Paddlefest 2026 Brings a Full Day of Paddling, Stories and Community to the Assiniboine River

The Brandon Riverbank is inviting the community to experience the Assiniboine River in a new way at Paddlefest 2026, a full day celebrating paddling, river history, outdoor recreation and community connection.

From relaxing on the water to hunting for hidden rubber ducks and hearing stories from experienced paddlers, Paddlefest offers activities for both first-time paddlers and seasoned river enthusiasts.

There will be a photo opportunity from roughly 5:15pm to 5:45pm on the 18^th Street Bridge to photograph the Sunset Cruise, which will feature a larger gathering of boats paddling west from Riverbank Discovery Centre, down the Assiniboine River.

The day’s programming includes:

• Floating Sound Bath | 12–1:30 p.m.
  Paddle Bros Brandon will lead an all-levels floating experience designed to help participants relax and experience the river through sound.
• Rubber Duck Challenge | 1–3 p.m.
  The Western Manitoba Kayakers will challenge participants to find 150 hidden ducks on the river. Paddlers of all experience levels are welcome.
• Voyageur Boat Rides | 1–4 p.m.
  Riversong Wilderness will offer free Voyageur canoe rides, giving participants an opportunity to enjoy the Assiniboine from the water with an experienced guide.
• History on the River | 1–4 p.m.
  Keith Waterfield, Executive Director of the Brandon General Museum and Archives will share stories about the steamboats that once travelled the Assiniboine River.
• All Ages Paddle Panel | 2–3 p.m.
  Paddlers from different generations and experience levels will share their stories, experiences and perspectives on life on the water.
• Sunset Cruise | 5–6 p.m.
  Participants are invited to bring their own boat or board and join a fun group paddle at sunset.
• Paddle Soirée | 6:30–10 p.m.
  The evening continues at the Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre with an opportunity to gather, socialize and enjoy a beverage.
• Keynote: Mick Lautt | 7:30 p.m.
  Adventure paddler Mick Lautt will share stories and images from his packrafting expedition on Iceland’s glacial rivers.

“Paddlefest was created to help build a community of people who use and respect Manitoba’s beautiful network of waterways” said Brandon Riverbank Inc. Executive Director Dean Hammond. “It’s about bringing together paddlers (and non-paddlers too) to share adventures, stories and knowledge.”

Paddlefest also highlights the many ways people can experience the river, both on the water and from shore, while celebrating the stories and nature that make the Assiniboine an important part of Brandon.

Paddlefest 2026 welcomes paddlers and community members of all experience levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their boat, bring their curiosity and spend the day exploring the river.

 Paddlefest 2026
Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre and Assiniboine River
Saturday, September 26th
Programming runs from 12 p.m. through 10 p.m.