Franklin Challenge 2024
Our annual circumnavigation of beautiful Franklin Island (20km – it’s not a race!) is scheduled to be held Sunday June 23, 2024. Space is limited to 100 boats so book early. Use the following link to get to the booking platform:
What happens at the Franklin Challenge?
First – Register! And then convince all your friends to support you in raising funds to support the Outer Island Project – an initiative administered by the Georgian Bay Biosphere to help keep our outer islands clean and to maintain “thunder boxes”.
Kayakers & Canoers launch from Snug Harbour in Carling, ON, and after a brief gathering, leave together for a paddle around world famous Franklin Island. For those not up to the full 20km paddle around the island (generally a 3 – 5 hour paddle), people may choose a shorter 8km there-and-back route (1 – 2 hours).
Unless there are extreme high winds or lightening, the day will proceed rain or shine. Should the event need to be cancelled, participants will be notified by email the day before. Funds will not be refunded and the event will not be rescheduled – it all goes to a good cause folks!
Please know we reserve the right to decline your registration for any reason, for example if, in our estimation, your skills/gear/boat are not adequate for the challenge. We’ll discuss that with you in advance.
Rentals are available from White Squall and will be delivered to the event. Please call 705-203-2955 if you require a one day rental.
Check out the start of the event from last year’s smoky challenge below.
Franklin Challenge 2023
On June 25, 2023 paddlers were challenged to raise money and participate in a circumnavigation of Franklin Island or to choose a shorter “there and back” route. Franklin Island is a beloved island of almost all “crown” (public) land and part of what we like to consider the “outer islands”. We were lucky to have favourable wind and weather conditions but smoke from other parts of the country blew in to make things interesting.
This year’s proceeds went towards the Outer Island Project – an initiative administered by the Georgian Bay Biosphere. Funds cover costs associated with cleaning the islands, removing unsafe fire pits, and installing and maintaining Thunderboxes (latrines) on popular campgrounds. The Outer Islands range from the more southerly Cathcarts and North to the Outer Fox Islands. Some volunteers have even been on the Bustards.
The 2023 Franklin Challenge raised over $17000!! This was our 5th Franklin Challenge Event and our most successful yet.
Thanks so much to all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers and to the Township of Carling, Carling Fire Department and to Gilly’s Restaurant and Marina.
Thank you Thom Morrissey Photography for the drone footage and photos.
