Canoe the Nonquon

Participants are encouraged to raise additional funds through pledges using the Pledge Sheet. There is a prize for top pledge collection!

Start Location

Bridge on Scugog Line 12, between Old Simcoe Road and Simcoe Road North near the village of Seagrave, 10 minutes north of Port Perry.

Finish Location

Finish Location (for river only participants): Robinglade Park

Finish Location (for full course participants): Public Pier in Port Perry at the Latcham Centre

The Course

The course starts on the twisty Nonquon River. For the first few kilometers there are many tight bends to practice your rudder turns. There are also some dead end channels along the river section (when in doubt always keep right).

There is 12 km of river paddling followed by an 8 km sprint along the shores of Lake Scugog to the finish line. Participants race the clock and can start anytime between 8:00 - 10:30 am on Saturday morning.

This is a well attended race with a long-standing history in the community. Amateurs and professionals, young and older, may compete in a large number of competitive or recreational categories.

Shuttle vans are available to take participants back to their cars upon concluding the race at either Robinglade Park (river only) or Palmer Park (full course).

1. Participants must register at the Latcham Centre registration desk to pick up their canoe entry number either Friday evening or Saturday morning.
2. All vessels must pay the minimum registration fee (regardless of number of participants in watercraft), but pledges above the minimum registration fee are appreciated, welcome and recommended.
3. All participants must sign a waiver and next of kin emergency form, at registration. Participants under 18 years of age must have their form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
4. Vessels with three adults will be allowed in the race, but will not be eligible for prizes/medals.
5. Canadian Government Regulations require the following in every canoe or kayak: Appropriately sized, Canadian approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person in the craft – we recommend that all participants wear a PFD, Sound signaling device (pealess whistle), 15m (50’) of buoyant rope, Manual bailer, An extra paddle and/or paddle leash is recommended
6. Competitor numbers are self-adhesive. Participants should stick one number of the front right and one number on the back left of their vessel.
7. All participants must be at or past Robinglade Park by noon or they will be asked to withdraw from race by race officials.
8. No other watercraft will be allowed to participate in the race after the sweep canoe(s) leave the start line.
9. To ensure your safety, competitors withdrawing from the race must advise a checkpoint operator or call Race Headquarters at: 905-261-6460.
10. Canoe the Nonquon Safety Boats will NOT be on the lake after 2:00 pm. After 2:00 p.m., proceed to shore and withdraw from the race.

The rules of good sportsmanship prevail. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification. Decisions made by the Race Committee are final.

To volunteer please complete the volunteer application.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Registration – Assist on Friday night registration (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm) and Saturday morning registration (7:00 am – 10:00 am). Volunteers will assist in directing participants

Checkpoint – Checkpoint volunteers assist at the start line (Seagrave), Robinglade Park, and the finish line (Palmer Park). Checkpoint volunteers record boats as they enter, exit, and pass by the checkpoints. This information is communicated to Museum staff and the safety coordinator to ensure all participants are safe and accounted for. Volunteers also assist in answering questions and directing guests as necessary.

BBQ and Merchandise – Assist in selling items at the Museum BBQ in Palmer Park as well as selling Canoe the Nonquon Merchandise in the Latcham Centre.

Announcer – Announce boat numbers as they reach the finish line and provide announcements in Palmer Park.

Audio Visual – Assist in setting up Audio Visual equipment and troubleshoot as necessary. Equipment includes announcer sound system, setup of Race Operations screens, setup of projector, etc.

Safety Coordinator – Communicate with radio operators, staff, safety boats, and emergency services (first aid team and volunteer firefighter boat) to ensure the safety of participants. The main job is to ensure each participant boat is accounted for.

***Safety Boats*** – Do you own a boat and are able to volunteer for the day? This is our most needed volunteer position! As a safety boat volunteer, you will provide your own boat and spend the day on the lake as you monitor participants while staying in contact with the safety coordinator. Participants will be monitored for any unexpected exits or signs of distress. Volunteer firefighters are on the lake with you in case of participant distress.

Photography – Do you have a love for photography and experience with sport and nature photographs? Photographers are needed for action shots of the race as well as at the awards ceremony!

Set-up and take-down – Assist in set-up and take-down of the event including setting out chairs for the award ceremony, taking down chairs and tables in the Latcham Centre, and assisting in setting up stations in Palmer Park (ex. First aid station, BBQ station, finish line).

For questions about volunteer opportunities, please email museum@scugog.ca. 

Thank you to our community volunteer groups that help make Canoe the Nonquon possible!

The Canoe the Nonquon event would not be possible without the generosity of our local sponsors. It is not to late to help! Sponsorship information available here!