Canoe the Nonquon is an annual race that takes place on the first Saturday in June each year. The race is sanctioned by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (OMCKRA).  The race was started by the Lake Scugog Historical Society as a fundraiser for the Scugog Shores Museum Village. Many volunteers help plan and organize the race each year.  

53rd Canoe the Nonquon - Saturday, June 3rd, 2023

53rd annual canoe the nonquon event in support of the scugog shores museum on Saurday June 3. All ages and skill levels welcome. Sponsored by Durham tourism, brocks and two blokes cider. For updated and additional information visit www.scugog.ca/canoe or call 905-985-8698.

View the 2023 Canoe the Nonquon News Release

Registration

 Pre-Register Online!

Registration

Step 1: Participants can pre-register online to submit their information and pay their registration fee.

Step 2: Participants fill out their Registration Package and email a copy to museum@scugog.ca. 

Step 3: Participants complete their registration at the Latcham Centre on Friday, June 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. or Saturday, June 3 from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. where you will receive your race number. 
Registration Fees
The registration fee is $65 per canoe, kayak or SUP. Participants who wish to raise additional funds for the museum through pledges can do so using the Pledge Sheet. Participant's can pre-register online to pay their registration fee but all participants MUST bring their completed forms to the Latcham Centre before proceeding to the start line. Upon registration at the Latcham Centre you will receive your race number.
Classes

Participants must register in one of the following classes:

Canoe full course: C1, C2, Men, Women, Mixed, 40 or Better Men, 40 or Better Women, 40 or Better Mixed, Family Jr. & Sr., SUP

Canoe river only: 17 & Under, Men, Women, Mixed

Kayak full course: K1, K2, Men (single paddler), Women (single paddler)

Kayak river only: 17 & Under (single paddler), Men (single paddler), Women (single paddler)

Brochure

 

The Course

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

Finish Location (for river only participants): Robinglade Park

Finish Location (for full course participants): Public Pier in Port Perry at the Latcham Centre
About the Course

The course starts on the twisty Nonquon River. For the first few kilometers there are many tight bends to practice 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 - 10:30 am 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 a large number of 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).

Rules and Regulations
  1. Participants must register at the Latcham Centre registration desk to pick up their canoe entry number either Friday evening or Saturday morning.
  2. All vessels must pay the minimum registration fee (regardless of number of participants in watercraft), but pledges above the minimum registration fee are appreciated, welcome and recommended.
  3. All participants must sign a waiver and next of kin emergency form, at registration. Participants under 18 years of age must have their form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  4. Vessels with three adults will be allowed in the race, but will not be eligible for prizes/medals.
  5. Canadian Government Regulations require the following in every canoe or kayak: Appropriately sized, Canadian approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person in the craft – we recommend that all participants wear a PFD, Sound signaling device (pealess whistle), 15m (50’) of buoyant rope, Manual bailer, An extra paddle and/or paddle leash is recommended
  6. Competitor numbers are self-adhesive. Participants should stick one number of the front right and one number on the back left of their vessel.
  7. All participants must be at or past Robinglade Park by noon or they will be asked to withdraw from race by race officials.
  8. No other watercraft will be allowed to participate in the race after the sweep canoe(s) leave the start line.
  9. To ensure your safety, competitors withdrawing from the race must advise a checkpoint operator or call Race Headquarters at: 905-261-6460.
  10. Canoe the Nonquon Safety Boats will NOT be on the lake after 2:00 pm. After 2:00 p.m., proceed to shore and withdraw from the race.
The rules of good sportsmanship prevail. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification. Decisions made by the Race Committee are final.

Volunteer Opportunities

Checkpoint Volunteers
Checkpoint volunteers are stationed at different locations along the race to check boat times and numbers then report them to headquarters. This ensures all our participants are safe an accounted for. 
Safety Boat Volunteers
Safety boat volunteers patrol the water at different locations along the course to ensure all participants are safe during the event and assist any vessels that become stuck. Safety boat volunteers must have their own boat and are provided with safety equipment for the day. 
Youth Volunteers
Youth volunteers help throughout the event with set up, take down, serving at the BBQ, assisting checkpoint volunteers and more! If you know someone wanting to get their community hours for high school this is a great opportunity! 

For all volunteer opportunities please email museum@scugog.ca. 

Thank you to our community volunteer groups that help make Canoe the Nonquon possible!

Thank you port perry lions

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Canoe the Nonquon event would not be possible without the generosity of our local sponsors. It is not to late to help! View our Canoe the Nonquon Sponsorship Package if you are interested in supporting Canoe the Nonquon. 

Thank you to our Canoe the Nonquon 2023 Sponsors!

 Event sponsor Durham TourismAward sponsor Brocks Department StoreExperience Sponsor Cozzy ElectricEvent Supporter Two Blokes Cider

Zero Waste Event

This year we are aiming to be a Zero Waste event! 

How can you help?

  • Bring a reusable water bottle. A special thank you Two Blokes Cider for their generous donation of pre-refrigerated water kegs at the start and end of the race.
  • Share information on our event electronically to cut down on paper waste.
  • We are using compostable materials, if bringing snacks use reusable containers.
  • Carpool with friends also attending the event. 

For more information on how to help us in achieving a Zero-Waste event visit the Zero Waste Canada website.