MACKfest

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Since its inception in 2008, the Marmora and Area Canoe and Kayak Festival, MACKfest for short, has grown significantly in popularity and developed a reputation as one of the “must make” spring whitewater festivals in Ontario.

This three-day whitewater paddler get-together is hosted at the Marmora Curling Club by volunteers from one of the largest recreational paddling clubs in Ontario, the Kawartha Whitewater Paddlers (KWP) recreational paddling club.

Paddlers come together during this weekend to celebrate the start of the paddling season, see old friends and meet new ones. There are some amazing rivers in the area known as the “highway 7 Runs” as they intersect Highway 7, running between Peterborough and Ottawa. Paddlers organize their own river expeditions during the MACKfest weekend then spend the rest of the time enjoying the event festivities…and some people just come for the event festivities!

The Upper and Lower Black
Beaver
Skootamatta,
Salmon,
Crowe and others typically only flow in early spring with the snow melt and seasonal rain.

They feature river runs from Class II-IV as well as a number of quality park and play spots.

This annual festival is a great way to kickstart your paddling season, dust off your winter cobwebs and meet new and old friends. Aside from exciting spring boating, the event promises amazing prizes from many sponsors and great live music, with proceeds going to local community organizations and river advocacy initiatives. Organizers are looking forward to boaters gathering in Marmora once again to celebrate spring paddling in Ontario!