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Join us for our third annual PaddleFest on July 12th, 2025
Mark your calendar for July 12th at 11am! PaddleFest is back and BIGGER and BETTER than before!
🗓 Saturday, July 12 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 McLean Avenue Beach, Arnprior
PaddleFest is back for round two – and this year we’re making even bigger waves! Join us for a fun-filled day on the Ottawa River that brings together paddling, community, live music, delicious eats, and exciting activities for all ages.
What’s New in 2025?
Build-an-Oru Kayak Races – Think you can build a kayak faster than your friends? Put your skills to the test in this timed challenge for fun prizes!
Even More Vendors – Browse a curated selection of local makers, outdoor brands, food trucks, and artisans.
Event Highlights:
Guided Paddle Tour – Explore the scenic shoreline on a relaxing, beginner-friendly group paddle.
(Registration required – sign up here!)
Beach Yoga with Happy Tree Yoga – Ground yourself with a peaceful yoga session right on the sand.
(Registration required – sign up here!)
Live Music by Spare Change – Enjoy the laid-back vibe with great tunes throughout the day.
Food Trucks You’ll Love
Rump Roasters – Slow-roasted meats, pit-smoked perfection, and juicy rotisserie favourites.
Jaydog Gourmet Hot Dogs – Back by popular demand, their gourmet dogs are a must-try.
Talk to the Experts
Have questions about paddling gear? We’ll have brand reps on-site from some of our favourite lines. Get tips about the Pakayak, Tucktec, Delta, Bonafide, Oru, and more. Come ask questions, check 'em out, and maybe even try something new!
This free community event is made possible in partnership with the Town of Arnprior. We’re so grateful to all our collaborators, especially Happy Tree Yoga, Spare Change, and our fantastic vendors for making PaddleFest a day to remember.
💧 Bring your friends, bring your family, and get ready for a summer splash – we’ll see you on the beach!
Location & Access
Hosted at the picturesque McLean Avenue Beach in Arnprior, you'll find ample street parking available, along with a large parking lot across the road beside the baseball diamonds. Restrooms are also conveniently located on the same side as the parking lot. The event address is 178 McLean Avenue, Arnprior.
What's Happening?
Try & Buy: Kayak & Paddleboard Demos
Test paddle a wide selection of kayaks, paddleboards, paddles, and life jackets FOR FREE right from the beach! Speak with industry experts and brand reps from Pakayak, Tucktec, Delta, Bonafide, Oru, and more.
🧭 11:30AM - How to Plan Your Paddle Excursions with Marc
Learn how to prepare for safe and enjoyable paddling trips! We’ll walk you through must-have safety gear, what to wear in changing weather, and how to confidently plan your next outing.
🛶 12:00PM - Oru Kayak Build Races
Think you can fold up a kayak the fastest? Join the fun and friendly competition — and maybe win a prize while you're at it!
🧘♀️ 12:30PM – 1:30PM - Beach Yoga with Happy Tree Yoga
Flow and stretch on the sand with a peaceful, riverside yoga session.
[Sign up here!]
🌊 2:00PM - Guided Group Paddle on the Ottawa River
Don’t miss our popular guided paddle tour! Connect with fellow paddlers and explore the river together.
[Sign up here!]
Please register in advance — spots fill up fast! Bringing your own kayak is encouraged.
🎶 All Day Long
🎤 Live Music by Spare Change
Tap your toes to the sounds of Spare Change, a talented local band from Cobden, ON. Bring a chair, grab a bite, and enjoy the riverside vibes.
🌭 Food Trucks You’ll Love
Rump Roasters – Serving up mouth-watering pit-smoked meats and rotisserie favourites.
Jaydog – Back by popular demand with the best dogs around!
🛍️ Shopping & Vendors
Stroll the vendor market filled with local shops, cool finds, and tasty treats. Meet passionate makers and discover outdoor essentials, artisan goods, and more.
Timing
The event kicks off at 11AM. Come in through registration (look for the flags!). Once you are at the park, feel free to come and see us under the large tent by the beach, or wander through the vendors, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy the lively music by the musical talents of Spare Change!
Tip: bring a lawn chair to sit and enjoy the concert!
We have activities planned throughout the day including an organized paddle, lawn games, water safety lesson, yoga on the beach, and build an Oru Kayak races.
Sign up ahead of time for our organized paddle and yoga on the beach here.
We're keeping our fingers crossed for sunshine, but in case of rain, we’ve got you covered with a backup date of July 13th.
Join Us for a Splash!
PaddleFest is more than just an event; it's a celebration of community, health, and the great outdoors. We can’t wait to see you there, riding the river and embracing every wave with us!
