Raisin River Canoe Race set for Saturday
52nd running of the event begins at 10:30 a.m. in St. Andrew's West
One of the Glengarry County’s marquee events is set for tomorrow, April 12, as the Raisin River Canoe Race takes advantage of the season’s freshet. Note, the race is again taking place on Saturday this year.
For canoeist and kayakers who pre-registered to participate, number pick-up begins at 8:30 a.m. at. St. Andrew’s Catholic School, on the banks of the might Raisin River in St. Andrew’s West.
If you are looking to compete in the event but haven’t pre-registered, competition day registration opens at 9 a.m., also at the school.
The first boats will enter the water at 10:30 a.m. in what is a staggered start to the race. Each canoe and kayak is timed individually to calculate a final result at the conclusion of the paddling downstream in Williamstown.
There is a pre-race breakfast to be held in St. Andrews Parish Hall (Knights of Columbus), from 7 through 11 a.m. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-12. Payment by cash only.
The approximately 30 km long race was first held in 1973 and has taken place nearly every year since. The timing of the event each spring is aimed to coincide with peak water levels and flows due to the freshet (spring melt and runoff).
The Raisin River between St. Andrew’s and Williamstown offers a mix of conditions for paddlers, from calm flowing waters to rapids and a dam which many opt to “shoot”.
For observers, there are a number of key spots along the route that provide exciting viewing. The first set of rapids known as Devil’s Chute are located a a short distance downstream from the race start. just east of Lefebvre Road. There is also another set of rapids just before reaching Martintown, east of Cemetery Road. The majority of spectators typically take up a vantage point in Martintown, around the area of the mill, as this provides great viewing to watch paddlers who choose to shoot the dam. Other viewers take in spots on either side of the County Road 18 bridge or just upstream from the dam, behind the firehall, which also serves as the landing spot for competitors who choose to portage the dam.
Further downstream, at roughly the 20 km mark, observers can be found at the bridge on Summerstown Road (County Road 27). For paddlers, there is another set of rapids to contend with as they make their way towards Williamstown.
The finish “line” is located adjacent to County Road 17 (John Street in Williamstown) just downstream of the sharp bend in the river. There is a terrific vantage point here for observers as well.
The nearby Char-Lan Rec Centre serves as a parking location. The facility also offers showers and change rooms for race participants. A post-race dinner will be held in the Rec Centre hall, beginning at 1 p.m., with the awards ceremony scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. Dinner is available until 6 p.m., for participants and the general public. Cost is $10, cash only.
From a personal perspective, I have taken in the Raisin River Canoe Race many times, particularly during my years working as sports editor for The Glengarry News. I can tell you that conditions have varied tremendously over the years, both in terms of weather and the river, as I am sure many veterans of the race can concur.
For another perspective, check out this video of the 2024 edition of the Raisin River Canoe Race, produced by the Raisin Region Conservation Authority, which organizes the event each year, assisted by a slew of volunteers and the South Glengarry fire department.
Race results from past years are available at this webpage. The page will also be updated on race day with 2025 results as boats come in. Note, race day results are subject to change, due to the staggered start, as more canoes and kayaks reach the finish line in Williamtown.