The 56th annual Canoe the Nonquon is taking place on Saturday, June 6, in Port Perry. The race is sanctioned by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (OMCKRA). Canoe the Nonquon was started by the Lake Scugog Historical Society as a fundraiser for the Scugog Shores Museum Village and continues to support the Museum and Archives each year. This race is open to all ages and all skill levels.
The course starts on the twisty Nonquon River. For the first few kilometers, there are many tight bends to challenge your rudder turns. There are also some dead-end channels along the river section (when in doubt always keep right). There is 12 km of river paddling followed by an 8 km sprint along the shores of Lake Scugog to the finish line.
Participants race the clock and can start anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. This is a well attended race with a long-standing history in the community. Amateurs and professionals, young and older, may compete in several competitive or recreational categories. Shuttle vans are available to take participants back to their cars upon concluding the race at either Robinglade Park (river only) or Palmer Park (full course).
Pre-registration Opens on Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Pre-registration opens online on Wednesday, March 25, at 7:00 a.m. The first 25 online registrants will be entered into a draw for a Canoe the Nonquon merchandise package including a shirt, hat, patch and a family season’s admission to the Scugog Shores Museum Village. Participants can still register in-person at the Latcham Centre, 121 Queen Street, Port Perry, on Friday, June 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or Saturday, June 6, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. All participants, pre-registered or in-person, must complete their registration by checking in with event staff and receiving their race number at the Latcham Centre on Friday, June 5 or Saturday, June 6 before proceeding to the start line. You will not be permitted to start the race without this number. All race forms and pre-registration will be available on our Canoe the Nonquon page.
The registration fee is $65 per vessel (canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board). Pledge forms are available, and participants are encouraged to raise additional funds for the Museum and Archives.
Start Location
Bridge on Scugog Line 12, between Old Simcoe Road and Simcoe Road North near the village of Seagrave, 10 minutes north of Port Perry.
Finish Location
Robinglade Park (if racing river only), or public pier in Port Perry, at the Latcham Centre (if racing full course).
Canoe the Nonquon is the largest annual fundraiser for the Scugog Shores Museum Village. Minimum race entrance fee is $65, but all participants are encouraged to raise more money through sponsorship to support our community and the Museum as we celebrate the 56th running of the race!
We would like to thank our generous sponsors.
• Durham Tourism
• Brock’s Department Store
• Tudor Pines Bed and Breakfast
• Vos Independent
The Annual Canoe the Nonquon event is made possible through the support of our community, and we are currently seeking sponsors and volunteers to help make this year’s event a success. Businesses, organizations, and individuals are invited to get involved by providing sponsorship support or volunteering their time on race day. Your contribution will help us continue this long-standing tradition, support local recreation, and bring our community together along the water. Anyone interested in sponsoring or volunteering is encouraged to contact us at museum@scugog.ca.
