June 9 – June 10, 2012 at Sunnyside Beach
About MEC Paddlefest
MEC Paddlefest is an urban celebration of all things paddlesport related. Whether you’re a beginner who’s never been in a boat, or an expert paddler looking to fine-tune your skills, there are plenty of learning opportunities both on water, and on land. Come make a splash with us at MEC Paddlefest Toronto.
Registration
MEC Paddlefest is an excellent opportunity to connect to Toronto’s active and diverse paddling community, and to learn about all types of self-propelled watersports activities. So come join the fun! This free event has something for everyone, so bring the whole family down to the sweetest paddling celebration of the summer.
Registration will be online – a link to the registration form will be posted here before registration opens. Registration will open on May 26th at 12:00pm EST and will close on June 8th at 12:00am EST. Until then take a moment to view the course schedule and course descriptions. Please note that the clinic schedule is subject to change.
Event Description
Download the schedule or clinic descriptions for MEC Paddlefest Toronto.
Our courses are for all abilities, from introductory to advanced, and are taught by some of North America’s greatest paddle sports instructors. Courses are between $5 and $10 and include all the gear you need to get on the water.
The event also features a well-rounded exhibitor presence, complete with boat and equipment manufacturers, retailers, schools and clubs.
This is a family event and kids are welcome. MEC Paddlefest has something for every paddler and aspiring paddler, including opportunities to test boats from North America’s leading manufacturers.
Nalgene will also be on the beach offering water bottles to Paddlefest participants. If you start to feel the hear come by the hydration booth to fill up your water bottle and grab a free Nuun electrolyte replacement tablet.
If it rains we get wet. Unless it’s unsafe, we are on the water.
A raffle will be taking place with tickets costing $2 each. All proceeds will go to support Camp Awakening to provide outdoor recreation for youth with physical disabilities. Prizes will be donated by Whitewater Research & Safety Institute (WRSI).
Want to receive updates with our Paddlefest Newsletter? Add yourself to the list!
Our program
This year’s event will include:
- On-water and dry-land workshops
- Safety seminars
- Various boat and paddling manufacturers
- Boat demos and more
- MEC Paddle Swap
- Marketplace
- Stand up paddle boarding
- Kids’ courses
Marketplace
What is the Marketplace? It’s your chance to buy some of the great things you see at the beach! You will be able to purchase PFD’s, paddles, t-shirts, canoes and kayaks, and more from exhibitors.
You will also be able to purchase quick snacks or a great meal at the event from the Sunnyside Pavilion. And don’t forget, there will be a mini MEC store setup at Paddlefest! A great spot of grab a pair of nose plugs and goggles, some new sunscreen, or even a new boat.
Paddleswap
Have old paddling gear you want to get rid of? Come to Gear Swap’s new relative – Paddleswap. Rent a table for only $10 at MEC Paddle Swap and sell your gear. Paddle Swap runs from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on Saturday June 9th. Paddle Swap will be held beside the MEC Marketplace adjacent to the Sunnyside Pavilion, so your used gear will benefit from the high traffic Marketplace will generate. For information or to register, please email us torontopaddlefest@mec.ca.
Come see the great deals on old equipment and boats!
Location
Sunnyside Beach, in Toronto’s Western Beaches, is on the Southside of Lakeshore Boulevard. Across from where Parkside Drive meets The Queensway (1755 Lakeshore Boulevard West.). We encourage you to ride your bike, walk, or take public transit to MEC Paddlefest.
- Take public transit via Routes 501, 508, and 80, along the Queensway.
- Walk five minutes from the streetcar stop, south under the QEW.
- By bike, Sunnyside is best accessed along the waterfront trail.
If you do drive, please be aware that on busy summer days parking can be in short supply along the waterfront so we recommended you allow yourself some extra time. There is also limited parking accessible from eastbound lanes of Lakeshore Boulevard.
View Larger Map
Equipment
All of the equipment you will need for your course is included. If you would like to bring your own boat, please do! Canoes and kayaks of all types are welcome and your boat will be for your own personal use in on-water workshops. We will have PFDs available, but if you have your own, bring it along.
You’ll also want a change of clothes, snacks or a meal, and some money. The Sunnyside Cafe has a waterfront patio where you can purchase lunch or snacks, if you like.
Participation
There will be workshops specifically designed for kids, so bring the whole family!
Everyone can come learn with us. Even if you don’t swim, or have never been in a boat, come and join us – just make sure to select beginner-level workshops.
*All on-water participants will need to sign a waiver and wear a PFD or life jacket.
This event will run rain or shine. In the event of lightning or other dangerous weather on-water activities may be temporarily suspended, but on-land events will proceed as scheduled. As long as it’s safe, we’ll be on the water.
Our Exhibitors for 2012
- 1000 Islands Kayaking
- Boardworks Surf Canada
- Canadian Canoe Museum
- CPAWS Wildlands League
- Feel Free
- Future Watch
- Grey Owl
- H2O Performance Paddles
- Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre
- Hooligan
- Kaenon Polarized
- Kahuna Creations
- Keen Canada
- KidSport Ontario
- Kokatat
- Learntokayak.ca
- Level Six
- Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC)
- Maui and Sons Canada
- Mountain Equipment Co-op
- Northwest River Supply (NRS)
- Nova Craft
- Ontario Parks
- Outward Bound
- P&H
- Paddle Canada
- Pelican
- Predator
- Pyranha
- Seals Sprayskirts
- Street to Trail Association
- Surf Ontario
- Thermor Ltd.
- Think Kayaks
- Venture Kayaks
- Wilderness Medical Associates
- Wilderness Tours
- Wooden Canoe Heritage Association
Contact
For more information, or if you are interested in becoming involved in MEC Paddlefest, please contact:
- Chris Steers or Chris Ejbich
torontopaddlefest@mec.ca
416.340.2667
Sponsors
Class III
