The 2025 Raisin River Canoe Race took place on Saturday, April 12 and had the largest participation in the 52-year history of the event.
The annual 30-kilometre canoe race begins in St. Andrew’s West and ends in Williamstown.
“We had 318 boats registered for a total of 498 paddlers,” said Raisin Region Conservation Authority Race Coordinator, Lissa Deslandes. “We’re thrilled to see the Canoe Race continue to grow in popularity. It’s a festive event that brings our community and visitors together on the Raisin River – the largest watershed in the RRCA’s jurisdiction.”
Noémie Boudreau of Sherbrooke and Simon Dessureault of Coteau-du-Lac won first place in the mixed recreational canoe category. It was Dessureault’s fourth time doing the race, and Noémie’s first. “He sold me on it,” Boudreau said with a laugh. Both seasoned racers, Dessureault said the Raisin River Canoe Race is his favourite. “I like that the boats launch three at a time at the start line, it means there’s always an opportunity to interact with other paddlers throughout the Race: it adds little challenges.”
The Canoe Race is always held during the spring melt, when water levels are high, and flows are favourable. Measurements taken in the early morning of the race put the flow at 380 cubic feet per second – a slower rate compared to last year’s 790 cubic feet per second.
“The slower flow meant the Devil’s Chute rapids were kinder this year, and less paddlers got a cold plunge in the Raisin’s waters,” said Deslandes.
The fastest overall finishing time – 2 hours, 34 minutes and 31 seconds – was snatched by the pro canoe duo of Joel Malenfant and Perry Rancourt. Full interim Race results are available online at rrca.on.ca/Results.
“The RRCA thanks the volunteers, safety crew, and community sponsors that make the Race safe and enjoyable year after year,” added Deslandes.
Photos: Amelia Sproule
