A rabaska, or canoe, seating up to ten paddlers makes its way down the Chateauguay River as part of the Canot d'Aout festival celebrating the river in collaboration with the SCABRIC. (Photo by Sarah Rennie.)

Celebrating the Chateauguay River with Les Canot D'Aout

With the rhythmic dip and pull of the paddles breaking the surface, ripples carried small sparks of reflected light towards the shore as kayaks, canoes and rabaskas snaked there way along the Chateauguay River during the seventh annual Canot d'Aout festival.

Since its first run down the river, les Canots d'Aout has encouraged hundreds of locals and visitors to enjoy the under-appreciated clam of serenity and scenic beauty of the Chateauguay River. At least 200 people took part in the days events, including the dedicated volunteers and organizers, cyclists and the owners of a slew of antique cars who followed the river on land, and, of course, the paddlers on the water.

The route carried the river enthusiasts on a winding 24-kilometer course starting at the soccer field in Ormstown and ending at Leveille Park in Ste Martine. Interspersed along the route at around every eight kilometers were planned rest areas where bronzed skin and sun kissed faces made their way towards tables of bottled water and snacks from the river's edge.

The first stop brought the paddlers to the historic site of the Battle of Chateauguay where, besides touring the museum, rowers were treated to a dance demonstration by students of the Atelier de Danses Denise Marcil in Valleyfield.

"It was nice to introduce our museum and area to people who don't necessarily know it," said Tanya Aberman, a guide interpreter at The Battle of Chateauguay museum, noting how lively and fun the stop had been.

The second break was at the Georgetown church near the Turcot Bridge, where a boxed lunch was waiting along with local artisans and the duo "Maribelle", comprised of saxophonist Isabelle Mercier and singer Marie-Reine Bouchard, who serenaded the paddlers over their meal.

Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to take part in games, which included a challenge to add some color to the river by decorating either their boats or the riders. Educational games were also established to teach participants to appreciate the river and all it provides for the Chateauguay Valley.

In all, organizers from the Chateauguay Watershed Management Agency were pleased with the level of participation and are already planning on next year's festival to be held, as always on the first weekend in August.

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