Every June, Cherry Valley, Ontario, transforms into a vibrant hub for paddlers seeking both challenge and camaraderie at the Eastern Ontario Paddling Festival. Here, rivers don’t just flow—they invite, dare, and push you forward through currents that shape this rugged and rewarding landscape. This festival isn’t just an event; it’s an active engagement with waterways fiercely themselves, ranging from tranquil stretches perfect for novices to rushes that demand respect from seasoned paddlers.

Set against the backdrop of the Gananoque and Rideau watersheds, the festival offers guided trips, workshops, and races catering to a wide range of skill levels. Cherry Valley itself serves as a gateway to a network of rivers and lakes, their banks lined with mixed hardwood forests that rustle gently, as if whispering secrets to those willing to listen.

Planning your visit means preparing for a variety of paddling conditions: some routes are calm and picturesque, ideal for families and beginners, while others challenge with fast water and technical drops. Gear preparation is key—waterproof containers, layered clothing, and sturdy footwear that grips slippery rocks all make the difference between a frustrating trip and a satisfying one.

Expect varied terrain: some launches are easy riverbanks, while others require short portages over uneven, rocky ground. Elevation changes are subtle but notable along connecting trails, offering brief moments to stretch legs and take in panoramic views where rivers carve through limestone cliffs. The air carries the scent of wet earth and pine, energizing each stroke and step.

Timing your paddling around the festival schedule ensures you’ll benefit from expert guidance and social energy. Mornings bring calm water and cooler temperatures, perfect for instruction and warm-ups. Afternoons invite stronger currents and occasional gusts that test your skills and resolve. Evenings are for community gatherings, storytelling beside campfires, and planning next day’s routes.

Safety is paramount: hydration is essential, as paddling demands sustained energy and focus. Dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions. Footwear that dries quickly yet offers protection from sharp stones helps maintain steady footing on slippery banks and rocky portages. And while the river flows with a pulse all its own, paddlers must respect its unpredictability, adjusting plans to weather and water levels.

The Eastern Ontario Paddling Festival is more than a sporting event; it’s a hands-on encounter with water’s restless spirit. Whether tackling class II rapids or gliding through quiet channels, every moment on the water challenges, rewards, and connects. For anyone ready to meet nature on its own terms, the rivers around Cherry Valley promise an adventure laced with practical challenges and profound rewards. Pack your paddle, plan carefully, and get ready to answer the river's call.