Those interested in registering can still do so online. (Facebook/Pimiskatan-La Ronge Canoe Club)

By Derek Cornet

on the lake

Canoe club opens for season, welcomes world-class instructor in June

May 23, 2025 | 3:00 PM

The Pimiskatan Canoe Club began its season on Wednesday with 25 paddlers in attendance.

The club is based at Eagle Point and typically attracts about 50 members during the summer months. Each Wednesday, members participate in a race, while Thursdays are used for recreational paddling and canoeing lessons.

Another perk of joining the club is that the members gain access to 16 canoes, about 60 feet from McGibbon Bay, that they can access at any time.

“McGibbon Bay is a great place to paddle because it is pretty well protected from the wind until you get out into Nut Bay,” explained Pimiskatan President Warren Kelly.

“There’s lots to see along the shore as you paddle. There are usually beavers, otters, eagles and an occasional bear. It’s beautiful scenery, especially in the fall. I was out canoeing last night at the recreational paddling, and it was very calm and nice.”

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The club has two major events this season to look forward to. The first is a Marathon Racing Clinic on June 7 and 8 with professional canoer Edith MacHattie. MacHattie is one of the best female paddlers in North America, and she and her partner typically win triple crown races in Canada and the United States.

“We have a number of young paddlers who are coming on quite strong,” Kelly remarked.

“It’s one of the reasons for setting up this clinic. We hope to have some of our young paddlers going into some of the big races in a couple of years’ time.”

The second event is the annual Eagle Point Challenge on Aug. 23. That includes 7 and 18-kilometre races, which lure in paddlers from across Saskatchewan.

Kelly noted that canoeing is not only a great form of exercise, but it is also a good way to socialize as well.

“If you live in La Ronge in the summer, you have to get out on the water one way or another,” he added.

“We feel like canoeing is one of the cheapest and one of the best ways to get out. You don’t have to spend money on boats and gas and so on. You can explore areas you can’t do on a motorboat. It takes a little bit more time, but if you have the time, it is a great experience here in Northern Saskatchewan.”

If anyone is interested in joining the Pimiskatan Canoe Club, they can still register online here.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com