Paddling, arts and culture on P.E.I.’s south shore

The inaugural Waterways Paddling Festival will take place from June 9 to 11 in Borden-Carleton and Victoria-bythe-Sea. Waterways Paddling Festival is an outdoor recreation and music festival celebrating paddling and the Mi’kmaq First Nation.

With three days of paddling adventures, workshops, entertainment, and featuring locally produced food, the festival will have something for all kinds of paddlers.

For those looking for a challenge, there will be a 17-kilometre long paddle between the villages of Borden-Carleton and Victoria-by-the-Sea. For beginners or those looking to improve their paddling skills, there will be paddling workshops lead by a local instructor.

The festival will also feature Mi’Kmaq performers, storytellers and other local and regional musicians. Jamie Thomas, Culture and Tourism co-ordinator with Lennox Island First Nation, said: “An event like Waterways Paddling Festival is an ideal opportunity for the people of Lennox Island First Nation to share experiences that are true to the Mi’Kmaq culture and develop meaningful partnerships with the community.”

The Waterways Paddling Festival grounds in Victoria-by-the-Sea will offer family friendly activities related to paddling and its connection to Mi’Kmaq culture. Open Saturday and Sunday, features will include: canoe/ kayak and paddle making demonstrations, Mi’Kmaq cultural displays, crafts and local artisanal products. Festival grounds will be open to weekend paddlers and day pass holders. Visit Waterways Paddling Festival website at: www.waterwayspaddlingfest.com for more information and to register.