Paddler's Guide to Happy Camping

MEC Toronto's Paddlesfest this weekend!

• Posted on June 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM
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I thought I'd send everyone a reminder about the exciting MEC Paddlefest in Toronto this weekend. I'll be there, presenting at the store Friday night (9:00 pm) on the Kopka River and other great caneoing misadventures. And I'll be at the beach site (Sunnyside Beach) all day Saturday, presenting on Camp Cooking (and other tips) at 11:30 and My Favorite 20 Canoe Routes in Ontario at 2:30.

http://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302883850

Event Description

This is a family event. Kids are welcome and there are workshops specifically for them. The event also offers opportunities to test boats from North America's leading manufacturers. With vendors from as far south as North Carolina and instructors from as far north as Wawa, MEC Paddlefest has something for every paddler.

Cost is $5 per class or $30 for the whole weekend, with a limit of three on-water classes per day. There will also be free presentations running all day at the information tent and free water-based demonstrations on the beach for those who'd rather learn about being on the water while on dry land. If it rains we get wet. Unless it's unsafe, we are on the water.

Location

Sunnyside Beach, in Toronto's Western Beaches is on the Southside of Lakeshore Boulevard. Across from where Parkside Drive meets the Queensway. It is accessible by TTC via Routes 501, 508, 80 along the Queensway. It is a five minute walk from the streetcar stop, south under the QEW. By bike, Sunnyside is best accessed along the waterfront trail. There is also ample parking accessible from eastbound lanes of Lakeshore Boulevard.

Registration

Pre-Registration opens May 15 and can be done at the Member Service Desk. We strongly recommend pre-registration as we expect most classes to sell out before the event. Any remaining spaces will be available for registration during the event