Upcoming Events
The following is a list of potential group activities being planned for Chapter members. Some of the events are awaiting confirmation of exact dates and times by event hosts. Updates will be provided as they become available.
2026
Romance of the Paddle: A historical look at canoe paddles as betrothal gifts
Virtual Zoom Presentation
with the Three Rivers Chapters
March 2026
Exact date and time to be determined
A joint virtual event with the Three Rivers Chapter (Ohio), Northern Lakes member Murat Vardar will be presenting research findings regarding 3 historic antique paddle all dated to between the 1850s-1860s. Design elements and decorative features on these historic pieces will be discussed and will be of particular interest to paddle makers. Extensive research genealogical and historic research was also conducted revealing a fascinating story behind each of the paddles. One is tied to a prominent loyalist family whose family farm was the site of a critical battle in the War of 1812; the second to a famed native builder in Michigan who lived to be over 100 years old; and the final tied to a supposed battle between Ojibwe and Dakota tribes along the modern Wisconsin/Minnesota border.
Date and time specifics will be posted when final details determined.
Rideau Paddlefest
Saturday June 13, 2026
Smiths Falls, ON
Ontario Solo Canoe Rendezvous
Peterborough, ON
June 19th - 21st, 2026
The Northern Lakes Chapter is collaborating with ORCKA and Paddle Canada to have a multi-day Assembly style gathering at Beavermead Park in Peterborough, ON to start off National Paddling Week. The focus of the event is on Solo Canoes and is being called the Ontario Solo Canoeing Rendezvous. Overnight camping will be available at the adjacent campground located a 5 minute walk to the Canadian Canoe Museum. Registered participants will get a discount for the guided tour of the museum's storage facility and programming will include multiple paddling clinics. Our Chapter will be working on the project boat and have displays with multiple manufacturers sending different modern designs to try out in the waters of Little Lake. More programming and complete registration details to follow as they become available.
Wooden Canoe Heritage Association
Annual Assembly
Theme: Watercraft of New York
July 14-19th, 2026
Paul Smith's, New York State
Dates for the annual WCHA Assembly have been confirmed. Wooden canoe enthusiasts from all over the USA, Canada, and a few other countries are set to converge at Paul Smith’s College in New York State on July 14 through July 19th. The event runs from Tuesday evening through Sunday morning, and includes classes on canoe paddling , construction and restoration, camp crafts, and lots of paddling opportunities on the beautiful adjacent Adirondack lakes. Additional information with registration and programming details to be be released.
Make a Splash Festival
DATE TBD (August 2026)
Gull Lake Rotary Park - Gravenhurst, ON
10am - 3pm
The Town of Gravenhurst hosts and annual free paddling event every August at Gull Lake Rotary Park Beach. The family friendly, fun-filled day allows folks to try out a variety of paddling craft supplied by the town. The Town will provide PFDs for those participating and the waterfront will be monitored by lifeguards on duty. Local outfitters will be bringing in canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and the associated equipment required like safety kits, paddles, etc. Additional events include swim races and a sandcastle building contest. The Northern Lakes Chapter will have an information booth and displays of wooden canoe craft including a 3-foot model birchbark canoe under construction.
Hastings Waterfront Festival
DATE TBD (August 2026)
Hastings, ON
The Chapter may have a booth at the annual Hastings Waterfront Festival which takes place the third Saturday in August. A fun filled and free public event that features vintage boats showcased along shorelines of the lovely Trent River.
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