Event Details
The most important thing you need to prepare for on event day? Having fun! But, read below for some other things to keep in mind. Don't be shy about reaching out to Amici with any further questions: robyn@amicicharity.org
*NOTE: If you are taking public transit on Saturday, please be aware that Line 1 will be closed between Sheppard West and St. George Stations, due to signal upgrades. If travelling from this neck of the woods, please plan ahead and give yourself extra time. More information can be found on the TTC website.
What should you Bring?
- A canoe if you own one! If not, we've got you covered. If you will be bringing your own, please email us amici@amicicharity.org to let us know.
- 1-2 paddles (your team must have one extra paddle per boat)
- A certified PFD (to be worn at all times on the water)
- Water bottle
- Sun hat, sunglasses
- Rain gear (check the weather forecast)
- Warm clothing layer
- Closed-toed shoes
- Toque / gloves if the weather ain’t looking so good
- Padding for carrying canoes
- Extra points for your old camp gear!
The Route
The Amici’s Canoe Heads for Kids route is 7.5km of portaging and 7.5 km of paddling along the Toronto waterfront. The portage begins at Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre (283 Queens Quay West) and continues west along the Martin Goodman Trail to Sir Casimir Gzowski Park (1751 Lakeshore Blvd West). At Sir Casimir Gzowski Park, participants rest and have a bite to eat before commencing their paddle along the waterfront back to HCKC. The route is marked by volunteer route marshals who are there to cheer you on, mark the kilometres as you pass, and respond to any emergency situations - they've got your back!
Event Schedule
- 11:30 am - Captains arrive at Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre
- 12:00 pm - Participants arrive at HCKC
- 12:30 pm - Welcome speeches!
- 1:00 pm - Staggered portage begins
- 2:30 pm - Teams arrive at Sir Casimir Gzowski Park for lunch
- 3:30 pm - Staggered paddle begins
- 4:30 pm - Paddlers finish at HCKC and head to Canoes N' Brews After Party
Rules
Whomp, whomp, all events gotta have 'em. Keep in mind number one is the most important!
- Have fun!
- Participants must be at least 18 years of age
- All canoes in your team MUST stay within talking distance while paddling and portaging (naturally, this means you need to be closer if windy/wavy)
- PFDs must be worn at all times during the paddle (you need to provide your own PFD)
- All groups should follow pre-determined route plan on the maps provided by event organizers
- If lightning is visible, participants must get off water immediately and contact on-land coordinator
- Participants should bring proper equipment and gear for weather and temperature.
- The Team Captain should organize his/her team so that there is one cell phone in each boat at all times.
- Because of the physical nature of the event, and the inherent risk of paddling on open water, it is expected that participants will not consume alcohol or non-prescription drugs during Amici’s Canoe Heads for Kids.
Canoes n’ Brews After Party
Join us after the event to celebrate an amazing day of portaging and paddling around downtown Toronto! For the second year in a row, the Canoes n' Brews AP will be held at the gorgeous Labatt Brew Pub, located at 207 Queens Quay West. Here are the spark notes:
- All participants and volunteers (19+) get in free!
- $5 cover for guests - invite your friends and family (19+) to join this awesome partayy!
- $3 beer, cider and all other Labatt products
- VIP teams drink for free!
We can't wait to see you there!