The historic Northern Hardware Canoe Race is back once again this Canada Day weekend.
It’s the third year for the revived race, which ran for nearly 25 years until it was discontinued in 1984.
This year, organizers say some of the best paddlers on the continent will be taking part in the Alexander Mackenzie 67.5 km race.
“They’re going to convene this July 1st – both men’s and women’s paddlers – so it should be very exciting,” says Patrick Turner, president of the Two Rivers Canoe Club. “It’s a very high quality event. The other thing that separates us from other races around North America is we have this incredible local support.”
Turner says the race could be quite spectacular due to high river conditions.
“The rapids – at Isle Pierre and the White Mud rapids – have a mythic reputation. Well, this year they live up to that reputation. They’re fast and they’re big and powerful. Canoes that go through there, the paddler’s going to have to be very attentive and skilled to get through there without incident.”
There are safety precautions in place to make sure anyone who goes into the water, comes out alright.
“Our race director has organized the PG Jet Boat Society to be on the water with PG SAR techs, which they love because they get live training if anyone goes out of their boat or the boat tips.”
As part of the 25 km Simon Fraser race, which starts in Miworth, teams have the option to take part in the Nechako Treasure Hunt, which Turner says is back for a second year.
“Ten buoys floating in the river with flags on them. Each bouy is sponsored by a local organization. That’s always a lot of fun. Each canoe coming down the river can pick up a buoy and they’re open for that prize.”
Sponsors include Crossroads, Stride and Glide, Cyclogic and Tourism Prince George.
In addition to canoes, paddleboards and kayaks are welcome to participate. The event begins at 9 am on Saturday and will wrap up with a BBQ and awards ceremony near Exploration Place, becoming part of the day’s Canada 150 celebrations in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.
The top canoe will receive $2,000 and an engraved trophy.
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