Little Current to Killarney Canoefest

Manitoulin Brewing Company (MBC) and Killarney Mountain Lodge (KML) put together a video last October 2018 to unveil MBC’s new beer, Killarney Cream Ale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDQsE4r_YI4. The video concept was built around the delivery of the first keg of this signature Ale being made by 30 foot Voyageur Canoe from the Home of The MBC, Little Current, Manitoulin Island to the KML, in the Town of Killarney on the shore of Georgian bay. Once this epic Voyage was completed the owners of both companies said “We need to share this with others” and so “The Current to Killarney Canoe fest” was born. The race is a marathon canoe race approximately 40 km in length. It starts from Little Current Ontario and finishes in Killarney Ontario crossing the expansive waters of Georgian Bay. Racers will be required to navigate to four different “check points” while paddling from the start to the finish.

Little Current is located on the North East corner of Manitoulin (Largest Fresh Water Island In the World) where the historic swing bridge announces “your now on Island time”. Minidoo Mnis “Spirit Island” is the home for six Anishinaabe reserves (M’Chigeeng, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Aundeck Omni Kaning, Wiikwemkoong and Zhiibaahaasing.) Killarney located on the shore of Georgian Bay first non-Anishinaabe settlers were French Fur traders who set up a trading post named Shabahonaning “Canoe Passage”. It is now the access point for some of the top 10 paddle destinations in North America as rated by a number of Canoe and Kayak magazines. The route follows the traditional passages paddled by the Anishinaabe and then followed by the Voyageurs. It is particularly well suited for the traditional “Big Canoes” of the Fur Trade (no portages, big open water) and organizers are attempting to make it the largest gathering of these big canoes of any of the Ontario Marathon Canoe Races. But we will also be including Tandem canoes, Tandem Kayak, Solo Kayak (due to open water nature of this race please see race regulations for boat specification) and a new arrival OC6 boats. Big water skills and open water navigation will be real assets in this paddling marathon.

Come on out and try your skills against some of Ontario’s most scenic paddling country, make some memories, tell some tales over an Ale in one of the most beautiful places Georgian Bay has to offer after paddling through some of North America’s most historic canoe routes. Below is from race rules. See full document on website: Code of Conduct. All participants are expected to adhere to sportsmanlike conduct. The North Channel waterway is used by many interest groups and as such impact to other groups must be minimized. Land along the channel must be respected. Trespassing on private property/ First Nation Territory is both prohibited and not required. The use of drugs and alcohol is strictly prohibited. Rule Violations Inappropriate behavior by supporters and/or competitors will be penalized at the discretion of race officials. Protests must be addressed in writing to the race organizers within two hours after of completing the race. The protest must clearly indicate the rule which was violated and details of the complaint. A fee of $30 will be levied which will be returned if the protest is upheld.