Red River Paddle Challenge

Get ready for a once-in-a-century celebration on the water—because this year’s Red River Paddle Challenge is an event you absolutely won’t want to miss. This year we are marking a monumental milestone: the 100-year anniversary of the legendary Les Voyageurs Canoe Race.

In 1926 Winnipeg Canoe Club Commodore Fred G. Thompson started a 100 km canoe challenge from Winnipeg to Lockport via the Winnipeg Canoe Club, in honour of his brother, Lieutenant Edward “Pace” Thompson. This iconic race helped define a century of grit, endurance, and deep connection to Manitoba’s waterways, one we are proud to continue today!

This year’s Red River Paddle Challenge will weave the heritage of Canada’s longest-running canoe race into a vibrant, modern celebration—uniting past and present through special centennial programming.

Special events will include a historical party at The Forks Historic Port including re-enactments, historical displays and celebrations. We will also release special edition swag and the opportunity to participate in the 110 km Les Voyageurs Challenge!

By hosting this historic year, the Red River Paddle Challenge isn’t just paying tribute to a rugged paddling tradition—it’s reigniting a purpose that has inspired generations: to explore, respect, and celebrate the rivers that have shaped our shared heritage. This is more than a race. It’s a living story. And this year, you’ll want to be part of it!

For 2026 we will be offering two race distances for paddlers to choose from! Both distances are open to all paddle craft. Prizes are awarded for both races.

Red River Paddle Challenge
The Red River Paddle Challenge (RRPC) is a 44 kilometre (~27 miles) long distance single day paddling race on the Red River beginning in Winnipeg, Manitoba and ending down river in Lockport, Manitoba.

Les Voyageurs Challenge
Les Voyageurs Challenge is a 110 kilometer (~68 miles) ultra distance paddling race on the Red River beginning in Ste Agathe, Manitoba and ending down river in Lockport, Manitoba. Les Voyageurs is a two-day staged race where participants paddle from Ste Agathe to The Forks Historic Port in Winnipeg on day one and then on day two participants join in with the Red River Paddle Challenge paddlers and paddle to Lockport.