franktown Rd.
A few minutes downstream there is a shallow rapid followed shortly by an easy chute of fast water. Open fields and the occasional farmhouse mark the next few kms before several sharp bends signal the beginning of the “Richmond Fen”, an interesting and rather eerie wetland. The first appearance of the railway marks the end of the fen, and the river widens considerably.
Shortly after passing the Trans-Canada Pipeline a long class I rapid awakens your adrenaline. The church spires of Richmond now come into view, followed by another long set of class I rapids which require some maneuvering to avoid rocks. From the end of these rapids the orange buoy marking the finish line at the Jock River Park is a welcome sight